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Periodicity and ionisation energy

Past-paper questions pack

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Questions are numbered; the mark schemes (the answer key) follow on separate pages so the question pages can be handed out alone. www.chemistryaleveltutor.com

OCR AS and A-level Chemistry past-paper questions since 2016 · 74 parts · mark schemes follow the questions · www.chemistryaleveltutor.com · Questions and mark schemes © OCR

1. June 2025 · AS Paper 1 · Q9 · 1 marks ·
9 Which equation describes the second ionisation energy of magnesium? A Mg(g) Mg2+(g) + 2e– B Mg(s) Mg2+(g) + 2e– C Mg+(g) Mg2+(g) + e– D Mg2+(g) + e– Mg+(g) Your answer [1]
2. June 2025 · Paper 1 · Q16(a)(i) · 2 marks ·
16 This question is about trends in the periodic table. (a) The graph shows the melting points for Period 3 elements from sodium to silicon. 2500 2000 Melting 1500 point / K 1000 500 0 Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar (i) Complete the graph to show approximate melting points for P, S, Cl and Ar. [2]
3. June 2025 · Paper 1 · Q16(a)(ii) · 3 marks ·
(ii) Explain why silicon has a higher melting point than aluminium. Use ideas about structure and bonding in your answer. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [3]
4. June 2025 · Paper 1 · Q16(b)(i) · 1 marks ·
(b) The table shows the first ionisation energies for the elements in Period 3. Element Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar First ionisation 496 738 578 789 1012 1000 1251 1521 energy / kJ mol–1 (i) Write an equation to represent the first ionisation energy of sulfur. Include state symbols. ..................................................................................................................................................... [1]
5. June 2025 · Paper 1 · Q16(b)(ii) · 2 marks ·
(ii) The table shows that there is a general increase in first ionisation energies across Period 3, but that this trend is not followed by phosphorus to sulfur. Explain why the first ionisation energy of sulfur is lower than the first ionisation energy of phosphorus. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [2]
6. June 2025 · AS Paper 1 · Q21(c) · 3 marks ·
(c) Magnesium has a giant metallic structure. • Draw a labelled diagram to show the bonding and structure in magnesium. Include the correct charges on the metal particles in your diagram. • Explain how the structure of magnesium allows it to conduct electricity. Diagram Explanation ...................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... [3]
7. June 2025 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(i) · 1 marks ·
2 This question is about reactions of some Group 2 elements and their compounds. (a) The table below shows the first and second ionisation energies of magnesium and calcium. 1st Ionisation energy 2nd Ionisation energy Group 2 element / kJ mol–1 / kJ mol–1 Mg 738 1451 Ca 590 1145 (i) Write an equation to represent the second ionisation energy of calcium. Include state symbols. ..................................................................................................................................................... [1]
8. June 2025 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(ii) · 6 marks ·
(ii)* Magnesium and calcium differ in their reactivity. Give a balanced equation for the reaction of calcium with water and describe what would be observed. Explain why this is a redox reaction. Explain the difference in reactivity of magnesium and calcium. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [6] Extra answer space if required. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................
9. June 2024 · AS Paper 1 · Q6 · 1 marks ·
6 Which statement about the periodic table is not correct? A Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties. B The elements are ordered by increasing atomic mass. C The elements are ordered by increasing atomic number. D There is a repeating trend of physical and chemical properties across the periods. Your answer [1]
10. June 2024 · Paper 1 · Q15 · 1 marks ·
15 Which statement(s) about elements in the periodic table is/are correct? 1 The position of an element is determined by its relative atomic mass. 2 The elements in a group have similar chemical properties. 3 Transition elements are used as catalysts in the manufacture of chemicals. A 1, 2 and 3 B Only 1 and 2 C Only 2 and 3 D Only 1 Your answer [1]
11. June 2024 · Paper 1 · Q20(c) · 6 marks ·
(c)* The table shows the melting points of some of the elements in Period 3 of the periodic table. Element Al Si P4 S8 Melting point / °C 660 1410 44 119 Explain the melting points in terms of bonding and structure. [6] .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... Extra answer space if required. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................
