WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Chemistry 2017
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2017 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Which of the following species determines the chemical properties of an atom?

A. Electron
B. Neutron
C. Nucleus
D. Proton
Explanation

The chemical properties of an atom are determined by the electrons, particularly those in the valence shell, as they participate in bonding and reactions.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The following glasswares are used to measure the volume of liquids except

A. graduated beaker
B. pipette
C. test tube
D. burette
Explanation

A test tube is not designed for precise volume measurement; it is used for holding or heating small amounts of substances. The others are volumetric apparatus.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Pauli exclusion principle is related to

A. quantity of electrons in the valence shell
B. filling the orbitals with lower energy first
C. the filling of degenerate orbitals
D. quantum numbers of electrons
Explanation

The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers, describing their unique states.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The species with no electron in the 3d-orbital is

A. Zn²⁺
B. Sc³⁺
C. Cu
D. Mn
Explanation

Sc (atomic number 21) loses 3 electrons to form Sc³⁺ with configuration [Ar], having no electrons in the 3d orbital. The other species have electrons in 3d.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The separation of oxygen from nitrogen by fractional distillation of air is possible because

A. nitrogen is less dense than oxygen
B. oxygen is more reactive than nitrogen
C. of the difference in their boiling points
D. they belong to the same period
Explanation

Fractional distillation separates gases based on differences in boiling points: nitrogen boils at -196°C and oxygen at -183°C.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The purity of a solid sample can best be determined by its

A. boiling point
B. melting point
C. conductivity
D. solubility
Explanation

A pure solid has a sharp melting point; impurities cause the melting range to broaden and lower the temperature.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The mass of one mole of (NH₄)₂CO₃ is [O=16.0, N=14.0, C=12.0, H=1.0]

A. 66.0 g
B. 76.0 g
C. 80.0 g
D. 96.0 g
Explanation

Molar mass = (2×14) + (8×1) + 12 + (3×16) = 28 + 8 + 12 + 48 = 96 g/mol.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Atomic orbital is

A. the circular path through which electrons revolve
B. a region around the nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found
C. the path around the nucleus through which protons move
D. the path around the nucleus through which electrons move
Explanation

In quantum mechanics, an atomic orbital is a probability region where an electron is likely to be found, not a fixed path.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The property of elements which increases down a group of the Periodic Table is

A. electronegativity
B. electron affinity
C. ionic radius
D. ionization energy
Explanation

Ionic radius increases down a group due to additional electron shells, while electronegativity, electron affinity, and ionization energy decrease.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The reason for the decrease in the atomic size of elements across a period is that

A. nuclear charge increases while the outermost electrons are drawn closer to the nucleus
B. nuclear charge decreases while the outermost electrons are drawn closer to the nucleus
C. valence electrons increase across the period while the valence shell remains constant
D. nuclear charge decreases while the distance of the valence shell from the nucleus is increasing
Explanation

Across a period, protons increase, enhancing nuclear charge, which pulls electrons closer despite the same shell.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The oxidation number of nitrogen in Pb(NO₃)₂ is

A. +2
B. +3
C. +4
D. +5
Explanation

In NO₃⁻, oxygen is -2 (3×-2 = -6), so N is +5 to make the ion -1.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Which of the following arrangements indicates the correct decreasing order of ionization energy of period 3 elements?

A. Na, Al, P, Cl
B. Cl, P, Al, Na
C. Na, P, Cl, Al
D. Al, Na, Cl
Explanation

Ionization energy generally increases across a period: Cl > P > Al > Na (noting the anomaly at Al due to p-subshell).

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Which of the following metals has the strongest metallic bond?

A. ¹⁹K
B. ¹³Al
C. ¹²Mg
D. ¹¹Na
Explanation

Al has three valence electrons for delocalization and smaller size than Mg, K, Na, leading to stronger metallic bonding.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Which of the following substances does not have van der Waals' forces?

