Atomic structure and the Periodic Table: past paper questions
Real questions on atomic structure and the periodic table
The newest 20 of 113 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/31 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(iv)[2]
On Figure 2.1, complete the dot-and-cross diagram for a molecule of bromine. Show outer shell electrons only. Br Br
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2026 · Q6a(ii)[3]
Deduce the number of electrons, neutrons and protons in the cobalt ion shown. number of electrons number of neutrons 5 9 Co 2+ 2 7
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q6a(ii)[3]
Deduce the number of electrons, neutrons and protons in the nickel ion shown. number of electrons number of neutrons 60 2+ 28 Ni
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q2d[1]
State the electronic configuration of a fluoride ion. (d) Fluorine forms fluoride ions.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3c[1]
Changing the concentration of a reactant changes the rate of a reaction. Identify the unit of concentration. Draw a circle around your answer. mol / dm 3 dm 3 / mol mol / dm dm / mol 3
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(ii)[2]
A sample of magnesium contains three isotopes. Table 2.1 shows the percentage abundances and the relative masses of the three isotopes of magnesium in this sample. Table 2.1 percentage abundance relative mass 80 24 10 25 10 26 Calculate the relative atomic mass of magnesium to one decimal place. relative atomic mass =
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(ii)[2]
Give the meaning of ( VI ) in potassium chromate( VI ).
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(iii)[1]
Potassium dichromate( VI ) is an orange solid. Identify the element which causes potassium dichromate( VI ) to be coloured.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q4d(i)[2]
State the meaning of ( VII ) in potassium manganate( VII ).
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · February/March 2026 · Q4a(i)[1]
State the meaning of the symbol (aq) in this equation.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[2]
Complete Table 2.1 to show the number of protons and neutrons in one atom of 40 18 Ar. Table 2.1 number of protons number of neutrons
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q2b(i)[1]
Explain what is meant by the term monatomic.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q2b(ii)[1]
Explain why argon is unreactive. Give your answer in terms of electronic configuration.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[2]
Kr . (a) Complete Table 2.1 to show the number of electrons and neutrons in one atom of 36 Table 2.1 number of electrons number of neutrons
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[1]
Complete Table 2.1 to show the number of neutrons and nucleons in one atom of 131 54 Xe. Table 2.1 number of neutrons number of nucleons
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[2]
Complete Table 1.1 to show the relative mass and relative charge of a proton, a neutron and an electron. Table 1.1 particle relative mass relative charge proton +1 neutron 1 1840 electron
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[5]
Complete Table 1.2. Table 1.2 atom or ion number of protons 4 0 1 8 Ar 18 number of neutrons number of electrons 18 3 2 2– 1 6 S 16 22 28 20
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[1]
The term mass number is defined as the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. State the name of one other term which is defined as the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2c(i)[3]
Complete Table 2.2 to show the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in the two iron ions shown. Table 2.2 54 Fe 2+ 58 Fe 3+ protons neutrons electrons
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · October/November 2025 · Q4b(iv)[2]
The oxidation number of the O atoms in Al (NO 3 ) 3 is –2. The formula of the aluminium ion in Al (NO 3 ) 3 is Al 3+ . Determine the oxidation number of the N atoms in Al (NO 3 ) 3 . Show your working. oxidation number of N =
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates understood the state symbol and knew that it meant aqueous or dissolved in water. Limited responses • Some candidates confused the meaning and thought that it meant presence of water.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q4(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Compared with other years, more candidates correctly completed the electron arrangement and the charge of this ion. Common errors were to add an electron to represent the sodium atom or to add extra electrons to the inner shell. A small number of candidates confused the charge with the atomic number.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/31 Q2(c) (Cambridge)
Many candidates could show the correct electronic configuration of a calcium ion. Not as many knew the correct charge on this ion.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/32 Q2(c) (Cambridge)
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