12. June 2024 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(i) · 3 marks ·
2 This question is about periodicity and the reaction of some Group 2 metals. (a) Periodicity is the repeating trend in properties of elements across different periods in the periodic table. (i) Complete the table below with the electron configurations and blocks. Group 2 Group 17 (7) Period 2 Be F 1s2 ........................................................ 1s2 ........................................................ Period 3 Mg Cl 1s2 ........................................................ 1s2 ........................................................ Block ............................. ............................. [3]
13. June 2024 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(ii) · 2 marks ·
(ii) Use your answers to (a)(i) to explain why electron configuration is an example of a periodic trend. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... [2]
14. June 2024 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(i) · 2 marks ·
(c) The graph shows the first ionisation energies for the elements Li to Be and for C to Na. 2000 1500 First ionisation energy 1000 / kJ mol–1 500 0 Li Be B C N O F Ne Na Mg (i) Complete the graph by adding points for the missing values of B and Mg. [2]
15. June 2024 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(ii) · 2 marks ·
(ii) Write an equation, including state symbols, to represent the second ionisation energy of B. ..................................................................................................................................................... [2]
16. June 2023 · AS Paper 1 · Q6 · 1 marks · AO2
6 Successive ionisation energies, in kJ mol–1, of an element in Period 3 of the periodic table are shown below. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 578 1817 2745 11578 14831 18378 23296 27460 31862 What is the formula of the oxide of the Period 3 element? A Na2O B MgO C Al 2O3 D SiO2 Your answer [1]
17. June 2023 · Paper 1 · Q6 · 1 marks · AO1
6 Which element has the largest third ionisation energy? A Li B F C Ne D Na Your answer [1]
18. June 2023 · Paper 1 · Q13 · 1 marks · AO1
13 Which substance(s) has/have induced dipole–dipole interactions (London forces) in the solid state? 1 C2H6 2 H2O 3 Si A 1, 2 and 3 B Only 1 and 2 C Only 2 and 3 D Only 1 Your answer [1]
19. June 2023 · Paper 1 · Q16(b) · 4 marks · AO1
(b) The first and second ionisation energies of magnesium, Mg, and strontium, Sr, in Group 2 are given in the table below. First ionisation energy Second ionisation energy Element / kJ mol–1 / kJ mol–1 Mg +738 +1451 Sr +550 +1064 • Explain why the first ionisation energy of Mg is greater than the first ionisation energy of Sr. • Explain why the second ionisation energy of Sr is greater than the first ionisation energy of Sr. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [4]
20. June 2023 · Paper 1 · Q22(a) · 6 marks · AO1
22 This question is about the d-block elements in Period 4 of the periodic table (Sc to Zn). (a)* Explain, with examples from Period 4, what is meant by the terms d-block element and transition element. Explain why some d-block elements are not transition elements. Use electron configurations to support your explanations. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [6] Additional answer space if required. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................
21. June 2023 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(i) · 4 marks · AO1, 2
(c) The table below shows melting points and electrical conductivities of some elements in Period 3 and compounds they form. Magnesium Phosphorus Substance Aluminium, Al Silicon, Si sulfide, MgS trichloride, PCl 3 Melting 2000 660 1414 –94 point / °C Electrical Good Poor conductivity Type of Giant ................... ................... ................... lattice structure ................... ................... ................... ................... (i) Complete the table above to show the type of lattice structure of each substance. [4]
22. June 2023 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(ii) · 4 marks · AO1, 2, 3
(ii) Explain the following: • MgS has a higher melting point than PCl 3. • Al has a greater electrical conductivity than Si. Melting points ..................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... Conductivities ..................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [4]
23. June 2023 · Paper 3 · Q1(b) · 1 marks · AO2
(b) The element in Period 2 with the successive ionisation energies shown below. Ionisation number 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th Ionisation energy 1000 2251 3361 4564 7012 8496 27 107 31 671 / kJ mol–1 ................... [1]
24. June 2023 · Paper 3 · Q1(c) · 1 marks · AO1
