Atoms, elements and compounds: past paper questions

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• Question 2May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  In the diagrams, atoms of different elements are represented by different sizes of circle. Which diagram represents a mixture of nitrogen and argon?

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The main component of mineral X is calcium carbonate, ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_3$. X also contains tiny grains of silicon(IV) oxide, ${\mathrm{S}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{O}}_2$.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  X and Y are both elements, one of which is a non-metal. 1 mole of X is added to 1 mole of Y and they are heated together. X and Y react completely to form substance Z. Substance Z cannot be easily separated to form X and Y. Three statements are given.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Substances can be elements, compounds or mixtures. Which row is correct?

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• Question 3May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The difference between the nucleon number and the proton number indicates the number of ......1...... in the atom. Atoms that have different nucleon numbers but the same proton number are called ......2......

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The structure of hydroxylamine, ${\mathrm{N}\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\mathrm{H}$, is shown. Which row about hydroxylamine is correct?

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  An ion has an electronic configuration of 2,8,8. It has a 2– charge and a nucleon number of 36. How many neutrons are present in the nucleus of this ion?

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The letters X, Y and Z represent different atoms. $${}_{19}^{40}\mathrm{X}{}_{19}^{39}\mathrm{Y}{}_{20}^{40}\mathrm{Z}$$ Which statement is correct?

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• Question 4May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows the relative mass and the relative charge of two particles present in atoms and ions. Which of these particles are present in a hydrogen atom and in a hydrogen ion?

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• Question 5Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Metals lose electrons when they combine with a non-metal to form an ionic compound. Calcium combines with hydrogen to form the ionic compound calcium hydride, ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{H}}_2$. How many electrons are there in the outer shell of each of the two hydride ions in ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{H}}_2$?

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• Question 5Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The formulae for two ions are given. $${}_{34}^{72}{\text{X}}^{2-}{}_{34}^{74}{\text{X}}^{2-}$$ Which statement is correct?

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• Question 5May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which diagram represents magnesium oxide?

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• Question 6Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  What is a property of diamond?

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• Question 6Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which pair of molecules have the same number of electrons in covalent bonds?

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• Question 6Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Four statements about graphite, diamond and silicon(IV) oxide are listed. 1 Diamond and silicon(IV) oxide are both very hard and have similar structures. 2 In diamond, each carbon atom is joined to four other carbon atoms.

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• Question 6May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Three statements about graphite and diamond are listed. 1 Graphite and diamond both have giant covalent structures. 2 Graphite is used as a lubricant; diamond is not used as a lubricant.

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• Question 7Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement about the bonding in copper is correct?

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• Question 7Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Chrome alum is a salt that contains two different cations and one anion. The ions present in chrome alum are ${\text{K}}^{+}$, ${\text{Cr}}^{3+}$ and ${\text{SO}}_4^{2-}$. What is the formula of the salt?

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• Question 23Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The characteristic properties of elements change from left to right across Period 2 of the Periodic Table. On the left of the period, the charge on the ion formed by an element is: 1 the same as the group number 2 negative. Which statements are correct?

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• Question 7May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Solid element X consists of a lattice of ions surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised electrons. Which row is correct?

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Atom X has an atomic number of 19 and a nucleon number of 42. Atom Y has an atomic number of 20 and a nucleon number of 40. Which statement is correct?

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The table gives some information about barium and chlorine. | | relative atomic mass | group in Periodic Table | | :--- | :---: | :---: | | barium | 137 | II | | chlorine | 35.5 | VII | Using this information only, a student makes three statements.

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• Question 39Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement is correct?

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  In which ionic compound do all the ions have the same electronic configuration?

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• Question 2Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Substance X has a simple molecular structure and substance Y has a giant covalent structure. Which row is correct?

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  W is ethene, X is air, Y is iodine and Z is brass. Which row is correct?

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• Question 3May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which number is different for two isotopes of the same element?

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• Question 5Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which ion has a positive charge?

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows an atom of element Z. Which symbol for element Z is correct?

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement about the isotopes of bromine is correct?

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