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JAMB Chemistry 2013
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40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2013 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Which of the following would support the conclusion that a solid sample is a mixture?

A. The solid can be ground to a fine powder
B. The density of the solid is 2.25 g dm⁻³
C. The solid has a melting range of 300°C to 309°C
D. The solid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere
Explanation

A mixture typically has a melting range rather than a sharp melting point, as different components melt at slightly different temperatures. A range of 300°C to 309°C indicates a mixture.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

A volatile liquid compound has a C:H:O ratio of 3:6:3. 0.127 g of the liquid on evaporation at s.t.p gave 32 cm³ of vapour. The molecular formula of the liquid is [G.M.V = 22.4 dm³]

A. C₃H₆O₃
B. C₆H₁₂O₆
C. C₃H₆O₂
D. C₂H₄O₂
Explanation

Moles of vapour = 0.032/22.4 = 0.00143 mol. Molar mass = 0.127/0.00143 ≈ 89 g/mol. The empirical formula from C:H:O = 3:6:3 is CH₂O (molar mass = 30 g/mol). The molecular formula is (CH₂O)₃ = C₃H₆O₃ (molar mass = 90 g/mol), which is close to 89 g/mol.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Which of the following properties can be used to distinguish between two liquids with different boiling points?

A. Density
B. Vapour pressure at a given temperature
C. Solubility in water
D. Colour
Explanation

Liquids with different boiling points will have different vapour pressures at a given temperature; the liquid with the lower boiling point will have a higher vapour pressure.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

20.00 cm³ of a solution containing 0.53 g of anhydrous Na₂CO₃ in 100 cm³ requires 25.00 cm³ of H₂SO₄ for complete neutralization. The concentration of the acid in moles per dm³ is

A. 0.06
B. 0.05
C. 0.08
D. 0.10
Explanation

Moles of Na₂CO₃ = (0.53/106) × (20/100) = 0.001 mol. Na₂CO₃ + H₂SO₄ → Na₂SO₄ + H₂O + CO₂. Moles of H₂SO₄ = 0.001 mol. Concentration of H₂SO₄ = 0.001/(25/1000) = 0.05 mol/dm³.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The minimum volume of oxygen required for the complete combustion of a mixture of 10 cm³ of CO and 15 cm³ of H₂ is

A. 25.0 cm³
B. 12.5 cm³
C. 10.0 cm³
D. 5.0 cm³
Explanation

CO + ½O₂ → CO₂ (10 cm³ CO needs 5 cm³ O₂). H₂ + ½O₂ → H₂O (15 cm³ H₂ needs 7.5 cm³ O₂). Total O₂ = 5 + 7.5 = 12.5 cm³.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

What is the partial pressure of hydrogen gas collected over water at standard atmospheric pressure and 25°C if the saturation vapour pressure of water is 23 mmHg at that temperature?

A. 737 mmHg
B. 760 mmHg
C. 777 mmHg
D. 783 mmHg
Explanation

Standard atmospheric pressure = 760 mmHg. Partial pressure of H₂ = 760 - 23 = 737 mmHg.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The atomic radii of Li, Na, and K are 1.33Å, 1.54Å, and 1.96Å respectively. Which of the following explains this variation in atomic radii?

A. Electropositive character decreases from Li to Na to K
B. Electronegativity increases from Li to Na to K
C. The number of electron shells increases from Li to Na to K
D. The elements are in the same period
Explanation

Li, Na, and K are in Group 1. As you go down the group, the number of electron shells increases, leading to larger atomic radii.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Which gas law describes the behavior of a gas when its pressure is inversely proportional to its volume at constant temperature?