(c) An element that is a solid at RTP with a simple molecular lattice structure. ................... [1]
25. June 2023 · Paper 3 · Q1(e) · 1 marks · AO1
(e) The element in Period 3 that exists in the solid state as a network of atoms bonded by strong covalent bonds. ................... [1]
26. June 2022 · AS Paper 1 · Q1 · 1 marks · AO1
1 Which substance has a giant covalent lattice structure in its solid state? A potassium B silicon C sodium chloride D water Your answer [1]
27. June 2022 · AS Paper 1 · Q5 · 1 marks · AO1
5 Which element has the lowest melting point? A S B P C Cl D Ar Your answer [1]
28. June 2022 · AS Paper 1 · Q6 · 1 marks · AO2
6 The first four ionisation energies of a Period 3 element X are shown in the table. Ionisation energy / kJ mol–1 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 738 1451 7733 10 541 Element X is reacted with chlorine. What is the formula of the chloride formed? A XCl B XCl 2 C XCl 3 D XCl 4 Your answer [1]
29. June 2022 · Paper 1 · Q18(a) · 2 marks · AO1
18 The graph shows the first ionisation energies for elements from helium, He, to boron, B, in the periodic table. 3000 2500 2000 1st ionisation energy / kJ mol–1 1500 1000 500 0 He Li Be B C N O F Ne (a) Complete the graph for C, N, O, F and Ne. [2]
30. June 2022 · Paper 1 · Q18(b) · 1 marks · AO2
(b) Estimate the energy required to form one Li+(g) ion from one Li(g) atom. Give your answer in kJ, in standard form, and to two significant figures. energy = ..................................................... kJ [1]
31. June 2022 · Paper 1 · Q18(c) · 4 marks · AO1
(c) Explain why the first ionisation energies of He and Be are both higher than the first ionisation energy of Li. Explanation for He: ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... Explanation for Be: ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [4]
32. June 2022 · Paper 1 · Q18(d) · 2 marks · AO1
(d) Explain why the first ionisation energy of Be is higher than the first ionisation energy of B. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [2]
33. June 2022 · AS Paper 1 · Q23(c) · 4 marks · AO1
(c) Describe the structure and bonding and electrical conductivity of calcium in the solid state. You may wish to include a labelled diagram in your answer. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [4]
34. June 2022 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(iii) · 3 marks · AO1
(iii) Explain why calcium reacts more slowly with water than strontium does. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [3]
35. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q7 · 1 marks ·
7 Which row shows elements in order of increasing first ionisation energy? A Ca < Si < P < N B N < P < Si < Ca C Ca < N < P <Si D C < Si < P < Ca Your answer [1]
36. November 2021 · AS Paper 1 · Q8 · 1 marks · AO1
8 Which sequence has elements in order of increasing first ionisation energy? A Na < Mg < Al B Mg < Al < Si C Al < Si < P D Si < P < S Your answer [1]
37. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q16(a) · 3 marks ·
SECTION B Answer all the questions. 16 This question is about magnesium and magnesium halides. (a) Magnesium has metallic bonding and is a good conductor of electricity. Describe, with the aid of a labelled diagram, the metallic bonding in magnesium and explain why magnesium conducts electricity. Include the correct charges on the particles in your diagram. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [3]
38. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q16(b)(i) · 1 marks · AO1
(b) The 12 successive ionisation energies of magnesium are shown in Table 16.1. Ionisation Ionisation energy / kJ mol–1 number 1 738 2 1451 3 7733 4 10 541 5 13 629 6 17 995 7 21 704 8 25 657 9 31 644 10 35 463 11 169 996 12 189 371 Table 16.1 (i) Write an equation to represent the fourth ionisation energy of magnesium. Include state symbols. ...................................................................................................................................... [1]
39. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q16(b)(ii) · 1 marks · AO1
(ii) Explain how the successive ionisation energies provide evidence that magnesium is in Group 2 of the periodic table. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [1]
40. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q17(a) · 4 marks · AO1
17 This question is about d-block elements. (a) Most d-block elements are also classified as transition elements. Explain why scandium and zinc are classified as d-block elements but are not also transition elements. Your explanations should include full electron configurations. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [4]
41. November 2021 · AS Paper 2 · Q5(d)(i) · 1 marks · AO1
