Case study·Standard multi-step (3/5)·No calculator
Difficulty guide
The label describes the problem, not your ability.
1/5 - Foundational
Warm-up setup; checks one basic idea.
2/5 - Routine exam skill
Normal syllabus skill; usually one main rule or interpretation.
3/5 - Standard multi-step
Exam-style problem with multiple steps or a common trap.
4/5 - Hard exam skill
High-end exam problem; combines methods carefully.
5/5 - Challenge
Stretch problem beyond normal exam pressure.
Question
A student compares period 2 and period 3 p-block elements. Carbon forms stable bonds, while silicon more commonly forms strong networks rather than stable chains under ordinary school-level examples.
Total: 3 marks
(a) Name the type of orbital overlap responsible for stable carbon multiple bonds. (1 mark)
(b) Why is this overlap less effective for silicon? (1 mark)
(c) State the broader trend idea illustrated. (1 mark)
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