CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Chemistry of transition elements
A student adds aqueous ammonia to a suspension of copper(II) hydroxide, . The pale blue solid dissolves to give a deep blue solution containing the complex ion .
Describe and explain, with reference to d-orbital splitting in octahedral complexes, why the two copper(II) species have different colours.
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.
Written by Markquill to follow the Cambridge International syllabus. Markquill is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.