(d) Nickel and gallium are in period 4 of the periodic table. (i) Which block in the periodic table does nickel belong to? ...................................................................................................................................... [1]
42. November 2021 · AS Paper 2 · Q5(e) · 2 marks · AO3
(e) Element A is in period 3 of the periodic table (Na-Ar). The first six ionisation energies (I.E.) of element A are shown below. 1st I.E. 2nd I.E. 3rd I.E. 4th I.E. 5th I.E. 6th I.E. / kJ mol–1 / kJ mol–1 / kJ mol–1 / kJ mol–1 / kJ mol–1 / kJ mol–1 789 1577 3232 4356 16091 19785 Identify element A. Explain your answer. Element A = .............................................................................................................................. Explanation ............................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [2]
43. November 2020 · Paper 1 · Q16(c) · 6 marks · AO1, 2
(c)* Table 16.1 shows some physical properties of magnesium, bromine and magnesium bromide. Electrical conductivity Substance Melting point / °C Solid Liquid Magnesium 711 Good Good Bromine −7 Poor Poor Magnesium bromide 650 Poor Good Table 16.1 Explain the physical properties shown in Table 16.1 using your knowledge of structure and bonding. [6] ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... Additional answer space if required ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................
44. November 2020 · AS Paper 2 · Q3(a) · 5 marks · AO1, 2, 3
3 This question is about some elements in Period 4 of the periodic table. (a) The table shows the melting point and electrical conductivity of two elements in Period 4. Element Melting Point / °C Electrical conductivity Calcium 842 Good Bromine –7 Poor Use your knowledge of structure and bonding to explain the properties in the table. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [5]
45. November 2020 · AS Paper 2 · Q3(b)(ii) · 3 marks · AO1, 2
(ii) The reaction of barium with bromine is more vigorous than the reaction of calcium with bromine. Explain why. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [3]
46. June 2019 · AS Paper 1 · Q1 · 1 marks · AO1
1 Which statement about the periodic table is not correct? A The elements are arranged in groups with similar chemical properties. B The elements are arranged in periods with repeating trends in properties. C The elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. D The elements in the halogen group increase in reactivity down the group. Your answer [1]
47. June 2019 · Paper 1 · Q7 · 1 marks · AO1
7 Which set of elements in the solid state contain a simple molecular lattice, a giant covalent lattice and a giant metallic lattice? A S, Si, Al B P, Si, C C S, P, Si D Mg, P, S Your answer [1]
48. June 2019 · Paper 1 · Q16(a) · 1 marks · AO1
SECTION B Answer all the questions. 16 Sir Humphry Davy discovered several elements including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and strontium. (a) Explain which block in the Periodic Table sodium and magnesium belong to. ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [1]
49. June 2019 · Paper 1 · Q16(e)(i) · 2 marks · AO1
(e) A similar Born–Haber cycle to potassium oxide in (d) can be constructed for sodium oxide. (i) The first ionisation energy of sodium is more endothermic than that of potassium. Explain why. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [2]
50. June 2019 · AS Paper 2 · Q1(b) · 5 marks · AO1, 2
(b) The table below shows two physical properties of the element strontium. Melting point high Electrical conductivity very good Explain these physical properties of strontium, in terms of bonding and structure. Include a labelled diagram in your answer. Diagram Explanation ............................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [5]
51. June 2019 · Paper 3 · Q3(b) · 4 marks · AO1, 2
(b) SiO2 and CO2 are oxides of other Group 14 (Group 4) elements. Solid SiO2 melts at 2156 °C. Solid CO2 melts at −56 °C. Suggest the type of lattice structure in solid SiO2 and in solid CO2 and explain the difference in melting points in terms of the types of force within each lattice structure. Structure in SiO2(s) ................................................................................................................... Structure in CO2(s) ................................................................................................................... Explanation ............................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [4]
52. June 2018 · Paper 1 · Q5 · 1 marks · AO1