A. Boyle’s Law
B. Charles’ Law
C. Gay-Lussac’s Law
D. Avogadro’s Law
Explanation

Boyle’s Law states that P ∝ 1/V at constant temperature, meaning the product PV is constant for an ideal gas.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Elements X and Y have electronic configurations 1s²2s²2p⁶3s² and 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁵ respectively. When they combine, the formula of the compound formed is

A. XY
B. X₂Y
C. XY₂
D. Y₂X
Explanation

X (1s²2s²2p⁶3s²) is magnesium (Mg), and Y (1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁵) is chlorine (Cl). Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻ form MgCl₂, which is XY₂.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The atomic number of caesium is 55 and its atomic mass is 133. The nucleus of caesium atom therefore contains

A. 78 protons and 55 neutrons
B. 55 protons and 78 neutrons
C. 55 neutrons and 78 protons
D. 78 neutrons and 55 electrons
Explanation

Atomic number = 55 (protons), mass number = 133. Neutrons = 133 - 55 = 78. The nucleus contains 55 protons and 78 neutrons.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Four elements P, Q, R, and S have atomic numbers of 4, 10, 16, and 17 respectively. Which of these elements is a noble gas?

A. P
B. Q
C. R
D. S
Explanation

Element Q with atomic number 10 is neon, a noble gas.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

How many valence electrons are contained in the element ₁₅P³⁻?

A. 3
B. 5
C. 8
D. 10
Explanation

Phosphorus (P, atomic number 15) has 5 valence electrons (3s²3p³). P³⁻ gains 3 electrons, giving it 8 valence electrons (like argon).

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

If 1 dm³ of a saturated solution of HCl is cooled from 80°C to 20°C, the solubility of HCl decreases from 80 g/dm³ to 65 g/dm³. The mass of crystals deposited will be

A. 7.45 g
B. 15.0 g
C. 7.40 g
D. 0.90 g
Explanation

Solubility drops from 80 g/dm³ to 65 g/dm³, so the mass deposited = 80 - 65 = 15 g per dm³.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Using 50 cm³ of 1 M potassium hydroxide and 100 cm³ of 1 M tetraoxosulphate(VI) acid, calculate the volume of acid in cm³ required to produce the maximum amount of potassium tetraoxosulphate(VI)

A. 50.0
B. 25.0
C. 75.0
D. 100.0
Explanation

KOH + H₂SO₄ → KHSO₄ + H₂O (1:1 ratio). Moles of KOH = 1 × 0.05 = 0.05 mol, moles of H₂SO₄ = 1 × 0.1 = 0.1 mol. The limiting reagent is KOH, so 0.05 mol of H₂SO₄ is needed, which is 50 cm³.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

A solution of calcium bromide contains 20 g dm⁻³. What is the molarity of the solution with respect to calcium bromide and bromide ions? [Molar mass of CaBr₂ = 200 g/mol]

A. 0.1, 0.1
B. 0.1, 0.2
C. 0.05, 0.1
D. 0.4, 0.8
Explanation

Molarity of CaBr₂ = 20/200 = 0.1 mol/dm³. Each CaBr₂ dissociates into 1 Ca²⁺ and 2 Br⁻, so [Br⁻] = 2 × 0.1 = 0.2 mol/dm³.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The substance ZnO dissolves in sodium hydroxide solution and mineral acid solution to give soluble products in each case. ZnO is therefore referred to as

A. an atmospheric oxide
B. an amphoteric oxide
C. a peroxide
D. a dioxide
Explanation

ZnO dissolves in both acids and bases, forming soluble salts, which is characteristic of an amphoteric oxide.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

An acid and its conjugate base

A. can neutralize each other to form a salt
B. differ only by a proton
C. differ only by the opposite charge they carry
D. are always neutral substances
Explanation

A conjugate acid-base pair differs by one proton (H⁺). For example, HCl and Cl⁻ are a conjugate pair.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The same current is passed for the same length of time through solutions of AgNO₃ and CuSO₄. How much silver will be deposited if 1 g of copper is deposited? [Molar mass of Cu = 63.5 g/mol, Ag = 108 g/mol]

A. 1.7 g
B. 3.4 g
C. 6.8 g
D. 13.6 g
Explanation

Moles of Cu = 1/63.5 = 0.0157 mol (Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu). Moles of Ag = 2 × 0.0157 = 0.0314 mol (Ag⁺ + e⁻ → Ag). Mass of Ag = 0.0314 × 108 = 3.4 g.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Which substance is typically used to test for the presence of carbon dioxide in the laboratory?

