Ions and ionic bonds: past paper questions
Real questions on ions and ionic bonds
The newest 20 of 216 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(ii)[1]
Name the salt formed when magnesium carbonate reacts with dilute sulfuric acid.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(i)[2]
Nickel( II ) chloride is a compound with ionic bonding. State the meaning of the term ionic bond.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(ii)[2]
State two physical properties of an ionic compound. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(i)[3]
In Figure 3.1, complete the dot-and-cross diagrams to show the bonding in magnesium fluoride. The inner shells of electrons are shown. Show the charge on each ion. fluoride ion magnesium ion Mg F F fluoride ion
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(ii)[2]
Explain why magnesium fluoride has a high melting point.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(iii)[1]
Explain why magnesium fluoride conducts electricity when it is molten.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(i)[7]
Complete Table 2.1 to describe the strong bonding in the substances shown. Table 2.1 sodium chloride type of strong bonding ionic symbol of particle attracted Na + and Cl – type of particle attracted ions bromine magnesium and e – ions and electrons silicon( IV ) oxide covalent and
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(i)[2]
Describe the arrangement of ions in sodium chloride.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q3e(iv)[2]
Write the ionic equation for this reaction. Include state symbols.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q3e(v)[1]
Name another insoluble sulfate salt that can be prepared by this method.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q4b[2]
Write the formulas of the following compounds of transition elements. copper( I ) oxide
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(i)[3]
Complete the dot-and-cross diagrams in Figure 3.1 to show the bonding in sodium oxide. The inner shells of electrons are shown. Show the charge on each ion. oxide ion sodium ion O Na sodium ion Na
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(ii)[2]
Sodium oxide is held together by ionic bonds. State the meaning of the term ionic bond.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(iii)[1]
The ions in sodium oxide are present in a giant ionic lattice. State the meaning of the term giant ionic lattice.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(i)[1]
Identify the element which causes ammonium dichromate to be coloured.
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q3b[1]
Identify the three ions in solid C. Tests on solution D Solution D is aqueous ammonium bromide. The student divides solution D into two approximately equal portions. Record the expected observations.
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q3c[1]
observations (c) To the first portion of solution D, the student adds aqueous sodium hydroxide in excess.
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q3e[1]
To the second portion of solution D, the student adds about 1 cm 3 of dilute nitric acid followed by a few drops of aqueous silver nitrate. observations
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · February/March 2026 · Q3c[3]
In Figure 3.1, complete the dot-and-cross diagram of the ions in sodium chloride. Give the charges on the ions. Na Cl
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · February/March 2026 · Q3c[1]
Identify solid A.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates correctly completed the dot and diagram. Limited responses • Some candidates showed the electron gained by chlorine from sodium as a ⚫ rather than as a x or gave the electron configuration of atoms.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/42 Q3(c) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates gave the correct identity of solid A. Limited responses • Some candidates identified only one of the ions in solid A.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/62 Q3(c) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates outlined a suitable method for producing crystals of hydrated chromium(III) nitrate. • Some candidates planned out their answers. They wrote the experimental plan in steps, and all steps were in a logical sequence and included details such as the apparatus required. Limited responses • Some candidates spent time at the start of their experimental plans tr...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/62 Q4 (Cambridge)
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