Intermolecular forces, electronegativity and bond properties: past paper questions
Real questions on intermolecular forces, electronegativity and bond properties
The newest 20 of 91 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(iv)[2]
Methanal is a liquid at –30 °C but carbon dioxide is a gas at this temperature. Explain why.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q3c(iii)[1]
The final step is shown. C 5 H 9 • + Cl • C 5 H 9 Cl Give the name for this step in the reaction.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q4c(ii)[1]
Fig. 4.2 shows the mass spectrum of either compound X or compound Y. 100 80 60 relative abundance 40 20 0 10 20 30 40 m / e 50 60 70 80 Identify which of X and Y gives this mass spectrum. Give one reason for your answer, referring to the fragmentation pattern. Fig. 4.2
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q4c(iii)[1]
The molecular ion peak in the spectrum in Fig. 4.2 has relative abundance 34.7. relative abundance of [M+1] + peak = Calculate the relative abundance of the [M+1] + peak in this spectrum. Important values, constants and standards molar gas constant R = 8.31 J K –1 mol –1 Faraday constant F = 9.65 × 10 4 C mol –1 Avogad...
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3d(ii)[3]
A, B and hexane have different boiling points. Arrange A, B and hexane in order of increasing boiling point. Explain your answer. lowest < < highest
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(iv)[2]
Methanal is a liquid at –30 °C but carbon dioxide is a gas at this temperature. Explain why.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(ii)[1]
Explain how graphite conducts electricity.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(iii)[1]
Explain why diamond does not conduct electricity.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1d(i)[3]
Complete Table 1.1 by identifying the strongest force of attraction in each oxide that is broken during melting. Use the abbreviations below. i.d. = instantaneous dipole–induced dipole p.d. = permanent dipole–permanent dipole H = hydrogen bond C = covalent bond
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1d(ii)[2]
A student suggests the following hypothesis. The stronger the covalent bond between atoms in non‑metal oxides, the higher the melting point. Use Table 1.1 to deduce if this hypothesis is true or false or if there is not enough information to make a conclusion. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(ii)[2]
Use Table 4.1 to predict the strength of the dipole moment of SO 2 , if any, compared to that of H 2 O. Explain your answer. Table 4.1 electronegativity H O S 2.1 3.5 2.6
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(v)[2]
Fig. 5.3 shows the structure of Z. Fig. 5.4 is the infrared spectrum of Z. (v) 100 80 C 60 / % 20 0 D B 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 wavenumber / cm –1 A 40 A B C Identify the bond and functional group responsible for each of the absorptions labelled A, B, C and D in Fig. 5.4. Fig. 5.4 Table 5.2 bond functional groups...
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q5c[1]
Poly(ethene) is an addition polymer made from ethene. Explain why ethene reacts with electrophiles but poly(ethene) does not.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(i)[1]
Define addition reaction.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q6b[4]
Complete Fig. 6.1 to show the mechanism for the reaction between HOCl and CH 2 =CH 2 to produce HOCH 2 CH 2 Cl . Include charges, dipoles, lone pairs of electrons and curly arrows, as appropriate. H H C HO H δ– HO Cl C C H H Cl δ+ H C H H
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q6c(i)[1]
State the reagent and conditions for step 1.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q6c(ii)[1]
Identify the type of reaction that occurs in step 2.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q6c(iii)[1]
Complete the equation to show the reaction in step 2. HOCH 2 CH 2 CN +
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2025 · Q3d(i)[1]
Identify all the intermolecular forces that exist between molecules of IBr.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2024 · Q3d(i)[1]
Explain the trend in the boiling points of the Group 14 hydrides shown in Fig. 3.2.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Reference to instantaneous dipole—induced dipole / id—id / London / dispersion (forces) was nearly always seen; much less common was a reference to permanent dipole—permanent dipole interactions.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/22 Q3(d)(i) (Cambridge)
Many correct definitions of the term free radical were seen. Ambiguous descriptions referred to ‘unpaired electron’ as ‘unshared’ or ‘unbonded’ or ‘free’. Common incorrect answers referred to a free radical as ‘a species with a lone pair of electrons’.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9701/22 Q2(e)(i) (Cambridge)
It was common for diagrams to show more than one water molecule or multiple hydrogen bonds. Candidates should be advised to respond as directed by the question. It was quite common for answers, showing more than one hydrogen bond, to contradict a correct representation.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9701/22 Q4(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
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