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Alcohols and carboxylic acids test with answers for GCSE chemistry (free PDF download)

Quick answer: Alcohols contain –OH and carboxylic acids contain –COOH. This Chemistry 9-10 test on alcohols and carboxylic acids has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 40 minutes: functional groups, fermentation conditions and making an ester. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

Alcohols and carboxylic acids test with answers for GCSE chemistry (free PDF download)

This test covers alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, fermentation and the two types of polymerisation. Answer every question and show your working in the calculation. Write chemical formulae and equations carefully, and use the figure for the question about condensation polymerisation.

Level: Chemistry grades 9-10 (GCSE · IGCSE · O Level · Class 9-10) · Curriculum: GCSE C7

Time: 40 minutes · 8 questions · Total: 20 marks · Calculator allowed

Question 1 Functional groups (2 marks)

  1. Name the functional group in ethanol. (1 mark)
  2. Write the formula of the group in ethanoic acid. (1 mark)

Question 2 Fermentation conditions (3 marks)

Yeast ferments glucose to make ethanol.
  1. Write the balanced equation. (2 marks)
  2. Explain why the mixture should not be heated above 60 °C. (1 mark)

Question 3 Making an ester (3 marks)

Propanol reacts with ethanoic acid.
  1. Name the ester formed. (1 mark)
  2. Name the other product. (1 mark)
  3. Name the catalyst commonly used. (1 mark)

Question 4 Glucose calculation (3 marks)

A sample of 18 g of glucose is fermented completely. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1, O = 16.)
  1. Calculate the moles of glucose. (1 mark)
  2. Calculate the mass of ethanol formed. (1 mark)
  3. Calculate the mass of carbon dioxide formed. (1 mark)

Question 5 Addition polymer (3 marks)

Propene, CH₃CH=CH₂, forms poly(propene).
  1. Name the type of polymerisation. (1 mark)
  2. Write the repeat unit. (1 mark)
  3. State whether poly(propene) decolourises bromine water and give a reason. (1 mark)

Question 6 Condensation polymer (3 marks)

The figure shows the formation of a polyester.
Condensation polymerisation: a diol and a dicarboxylic acid join with ester links, and a molecule of water is lost at each linkmonomer 1HO-diol-OHmonomer 2HOOC-diacid-COOH– H₂Oat each linkdiolesterdiacidesterdiolesterdiacidesterdiolesterdiacidpolyester chainsmall molecule lost: water
Formation of a polyester from two monomers.
  1. Name the link formed between the monomers. (1 mark)
  2. Name the small molecule lost. (1 mark)
  3. State one difference from addition polymerisation. (1 mark)

Question 7 Weak acid (2 marks)

Ethanoic acid is a weak acid. Explain what this means and describe what you would see when it is added to sodium carbonate.

Question 8 Plastic waste (1 mark)

Explain in one sentence why addition polymers cause waste problems.

See the alcohols and carboxylic acids test answers and mark scheme

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