Ionic bonding: past paper questions
Real questions on ionic bonding
The newest 20 of 86 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q1e[2]
Chromium( IV ) fluoride, CrF 4 , is a covalent molecule that shows similar chemical properties to SiCl 4 . Construct a relevant equation for this reaction. type of reaction Suggest the type of reaction that occurs when CrF 4 is placed in water.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(i)[1]
Name the type of bonding present in sodium and in sodium oxide. bonding in sodium
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(iii)[1]
Explain why sodium oxide conducts electricity when molten.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q2c(i)[1]
Identify the oxide from Table 2.1 that contains the element with the highest oxidation number.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q3a(i)[1]
State the compound that is heated with long‑chain hydrocarbons to produce more useful smaller alkanes and alkenes.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q3b(i)[1]
Name a catalyst for reaction 1.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(ii)[1]
Explain why transition elements have variable oxidation states.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[1]
A few drops of NH 3 (aq) are added to CuSO 4 (aq). Describe any observations made.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[1]
Write an equation for the reaction taking place. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(i)[1]
An excess of NH 3 (aq) is added to CuSO 4 (aq). Describe any further observations made. (c) (i)
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(ii)[1]
Write an equation for the reaction taking place.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2025 · Q3c(iii)[1]
A student adds a few drops of AgNO 3 (aq) to a solution of NaBr(aq). State what is observed.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2024 · Q2c(iv)[1]
Aqueous AgNO 3 dissolved in ethanol reacts with an aqueous solution of CHCl 3 . State what is observed in this reaction. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2024 · Q2c(iv)[1]
Aqueous AgNO 3 dissolved in ethanol reacts with an aqueous solution of CHCl 3 . State what is observed in this reaction. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2024 · Q2b(i)[1]
Complete line C on Fig. 2.1. Include state symbols.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · February/March 2024 · Q5a(vi)[1]
Step 7 takes place when P is heated with a weak base such as K 2 CO 3 (aq). HN P Cl Q S COOCH 3 Cl and K 2 CO 3 (aq) step 7 Cl COOCH 3 N S Suggest why a strong base such as NaOH(aq) is not used for this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2023 · Q4a(i)[2]
Complete Table 4.1 giving the formula of the cobalt-containing species that is formed in each of the three reactions described. Table 4.1 reaction reagent added to [Co(H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ (aq) 1 NaOH(aq) 2 an excess of NH 3 (aq) 3 an excess of conc. HCl (aq) cobalt-containing species formed
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2023 · Q4a(ii)[1]
Describe the colour change seen in reaction 3. original colour of [Co(H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ (aq) final colour after addition of an excess of conc. HCl (aq)
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2023 · Q5b(i)[1]
State the oxidation state and the coordination number of titanium in [TiCl 4 (diars) 2 ]. oxidation state coordination number
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2023 · Q2b(ii)[1]
Equal volumes of the two solutions V and W are mixed, giving solution X. Name solution X and state its pH. solution X pH
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This was very often correct. ‘White precipitate’ was the most common error.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/22 Q3(c)(iii) (Cambridge)
This question was answered well. Common errors included [Co(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+, [CoCl4]2+ and [CoCl4]–.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9701/41 Q4(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Candidates found this question difficult. Many suggested the coordination number was six instead of eight.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9701/41 Q5(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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