Analytical techniques: past paper questions
Real questions on analytical techniques
The newest 20 of 167 written questions, plus 44 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(ii)[1]
Identify a suitable piece of apparatus for adding the distilled water.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(iii)[1]
Identify the dependent variable in this experiment.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(iv)[2]
Plot a calibration graph on the grid in Figure 2.1 to show the relationship between [K + (aq)] and relative light intensity. Use a cross (×) to plot each data point. Draw one line of best fit for [K + (aq)] from 0.00 × 10 –3 to 7.00 × 10 –3 g dm –3 . Draw a second line of best fit for [K + (aq)] from 8.00 × 10 –3 to 10...
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(v)[1]
Describe how the graph shows that [K + (aq)] from 0.00 × 10 –3 to 7.00 × 10 –3 g dm –3 is directly proportional to relative light intensity.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(vi)[1]
Circle the most anomalous point on your graph in Figure 2.1. Suggest one reason to explain the anomalous point you have circled.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(i)[1]
A sample of blood plasma is diluted 100 times and tested using flame emission photometry. The relative light intensity recorded is 3.8. Use your graph in Figure 2.1 to determine the [K + (aq)], in g dm –3 , in the sample. [K + (aq)] in diluted blood plasma = g dm –3
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(ii)[1]
The healthy range for [K + (aq)] in blood plasma is between 0.100 and 0.200 g dm –3 . State whether the sample of blood plasma tested in 2(b)(i) is within the healthy range, too high or too low. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(iii)[1]
When testing samples of blood plasma, a coloured light filter needs to be used which only allows lilac-coloured light emitted from the sample to reach the detector. Suggest why this coloured light filter is needed when testing blood plasma but is not necessary when testing KCl (aq).
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2c[1]
Explain why flame emission photometry is not suitable for measuring [K + (aq)] at 8.00 × 10 –3 g dm –3 and above.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · February/March 2026 · Q2d[1]
State whether the data used for the calibration graph in Figure 2.1 is reliable. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q3e(ii)[2]
The infrared spectrum of W is shown in Fig. 3.3. 100 transmittance / % 50 0 4000 3000 2000 1500 wavenumber / cm –1 1000 500 Fig. 3.3 Identify two absorptions in the infrared spectrum of W that would not be present in the infrared spectrum of cyclopentene. • • Write 1 or 2 on Fig. 3.3 against each of these two absorptio...
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4d(ii)[3]
The infrared spectrum of S is shown in Fig. 4.2. 3000 2000 1500 1000 500 wavenumber / cm −1 Fig. 4.2 Three absorptions in the infrared spectrum in Fig. 4.2 confirm that S is an ester and is unsaturated. • • Write 1, 2 or 3 on Fig. 4.2 against each of these three absorptions. Complete Table 4.1 to show which bond is res...
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4d(iii)[1]
The mass spectrum of S shows the following peaks. Table 4.3 relative abundance M + 4.7 [M+1] + 0.31 Use Table 4.3 to calculate the number of carbon atoms in S. peak number of carbon atoms in S =
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2025 · Q3e(ii)[2]
The infrared spectrum of W is shown in Fig. 3.3. 100 transmittance / % 50 0 4000 3000 2000 1500 wavenumber / cm –1 1000 500 Fig. 3.3 Identify two absorptions in the infrared spectrum of W that would not be present in the infrared spectrum of cyclopentene. • • Write 1 or 2 on Fig. 3.3 against each of these two absorptio...
See it on the paper → - 9701/51 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[1]
Suggest why barium ions are removed in step 3 before performing the titration. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9701/51 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(iii)[1]
Suggest why chemically resistant gloves should be worn to carry out step 4.
See it on the paper → - 9701/51 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
Explain why only these two values are used.
See it on the paper → - 9701/51 · October/November 2025 · Q1e[3]
Another student uses a different experimental method to check the value of x obtained by the method described in (b). Give a brief description of another method, not involving titration, that could be used to determine the value of x in the formula BaCl 2 •xH 2 O(s). Write your answer using a series of numbered steps....
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · October/November 2025 · Q2b(i)[2]
Complete Table 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · October/November 2025 · Q2c[2]
Plot a graph on the grid in Fig. 2.2 to show the relationship between corrected conductivity and volume of 0.100 mol dm –3 Ba(OH) 2 added to beaker. Use a cross (×) to plot each data point. Draw a line of best fit using readings 1 to 4 and another line of best fit using readings 5 to 9. Extend the lines so that they in...
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Nearly all candidates identified a burette as the suitable piece of apparatus. Limited responses • A few candidates incorrectly suggested that non-volumetric apparatus such as a measuring cylinder should be used.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9701/52 Q2(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Nearly all candidates correctly identified relative light intensity. Limited responses • A few candidates suggested that [K+(aq)] was the dependent variable.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9701/52 Q2(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates plotted all 11 points correctly and drew two intersecting lines of best fit. Limited responses • Some candidates omitted the point at the origin, and some candidates drew inaccurate lines of best fit.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9701/52 Q2(a)(iv) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.