A. Copper
B. Graphite
C. Neon
D. Iodine crystals
Explanation

Copper has metallic bonding; the others have van der Waals' forces (Neon: atomic, Graphite and Iodine: intermolecular).

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The oxidation number of X in XF₄ is

A. +1
B. +3
C. +4
D. +5
Explanation

Each F is -1, so 4F = -4; X must be +4 for neutrality.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The ionization energy is affected by the following factors except

A. distance of the outermost electron(s) from the nucleus
B. size of the positive nuclear charge
C. ability to attract shared electron(s)
D. screening effect of the inner electron(s)
Explanation

Ionization energy concerns isolated atoms; attracting shared electrons relates to electronegativity in molecules.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Which of the following statements is correct?

A. Covalent compounds would readily ionize in solution
B. covalent compounds consist of ions
C. Hydrogen bond is formed between a metal and a non-metal
D. Ionic compounds in solution would conduct electricity
Explanation

Ionic compounds dissociate into free ions in aqueous solution, allowing conduction; the others are incorrect.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The bond angle in tetrahedral molecules such as tetrachloromethane is

A. 180°
B. 109.5°
C. 105.5°
D. 90°
Explanation

Tetrahedral geometry from sp³ hybridization results in bond angles of approximately 109.5°.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The properties of a good primary standard include the following except

A. high molecular mass
B. low molecular mass
C. high degree of purity
D. readily available
Explanation

Primary standards should have high molar mass to minimize errors from impurities or hygroscopicity; low molar mass is not preferred.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The use of diamond in abrasives is due to its

A. high melting point
B. hardness
C. octahedral shape
D. durability
Explanation

Diamond's extreme hardness from strong covalent bonds in a tetrahedral structure makes it ideal for abrasives.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Which of the following statements about endothermic reaction is correct?

A. Activation energy is high
B. A catalyst is required
C. It occurs reversibly
D. heat energy is absorbed
Explanation

Endothermic reactions absorb heat from the surroundings to proceed, increasing the system's energy.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

A 0.1 moldm⁻³ solution of sodium hydroxide was diluted with distilled water to 0.001 moldm⁻³. What is the dilution factor?

A. 1000.00
B. 100.00
C. 10.00
D. 0.01
Explanation

Dilution factor = initial concentration / final concentration = 0.1 / 0.001 = 100.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Graphite and diamond are similar in that they

A. have octahedral shape
B. have same density
C. form carbon (IV) oxide on combustion
D. conduct electricity
Explanation

Both allotropes of carbon combust to form CO₂; graphite conducts electricity, but diamond does not, and they have different densities and structures.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

In a saturated solution at a given temperature, the undissolved solute are in equilibrium with

A. the solvent
B. dissolved solute particles
C. the saturated solution
D. insoluble solute particles
Explanation

Dynamic equilibrium exists between undissolved solute and dissolved solute ions/molecules in a saturated solution.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The number of atoms present in 2.5 moles of a triatomic gas is equivalent to [1 mole = 6.0 × 10²³]

A. 2.5 × 10²³
B. 1.5 × 10²³
C. 4.5 × 10²⁴
D. 2.5 × 10²⁴
Explanation

Number of molecules = 2.5 × 6.0 × 10²³ = 1.5 × 10²⁴; atoms = 3 × 1.5 × 10²⁴ = 4.5 × 10²⁴. (Option C fixed for accuracy.)

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

When magnesium reacts with oxygen, heat is

A. absorbed and the reaction is endothermic
B. evolved and the reaction is endothermic
C. evolved and the reaction is exothermic
D. absorbed and the reaction is exothermic
Explanation

2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO is exothermic, releasing heat as bonds form in the product.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Which of the following gases is not acidic?

A. NO₂
B. SO₂
C. CO₂
D. CO
Explanation

CO is neutral and does not form acidic solutions with water; the others do (NO₂ → HNO₃/HNO₂, SO₂ → H₂SO₃, CO₂ → H₂CO₃).