5 Which statement best explains why nitrogen has a larger first ionisation energy than oxygen? A N atoms have less repulsion between p-orbital electrons than O atoms. B N atoms have a smaller nuclear charge than O atoms. C N atoms lose an electron from the 2s subshell, while O atoms lose an electron from the 2p subshell. D N atoms have an odd number of electrons, while O atoms have an even number. Your answer [1]
53. June 2018 · AS Paper 1 · Q8 · 1 marks ·
8 What determines the order of elements in the Periodic Table? A first ionisation energy B number of electrons in the outer shell C number of protons in the nucleus D relative atomic mass Your answer [1]
54. June 2018 · AS Paper 1 · Q9 · 1 marks ·
9 The first five successive ionisation energies of an element Y are shown below. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 496 4563 6913 9544 13352 What is the formula of a chloride of Y? A YCl B YCl 2 C YCl 3 D YCl 4 Your answer [1]
55. June 2018 · AS Paper 1 · Q10 · 1 marks ·
10 Which element has induced dipole–dipole interactions (London forces) in its solid lattice? A boron B magnesium C silicon D sulfur Your answer [1]
56. June 2018 · AS Paper 1 · Q21(c) · 1 marks ·
(c) Why are silicon, carbon, oxygen and chlorine all classified as p-block elements? ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [1]
57. June 2018 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(b) · 3 marks ·
(b) The table below compares the properties of sodium sulfide, sodium and sulfur. Complete the table. Sodium sulfide Sodium Sulfur Melting point / °C 1180 98 113 Type of structure (giant or simple) solid Electrical conductivity (good or poor) liquid [3]
58. June 2018 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(ii) · 2 marks ·
(ii) Sodium selenide reacts with hydrochloric acid to form a toxic gas, B, with a relative molecular mass of 81.0. Identify gas B and write an equation for this reaction. Gas B ..................... Equation ....................................................................................................................... [2]
59. June 2018 · Paper 3 · Q1(a)(ii) · 1 marks ·
(ii) The element with the highest first ionisation energy. .............................. [1]
60. June 2018 · Paper 3 · Q1(a)(iii) · 1 marks ·
(iii) The element in Period 3 which has the successive ionisation energies shown below. Ionisation number 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Ionisation energy/kJ mol–1 738 1451 7733 10541 .............................. [1]
61. June 2018 · Paper 3 · Q1(b) · 5 marks ·
(b) Table 1.1 shows some properties of Period 3 chlorides. Group 1 2 14 (4) 15 (5) 16 (6) Chloride NaCl MgCl2 SiCl4 PCl3 SCl2 Solid poor poor poor poor poor Electrical conductivity Liquid good good poor poor poor Melting point high high low low low Table 1.1 Explain the properties shown in Table 1.1 in terms of bonding and structure. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [5]
62. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q8 · 1 marks ·
8 Which element has the highest melting point? A silicon B phosphorus C sulfur D chlorine Your answer [1]
63. June 2017 · Paper 1 · Q17(b) · 3 marks ·
(b) The reactivity of the Group 2 elements Mg–Ba increases down the group. Explain why. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [3]
64. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q22(c)(i) · 1 marks ·
(c) Fig. 22.1 shows first ionisation energies for elements across Period 3. 2500 2000 1500 1st ionisation energy / kJ mol–1 1000 500 0 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Atomic number, Z Fig. 22.1 (i) Add a point to Fig. 22.1 for the first ionisation energy of the element with Z = 10. [1]
65. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q22(c)(ii) · 1 marks ·
(ii) Estimate the energy required to form one Na+(g) ion from one Na(g) atom. Give your answer in kJ, in standard form, and to two significant figures. energy = ..................................................... kJ [1]
66. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q22(c)(iii) · 3 marks ·
(iii) Explain why the first ionisation energies in Fig. 22.1 show a general increase across Period 3 (Na–Ar). ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [3]
67. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q22(c)(iv) · 2 marks ·
(iv) Explain why the general increase in first ionisation energies across Period 3 is not followed for Mg (Z = 12) to Al (Z = 13). ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [2]
68. June 2016 · AS Paper 1 · Q8 · 1 marks ·
8 What is the shape around the carbon atoms in graphene? A linear B pyramidal C tetrahedral D trigonal planar Your answer [1]
69. June 2016 · AS Paper 1 · Q9 · 1 marks ·
5 9 Electron configurations for atoms of different elements are shown below. Which electron configuration represents the element with the largest first ionisation energy? A 1s22s2 B 1s22s22p4 C 1s22s22p6 D 1s22s22p63s2 Your answer [1]
70. June 2016 · AS Paper 1 · Q10 · 1 marks ·
