Isotopes: past paper questions

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• Question 40May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The mass spectrum of an alloy of copper and gold is shown. Which expression can be used to calculate the relative atomic mass, $A_r$, of copper present in this sample?

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• Question 40Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows the mass spectrum of a sample of chlorine. Peaks V, W, X, Y and Z are labelled. Which statements about this spectrum are correct?

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which particle contains 8 protons, 9 neutrons and 10 electrons?

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• Question 4May/June 2026, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  The ${}^{68}\text{Ge}$ isotope undergoes a natural radioactive process to give an isotope of a different element, ${}^{68}\text{X}$.

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• Question 40Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows the mass spectrum of a sample of chlorine. Peaks V, W, X, Y and Z are labelled. [Diagram: Mass spectrum of chlorine showing peaks V, W, X, Y and Z] Which statements about this spectrum are correct?

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• Question 40Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Oxygen has three stable isotopes, ${}^{16}\text{O}$, ${}^{17}\text{O}$ and ${}^{18}\text{O}$. All three isotopes are present in a sample of oxygen gas, ${\text{O}}_2$, which was analysed using a mass spectrometer. How many peaks associated with the ${\text{O}}_2^{+}$ ion would be expected?

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2025, paper 21Structured20 marks

  Chromium, Cr, and its compounds are widely used in many chemical reactions. The most common isotope of Cr is chromium-52. Determine the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom of chromium-52.

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  Vanadium, niobium and tantalum are metals in the same group of the Periodic Table. The shorthand electronic configuration of vanadium in the ground state is $[\text{Ar}]3{\text{d}}^{3}4{\text{s}}^2$.

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• Question 40May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows the relative abundance of different isotopes of lead in a sample of lead ore. The abundance of 208 is half that of 206. The abundances of 208 and 209 are equal.

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Structured10 marks

  Manganese, Mn, and its compounds are widely used in many chemical reactions. Mn is usually found as a single isotope, manganese-55. Determine the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom of manganese-55.

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2024, paper 23Structured16 marks

  Cobalt, rhodium and iridium are metals in the same group of the Periodic Table. The shorthand electronic configuration of cobalt is [Ar]3d^74s^2. Identify what is meant by [Ar] by giving its full electronic configuration.

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2025, paper 23Structured20 marks

  Chromium, Cr, and its compounds are widely used in many chemical reactions. Cr exists as four stable isotopes. The most common isotope of Cr is chromium-52.

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• Question 2May/June 2025, paper 21Structured11 marksHas a diagram

  A sample of iron is analysed using a mass spectrometer. The mass spectrum shows three isotopes of iron are present in the sample. Define isotopes.

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• Question 3May/June 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  What is the total number of protons, neutrons and electrons present in an ammonium ion with a relative formula mass of 21?

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• Question 2May/June 2025, paper 22Structured10 marks

  A sample of iron contains three different isotopes and has a relative atomic mass, $A_{\text{r}}$, of 55.8. Define relative atomic mass.

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