20 8 This question is about the thermal stability of Group 1 and Group 2 nitrates and carbonates. (a) Complete the equations for the thermal decomposition of sodium nitrate, NaNO3 , and for the thermal decomposition of calcium nitrate, Ca(NO3)2 . State symbols are not required. (2) NaNO3 → Ca(NO3)2 → (b) The thermal stability of Group 1 nitrates increases down the group. The decomposition temperatures of some Group 1 nitrates are shown. Name Formula Decomposition temperature / K sodium nitrate NaNO3 653 potassium nitrate KNO3 673 caesium nitrate CsNO3 687 Explain why the thermal stability of caesium nitrate is greater than that of sodium nitrate. (3) .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 (c) Calcium carbonate is thermally decomposed during the manufacture of cement. (i) Write an equation, including state symbols, for the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate. (1) (ii) Name all the types of bond present in calcium carbonate. (1) .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... (iii) Give a reason, in terms of the bonding, why a high decomposition temperature is required. (1) .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... (Total for Question 8 = 8 marks) TOTAL FOR PAPER = 80 MARKS 22 BLANK PAGE 23 BLANK PAGE 24
Get full Socratic AI guidance on this question — free in the Applaa desktop app
Appy Buddy guides you step-by-step toward the answer without giving it away. Type your attempt and get instant, mark-scheme-aware clues that teach you to think like an examiner.
Join Applaa Community
Create your own games, learn AI concepts, program interactive apps, and share with a kid-safe community approved by parents. Free forever on Windows and Mac.
Available for Windows and macOS · COPPA Compliant
Exam Specification Info
This question is part of the UK A-Level Chemistry syllabus. In the actual exam, structured questions typically require linking specific keywords to gain full marks. Applaa helps you drill these topics.
While Other Kids Get an AI Head Start, Is Yours Falling Behind?
Give your child the same AI app-building, exam prep and tutoring edge — free for the first month, no credit card needed.
Join 10,000+ students building their first AI-powered apps with Applaa