Group 2: past paper questions
Real questions on group 2
The newest 20 of 99 written questions, plus 78 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(i)[1]
State the trend in thermal stability of the Group 2 nitrates down the group.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(ii)[1]
Identify the other products of the thermal decomposition of Group 2 nitrates.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2f(iii)[1]
State the trend in thermal stability of the Group 2 carbonates down the group.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(i)[1]
State the trend in thermal stability of the Group 2 nitrates down the group.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(ii)[1]
Identify the other products of the thermal decomposition of Group 2 nitrates.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(ii)[2]
The thermal stability of Group 2 carbonates increases down the group. Explain this trend.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[4]
The hydroxides and fluorides of Group 2 elements show similar trends in solubility. Describe the trend in the solubility of the fluorides of calcium, strontium and barium. Explain your answer. least soluble most soluble explanation
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2025 · Q2d(i)[2]
State what is observed when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to separate samples of barium oxide and barium carbonate. barium oxide
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2025 · Q2d(ii)[1]
Write an equation for the reaction of strontium, Sr, with an excess of cold water.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2025 · Q2d(iii)[1]
State the variation in solubility of the Group 2 sulfates down the group.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2024 · Q3b(ii)[1]
Describe the thermal stability of the carbonates down Group 2.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2c[2]
Z is a salt that contains a Period 4 element from Group 2. When Z is heated brown gas forms. Identify the formula of Z and use it to write an equation for the reaction. ,
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2024 · Q1a(i)[4]
Describe the trend in the solubility of the hydroxides of magnesium, calcium and strontium. Explain your answer. > > most soluble least soluble
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2024 · Q1a(ii)[1]
Suggest the variation in pH of saturated solutions of the hydroxides of magnesium, calcium and strontium. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2024 · Q1b[4]
Barium hydroxide, Ba(OH) 2 , is a strong base. A 250.0 cm 3 solution of Ba(OH) 2 with a pH of 12.2 is made by dissolving Ba(OH) 2 in distilled water. Calculate the mass of Ba(OH) 2 required to make this solution. Show your working. [M r : Ba(OH) 2 , 171.3] mass of Ba(OH) 2 = g
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2024 · Q3b[2]
The trend in the decomposition temperatures of the Group 2 ethanedioates is similar to that of the Group 2 nitrates. Suggest which of CaC 2 O 4 and BaC 2 O 4 will decompose at the lower temperature. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · May/June 2024 · Q1a(i)[4]
Describe the trend in the solubility of the hydroxides of magnesium, calcium and strontium. Explain your answer. > > most soluble least soluble
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · May/June 2024 · Q1a(ii)[1]
Suggest the variation in pH of saturated solutions of the hydroxides of magnesium, calcium and strontium. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2024 · Q2b(ii)[1]
Identify G.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2023 · Q2a(i)[1]
State the variation in solubilities of group 2 hydroxides.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates gave the idea of a white precipitate being formed, and/or effervescence as an answer in both cases. This often had the effect of negating some correct answers
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/22 Q2(d)(i) (Cambridge)
This was quite often answered correctly, although many candidates chose to show a type of reaction similar to that of magnesium oxide with steam.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/22 Q2(d)(ii) (Cambridge)
This was very often correctly answered. Incorrect answers tended to be the opposite trend.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/22 Q2(d)(iii) (Cambridge)
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