Inorganic Chemistry Notes: Hydrides, Oxides & Metallurgy

Inorganic Chemistry Notes: Hydrides, Oxides & Metallurgy

Q1 — Diborane: Preparation, Structure & Bonding

Q1. Write a brief note on the preparation, structure, and bonding of diborane (B2H6). (6 marks)

Answer:
Diborane can be prepared by reducing boron trifluoride (BF3) with lithium aluminium hydride or by reacting sodium borohydride (NaBH4) with acids. The molecule consists of two boron atoms linked to four terminal hydrogen atoms and two bridging hydrogen atoms. The four terminal B–H bonds

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Essential Chemistry Principles and Atomic Theory


1. Mathematics and Measurement in Chemistry

  • Chemistry utilizes mathematics for measuring, calculating, and comparing data.
  • It relies on SI Units (grams, liters, meters, Kelvin, etc.).
  • Unit conversions are common (e.g., grams to kilograms).
  • Accuracy and precision are critical in all experimental procedures.

Example: Measuring 25.0 mL of water provides precise data.


2. The Scientific Method and Data Analysis

  • Steps: Ask a question → Form a hypothesis → Experiment → Collect data → Analyze → Conclude.
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Understanding Coffee Brewing: Key Concepts and Techniques

1) Sensory Scoring Criteria

CategoryFocusSensory Indicators
Fragrance/AromaSmell before & after brewingFloral, nutty, chocolatey, smoky; light roasts have brighter/fruitier notes, dark roasts are more smoky.
FlavorOverall taste profileSweet, bitter, sour, complex
AftertasteFinish or lingering tasteClean, smooth, or harsh
AcidityBrightness, livelinessCitrus, apple, wine-like
BodyMouthfeel or textureLight, medium, heavy
BalanceHarmony among traitsWell-rounded, even
SweetnessSmoothness & pleasantnessHoney,
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Biology and Physics Concepts: Cell Structure to Forces

Characteristics of Living Organisms (MRS. GREN)

  • Movement (change position)
  • Respiration (convert nutrients) 呼吸
  • Sensitivity (sense) 敏感
  • Growth (permanent increase)
  • Reproduction (gametes, fertilisation) 繁殖
  • Excretion (waste products removed) 排泄
  • Nutrition (taking of nutrients into the body)

Cell Structure

Animal Cells

  • Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance filling the cell.
  • Cell Membrane: Controls substances entering and leaving the cell.
  • Nucleus: Contains genetic material that controls how a cell grows
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Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic Bonds: Properties and Formation

Ionic Bonds: Formation and Properties

An ionic bond is a chemical link formed between a metal and a non-metal. This typically involves elements from groups such as:

  • Group IA: Alkali Metals
  • Group IIA: Alkaline Earth Metals
  • Group VIA: Chalcogens
  • Group VIIA: Halogens

Characteristics of Ionic Compounds

  • High Melting and Boiling Points: The ionic bond is very strong. A significant amount of energy is required to overcome the electrostatic forces of attraction between the ions in the crystal lattice.
  • Hard but
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Chemistry Core Concepts: Reactions, Calculations, and Analysis

Temperature Effects on Reaction Rate

As temperature increases, the rate of reaction increases. This is explained by collision theory:

  • Particles gain more kinetic energy, causing them to move faster and collide more frequently.
  • Crucially, a higher proportion of particles have energy equal to or greater than the activation energy.
  • This leads to more successful collisions per second, increasing the rate of reaction.

Example: When hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium, increasing the temperature causes

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