A. Lime water
B. Acidified KMnO₄
C. Copper(II) sulphate
D. Sodium hydroxide
Explanation

Lime water (Ca(OH)₂) turns milky when carbon dioxide is passed through it due to the formation of calcium carbonate: Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The gaseous pollutant sulphur(IV) oxide is most likely to be detected in fairly reasonable quantities in the

A. extraction of aluminium from bauxite
B. production of margarine
C. smelting of copper
D. production of chlorine from brine
Explanation

Smelting of copper often involves sulfide ores (e.g., Cu₂S), which release SO₂ when roasted: 2Cu₂S + 3O₂ → 2Cu₂O + 2SO₂.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Calcium hydroxide is added in the treatment of town water supply to

A. kill bacteria in the water
B. facilitate coagulation of organic particles
C. make the water alkaline
D. improve the lime content of the water
Explanation

Calcium hydroxide (lime) is added to water to raise the pH and facilitate the coagulation of organic particles, aiding in their removal during water treatment.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

What is discharged at the cathode during the electrolysis of concentrated sodium chloride solution with carbon electrodes?

A. Chlorine gas
B. Hydrogen gas
C. Oxygen gas
D. Sodium metal
Explanation

In concentrated NaCl solution, water is reduced at the cathode: 2H₂O + 2e⁻ → H₂ + 2OH⁻, producing hydrogen gas.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Which of the following reactions involves the formation of a gas?

A. Fe + H₂SO₄ → FeSO₄ + H₂
B. NaCl + AgNO₃ → AgCl + NaNO₃
C. CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂
D. Both A and C
Explanation

Fe + H₂SO₄ produces H₂ gas, and CaCO₃ + 2HCl produces CO₂ gas. Both reactions involve gas formation.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Bleaching powder, CaOCl₂·H₂O, deteriorates on exposure to air because

A. it loses its water of crystallization
B. atmospheric nitrogen displaces chlorine
C. carbon(IV) oxide of the atmosphere displaces chlorine
D. it absorbs moisture and decomposes
Explanation

Bleaching powder reacts with CO₂ in the air: CaOCl₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + Cl₂, losing its bleaching ability as chlorine is displaced.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The product of the thermal decomposition of ammonium trioxonitrate(V) are

A. NH₃ and oxygen
B. N₂, H₂O, and oxygen
C. nitrogen and water
D. N₂O and water
Explanation

NH₄NO₃ decomposes as: NH₄NO₃ → N₂O + 2H₂O.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The scale of a chemical balance is made of iron plate and coated with copper electrolytically because

A. copper is less susceptible to corrosion than iron
B. copper is more reactive than iron
C. iron is less susceptible to corrosion than copper
D. copper and iron are equally susceptible to corrosion
Explanation

Copper is less reactive and less susceptible to corrosion than iron, making it a suitable coating to protect the iron scale.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

A metal is extracted by the electrolysis of its molten chloride and it displaces lead from lead(II) trioxonitrate(V) solution. The metal is

A. copper
B. aluminium
C. zinc
D. sodium
Explanation

Sodium is extracted by electrolysis of its molten chloride (NaCl) and can displace lead from Pb(NO₃)₂ due to its high reactivity.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Mortar is NOT used for underwater construction because

A. it hardens by loss of water
B. evaporation does not occur underwater
C. it requires concrete to harden
D. it will be washed away by the flow of water
Explanation

Mortar sets by hydration, but underwater, the loss of water needed for hardening is hindered, and it may not set properly.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Which of the following is NOT involved in the extraction of metals from their ores?

A. Reduction with carbon
B. Reduction with aluminium
C. Reduction by electrolysis
D. Oxidation with oxidizing agent
Explanation

Metal extraction typically involves reduction (e.g., with carbon, aluminium, or electrolysis). Oxidation is not a standard method for extracting metals from ores.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Which of the following compounds is an isomer of the compound CH₃CH₂CH₃?

A. CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃
B. CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃
C. CH₃CH₂CH₂OH
D. CH₃CH₂OCH₃
Explanation

CH₃CH₂CH₃ (propane, C₃H₈) has an isomer CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃ (2-methylpropane), which has the same molecular formula but a different structure.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

What is the gas responsible for most of the fatal explosions in coal mines?

A. Butane
B. Ethane
C. Methane
D. Ethene
Explanation

Methane (CH₄) is the primary gas responsible for coal mine explosions due to its flammability and accumulation in mines.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The IUPAC name for CH₃CH₂COOH is

A. Propanoic acid
B. Ethanoic acid
C. Butanoic acid
D. Methanoic acid
Explanation

CH₃CH₂COOH has three carbons, with the carboxyl group (-COOH) as the functional group. The IUPAC name is propanoic acid.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

When excess chlorine is mixed with ethene at room temperature, the product is

A. 1,2-dichloroethane
B. 1,2-dichloroethene
C. 1,1-dichloroethane
D. 1,1-dichloroethene
Explanation

Ethene (C₂H₄) reacts with Cl₂ to form 1,2-dichloroethane (ClCH₂CH₂Cl) via addition across the double bond: C₂H₄ + Cl₂ → ClCH₂CH₂Cl.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Vulcanization of rubber is enhanced by which of the following?

A. Iodine is added to produce rubber
B. Rubber latex is coagulated
C. Sulphur is chemically combined in the rubber
D. Water is removed from the rubber
Explanation

Vulcanization involves heating rubber with sulphur, which forms cross-links between polymer chains, making the rubber stronger and more elastic.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The reaction between ethanoic acid and sodium hydroxide is an example of

A. esterification
B. saponification
C. neutralization
D. hydrolysis
Explanation

Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium ethanoate and water: CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O, which is a neutralization reaction.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The bond which joins two ethanoic acid molecules in the liquid state is

A. an ionic bond
B. a covalent bond
C. a dative covalent bond
D. a hydrogen bond
Explanation

Ethanoic acid molecules form dimers in the liquid state through hydrogen bonding between the -OH group of one molecule and the C=O group of another.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

The alkaline hydrolysis of fats and oils produces soap by the reaction of

A. propane-1,1,3-triol
B. propane-1,3,3-triol
C. propane-1,2,3-triol
D. propane-1,2,2-triol
Explanation

Fats and oils are esters of glycerol (propane-1,2,3-triol) and fatty acids. Hydrolysis with a base (saponification) produces glycerol and soap.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Which of the following is NOT a monomer?

A. Starch
B. Vinyl chloride
C. Ethene
D. Propene
Explanation

Starch is a polymer made of glucose monomers. Vinyl chloride, ethene, and propene are monomers used to form polymers like PVC and polyethene.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Three liquids X, Y, and Z containing only hydrogen and carbon were burnt on a spoon. X and Y burnt with sooty flames while Z did not. Y is able to discharge the colour of bromine water whereas X and Z cannot. Which of the liquids would be aromatic in nature?

A. X
B. Y
C. Z
D. X and Z
Explanation

X burns with a sooty flame (indicating unsaturation or aromaticity) but does not decolorize bromine water (ruling out alkenes), suggesting X is aromatic (e.g., benzene). Y decolorizes bromine water, indicating it’s an alkene, and Z is likely a saturated hydrocarbon (alkane).

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2013

Which of the following factors favors the formation of hydrogen in the reaction CO(g) + H₂O(g) ⇌ CO₂(g) + H₂(g), ΔH = -41000 J? I High pressure II Low pressure III High temperature IV Use of excess steam

A. I, III, and IV
B. II, III, and IV
C. III and IV
D. IV only
Explanation

The reaction has the same number of moles on both sides, so pressure has no effect. ΔH is negative (exothermic), so high temperature favors the reverse reaction (producing H₂). Excess steam shifts the equilibrium to the right (Le Chatelier’s principle).

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