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

A hydrocarbon contained 14.3% hydrogen. The empirical formula of the hydrocarbon would be [C=12, H=1]

A. CH
B. CH₂
C. CH₃
D. C₂H₆
Explanation

%C = 85.7; moles C = 85.7/12 = 7.14, H = 14.3/1 = 14.3; ratio C:H = 1:2, so CH₂.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Which of the following statements is not a chemical property of an acid?

A. Evolution of ammonia gas when heated with ammonia salts
B. Evolution of CO₂ gas when added to a trioxocarbonate (IV) salt
C. Formation of salt and water with alkalis
D. Formation of salt and hydrogen gas with reactive metals
Explanation

Bases, not acids, evolve NH₃ when heated with ammonium salts; the other reactions are typical acid properties.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Halogens generally react with metals to form

A. alkalis
B. acids
C. bases
D. salts
Explanation

Halogens react with metals to form ionic halide salts, e.g., NaCl.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Potassium chloride solid does not conduct electricity because

A. it is a covalent compound
B. strong cohesive forces make its ions immobile
C. strong cohesive forces make its molecules immobile
D. each of potassium and chlorine ions has noble gas structure
Explanation

In solid KCl, ions are held in a fixed lattice by strong electrostatic forces, preventing movement needed for conduction.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

When water was added to a white anhydrous substance X, the colour changed to blue, X is

A. CuSO₄
B. FeSO₄
C. Na₂SO₄
D. PbSO₄
Explanation

Anhydrous CuSO₄ is white and forms blue CuSO₄·5H₂O upon hydration; the others do not change to blue.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Solubility curve can be applied in the determination of the

A. amount of crystals formed
B. amount of solvent that can be recovered
C. amount of solid in a given solution
D. temperature of the solution/saturate
Explanation

Solubility curves show how solubility changes with temperature, allowing calculation of crystals formed upon cooling.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

If 0.2 g of a salt is required to saturate 200 cm³ of water at room temperature, What is the solubility of the salt?

A. 0.2 g dm⁻³
B. 1.0 g dm⁻³
C. 2.0 g dm⁻³
D. 5.0 g dm⁻³
Explanation

Solubility = mass / volume = 0.2 g / 0.2 dm³ (200 cm³ = 0.2 dm³) = 1.0 g dm⁻³.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The property of a chemical reaction that is affected by a catalyst is the

A. activation energy
B. free energy
C. equilibrium position
D. enthalpy change
Explanation

A catalyst lowers the activation energy, speeding up the reaction without affecting ΔH, ΔG, or equilibrium position.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Soluble salts can be prepared by the following methods except

A. neutralization
B. reaction of an acid with trioxocarbonate (IV) salt
C. double decomposition
D. reaction of an acid with electropositive metals
Explanation

Double decomposition is typically used to prepare insoluble salts via precipitation; the others directly yield soluble salts.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Chemical reaction occurs when the colliding reactants have energy that is

A. less than the activation energy
B. greater than the activation energy
C. greater than the energy of the product
D. less than the energy of effective collision
Explanation

Reactants must have energy exceeding the activation energy for successful collisions leading to products.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

The common features of reactions at the anode is that

A. electrons are consumed
B. ions are reduced
C. oxidation is involved
D. the electrode dissolves
Explanation

The anode is the site of oxidation, where species lose electrons; reduction occurs at the cathode.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Consider the following reaction: 2NO(g) + O₂(g) → 2NO₂. What is the change in the oxidation number of nitrogen?

A. 2 to 0
B. +2 to 0
C. +2 to +4
D. +4 to +2
Explanation

In NO, N is +2; in NO₂, N is +4 (O₂ is -4, so N +4).

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2017

Which of the following characterize members of the same homologous series?

A. They have the same chemical properties
B. Physical properties gradually throughout the series
C. Physical properties of members are similar
D. Successive members undergo changes in molecular formula by CH₂
Explanation

Homologous series members differ by -CH₂- in formula, with gradual physical property changes and similar chemical properties due to the same functional group.

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