10 Successive ionisation energies of four elements in Period 3 are shown below. Which letter could represent magnesium? Ionisation energy / kJ mol–1 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th A 1251 2298 3822 5159 6542 B 738 1451 7733 10543 13630 C 496 4563 6913 9544 13352 D 578 1817 2745 11577 14842 Your answer [1]
71. June 2016 · AS Paper 2 · Q1(b)(i) · 1 marks · AO2
(b) The trend in the first and second ionisation energies of Group 2 elements can be linked to the increase in chemical reactivity down the group. The first and second ionisation energies of calcium and strontium are given in the table. First ionisation energy Second ionisation energy Element / kJ mol–1 / kJ mol–1 Ca 590 1145 Sr 550 1064 (i) Write an equation, including state symbols, to represent the second ionisation energy of strontium. ...................................................................................................................................... [1]
72. June 2016 · AS Paper 2 · Q1(b)(ii) · 3 marks · AO1
(ii) Explain why the first ionisation energy of strontium is less than the first ionisation energy of calcium. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... [3]
73. June 2016 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a) · 3 marks · AO1, 2
4 2 The graph shows the melting points of the elements in Period 3 of the periodic table. 1800 Si 1600 1400 1200 melting point 1000 Mg / K Al 800 600 S 400 Na P Cl 200 Ar 0 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 atomic number (a) Phosphorus and chlorine have simple molecular structures. More information about phosphorus and chlorine is given in the table below. Molecular Element formula phosphorus P4 chlorine Cl2 Explain the differences in the melting points of phosphorus and chlorine. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [3]
74. June 2016 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(b) · 4 marks · AO1
5 (b) Magnesium and silicon have different types of giant structures. Describe the bonding in magnesium and in silicon. Include the names of the particles and describe the forces between the particles in the structures. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. [4]

Mark schemes

1. June 2025 · AS Paper 1 · Q9
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 1 Q9
2. June 2025 · Paper 1 · Q16(a)(i)
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 1 Q16(a)(i)
3. June 2025 · Paper 1 · Q16(a)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 1 Q16(a)(ii)
4. June 2025 · Paper 1 · Q16(b)(i)
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 1 Q16(b)(i)
5. June 2025 · Paper 1 · Q16(b)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 1 Q16(b)(ii)
6. June 2025 · AS Paper 1 · Q21(c)
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 1 Q21(c)
7. June 2025 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(i)
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 2 Q2(a)(i)
8. June 2025 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 2 Q2(a)(ii)
9. June 2024 · AS Paper 1 · Q6
Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 1 Q6
10. June 2024 · Paper 1 · Q15
Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 1 Q15
11. June 2024 · Paper 1 · Q20(c)
Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 1 Q20(c)
12. June 2024 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(i)
Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 2 Q2(a)(i)
13. June 2024 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 2 Q2(a)(ii)
14. June 2024 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(i)
Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 2 Q2(c)(i)
15. June 2024 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 2 Q2(c)(ii)
16. June 2023 · AS Paper 1 · Q6
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 1 Q6
17. June 2023 · Paper 1 · Q6
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 1 Q6
18. June 2023 · Paper 1 · Q13
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 1 Q13
19. June 2023 · Paper 1 · Q16(b)
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 1 Q16(b)
20. June 2023 · Paper 1 · Q22(a)
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 1 Q22(a)
21. June 2023 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(i)
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 2 Q2(c)(i)
22. June 2023 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 2 Q2(c)(ii)
23. June 2023 · Paper 3 · Q1(b)
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 3 Q1(b)
24. June 2023 · Paper 3 · Q1(c)
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 3 Q1(c)
25. June 2023 · Paper 3 · Q1(e)
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 3 Q1(e)
26. June 2022 · AS Paper 1 · Q1
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 1 Q1
