Alkanes: past paper questions
Real questions on alkanes
The newest 20 of 78 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/31 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(i)[1]
is an alkane (i)
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(iv)[1]
has the general formula C n H 2n+2
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(iii)[1]
State why compound P is saturated. (iii)
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(i)[1]
Predict the boiling point of propane.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(ii)[1]
Suggest why it is difficult to predict the melting point of butane.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(iii)[1]
State the trend in the density of the alkanes as the number of carbon atoms increases.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(iv)[2]
Deduce the physical state of pentane at –1 °C. reason physical state Give a reason for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(v)[1]
Give the general formula for alkanes.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q1c[1]
cracking
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q7a(iii)[1]
Give the molecular formula of the alkane that has 10 carbon atoms.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q7c(iii)[2]
Complete Figure 7.1 to show one repeat unit of the addition polymer formed from propene. C C Figure 7.1 (iii)
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(i)[1]
Write the general formula for alkanes.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q4e(i)[1]
have the lowest boiling point
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q4e(ii)[1]
have the highest viscosity
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q4e(iii)[1]
are used for jet fuel.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q4f(i)[1]
A molecule of heptane contains seven carbon atoms. Deduce the molecular formula of heptane.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[1]
is bonded to hydrogen in methane.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q4d(i)[1]
have the highest boiling point
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q4d(ii)[1]
have the shortest chain length
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q4d(iii)[1]
are used to make waxes and polishes.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates knew the general formula. Limited responses • Some candidates confused the organic group asked. For example, they gave the general formula for an alkene.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q2(a)(i) (Cambridge)
It was anticipated that most candidates would be able to recall the main constituent of natural gas, but the most common answer was carbon dioxide. Ethane and ethanol were not commonly chosen.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/31 Q4(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
When describing reaction conditions, candidates should note that ‘temperature’ unqualified or ‘pressure’ unqualified are ambiguous. We do not know whether this means high temperature or low temperature or a specific value. Similarly to Question 4(a)(i), there was significant confusion between cracking and fractional distillation and some candidates described polymerisation.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/31 Q4(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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