Extraction of metals: past paper questions
Real questions on extraction of metals
The newest 20 of 61 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q5b(i)[1]
Name the ore of aluminium that is purified.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q5b(ii)[1]
Name the compound of aluminium that is present in this ore of aluminium.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q5b(iii)[1]
Name the substance that the compound of aluminium in 5(b)(ii) is dissolved in during this extraction.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q1a[1]
a reaction that occurs in the blast furnace
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q4[6]
Tin is a metal that is between copper and iron in the reactivity series. The ore cassiterite contains the compound tin( IV ) oxide, SnO 2 . Tin( IV ) oxide is insoluble in water and reacts with dilute acids to form an aqueous solution of a salt. The ore cassiterite contains no other compounds that are insoluble in wate...
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · February/March 2026 · Q2a(i)[1]
Name the main ore of aluminium. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[1]
is extracted from bauxite
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(i)[2]
Give two reasons why carbon is used in a blast furnace.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(ii)[2]
Slag is a waste product of this extraction. Describe how slag is produced. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(iii)[1]
The equation for the extraction of iron from iron( III ) oxide is shown. Fe 2 O 3 + 3CO 2Fe + 3CO 2 Explain how this equation shows that carbon monoxide is oxidised. Iron ore contains iron( III ) oxide. (iii)
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q7d(ii)[1]
State one other use for graphite. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(i)[1]
Name the main ore of aluminium.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(i)[1]
State the name of the main iron ore used in the blast furnace. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(ii)[1]
State how the main source of heat is provided in the blast furnace.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(iii)[1]
Name the gaseous reducing agent in the blast furnace.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[1]
a metal that is extracted in the blast furnace
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2025 · Q1h[1]
a compound that reacts with impurities in the blast furnace to form slag
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2025 · Q1e[1]
contains aluminium oxide
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2025 · Q1h[1]
is produced when limestone thermally decomposes in the blast furnace
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(i)[1]
Complete the equation for this reaction. FeCr 2 O 4 + 4C Fe + 2Cr +
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates knew the main ore of aluminium. Limited responses • Some candidates wrote hematite or bauxide.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/42 Q2(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Most candidates correctly recalled that iron is extracted in the blast furnace. A common incorrect answer was to suggest aluminium.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/31 Q1(b) (Cambridge)
Candidates again struggled with this question. They did not have much knowledge of the blast furnace.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/33 Q1(h) (Cambridge)
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