CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Nitrogen and sulfur

Nitrogen and sulfur: describe question

Describe5 marksStandard

Molten magnesium is produced in an atmosphere of nitrogen gas to prevent it from reacting with oxygen in the air. Using your knowledge of the bonding in nitrogen, explain why nitrogen gas is chemically unreactive in this situation.

How this question is marked

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.

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