27. June 2022 · AS Paper 1 · Q5
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 1 Q5
28. June 2022 · AS Paper 1 · Q6
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 1 Q6
29. June 2022 · Paper 1 · Q18(a)
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 1 Q18(a)
30. June 2022 · Paper 1 · Q18(b)
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 1 Q18(b)
31. June 2022 · Paper 1 · Q18(c)
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 1 Q18(c)
32. June 2022 · Paper 1 · Q18(d)
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 1 Q18(d)
33. June 2022 · AS Paper 1 · Q23(c)
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 1 Q23(c)
34. June 2022 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)(iii)
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 2 Q2(a)(iii)
35. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q7
Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 1 Q7
36. November 2021 · AS Paper 1 · Q8
Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 1 Q8
37. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q16(a)
Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 1 Q16(a)
38. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q16(b)(i)
Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 1 Q16(b)(i)
39. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q16(b)(ii)
Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 1 Q16(b)(ii)
40. November 2021 · Paper 1 · Q17(a)
Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 1 Q17(a)
41. November 2021 · AS Paper 2 · Q5(d)(i)
Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 2 Q5(d)(i)
42. November 2021 · AS Paper 2 · Q5(e)
Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 2 Q5(e)
43. November 2020 · Paper 1 · Q16(c)
Mark scheme November 2020 Paper 1 Q16(c)
44. November 2020 · AS Paper 2 · Q3(a)
Mark scheme November 2020 Paper 2 Q3(a)
45. November 2020 · AS Paper 2 · Q3(b)(ii)
Mark scheme November 2020 Paper 2 Q3(b)(ii)
46. June 2019 · AS Paper 1 · Q1
Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 1 Q1
47. June 2019 · Paper 1 · Q7
Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 1 Q7
48. June 2019 · Paper 1 · Q16(a)
Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 1 Q16(a)
49. June 2019 · Paper 1 · Q16(e)(i)
Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 1 Q16(e)(i)
50. June 2019 · AS Paper 2 · Q1(b)
Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 2 Q1(b)
51. June 2019 · Paper 3 · Q3(b)
Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 3 Q3(b)
52. June 2018 · Paper 1 · Q5
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 1 Q5
53. June 2018 · AS Paper 1 · Q8
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 1 Q8
54. June 2018 · AS Paper 1 · Q9
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 1 Q9
55. June 2018 · AS Paper 1 · Q10
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 1 Q10
56. June 2018 · AS Paper 1 · Q21(c)
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 1 Q21(c)
57. June 2018 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(b)
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 2 Q2(b)
58. June 2018 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(c)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 2 Q2(c)(ii)
59. June 2018 · Paper 3 · Q1(a)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 3 Q1(a)(ii)
60. June 2018 · Paper 3 · Q1(a)(iii)
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 3 Q1(a)(iii)
61. June 2018 · Paper 3 · Q1(b)
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 3 Q1(b)
62. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q8
Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 1 Q8
63. June 2017 · Paper 1 · Q17(b)
Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 1 Q17(b)
64. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q22(c)(i)
Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 1 Q22(c)(i)
65. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q22(c)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 1 Q22(c)(ii)
66. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q22(c)(iii)
Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 1 Q22(c)(iii)
67. June 2017 · AS Paper 1 · Q22(c)(iv)
Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 1 Q22(c)(iv)
68. June 2016 · AS Paper 1 · Q8
Mark scheme June 2016 Paper 1 Q8
69. June 2016 · AS Paper 1 · Q9
Mark scheme June 2016 Paper 1 Q9
70. June 2016 · AS Paper 1 · Q10
Mark scheme June 2016 Paper 1 Q10
71. June 2016 · AS Paper 2 · Q1(b)(i)
Mark scheme June 2016 Paper 2 Q1(b)(i)
72. June 2016 · AS Paper 2 · Q1(b)(ii)
Mark scheme June 2016 Paper 2 Q1(b)(ii)
73. June 2016 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(a)
Mark scheme June 2016 Paper 2 Q2(a)
74. June 2016 · AS Paper 2 · Q2(b)
Mark scheme June 2016 Paper 2 Q2(b)