Properties of metals: past paper questions
Real questions on properties of metals
The newest 20 of 114 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q6f(ii)[2]
Name two elements in stainless steel, other than nickel. and
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(i)[1]
is used in the manufacture of overhead electrical cables because of its low density (i)
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · February/March 2026 · Q6a(i)[2]
Give two properties of aluminium that make it suitable for the manufacture of overhead electrical cables.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · February/March 2026 · Q6a(ii)[1]
Give one property of diamond that makes it suitable for use in cutting tools.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q1e[1]
is used in electrical wiring because of its good electrical conductivity and ductility.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q5d[1]
Potassium is an element in Group I of the Periodic Table. Elements in Group I have a low density and relatively low melting and boiling points. State one other physical property of potassium.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q5e(i)[3]
Describe what is observed when potassium is added to water.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[1]
is a metal which does not react with steam
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[1]
is used in food containers because of its resistance to corrosion
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[1]
is a metal that does not react with water, dilute acids or oxygen
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[2]
Table 5.1 shows the melting point and the boiling point of tin. Table 5.1 melting point / °C 232 boiling point / °C 2602 Use Table 5.1 to deduce the physical state of tin at 175 °C. (b) Tin is also in Group IV of the Periodic Table. physical state reason Give a reason for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[1]
Identify the element in Group II which has only five occupied electron shells.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[4]
Name and describe the type of bonding found in elements in Group II. description name
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(i)[1]
State the colour of the flame.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(iii)[1]
a metal which is liquid at 25 °C.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(i)[2]
Give two properties from the list that show how copper is similar to metals in Group I of the Periodic Table.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Give two properties from the list that show how copper is different from metals in Group I of the Periodic Table.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q1g[1]
an element used in food containers because of its resistance to corrosion
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[1]
State the meaning of the term alloy.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[1]
State one property of stainless steel that makes it suitable for cutlery.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates were able to give two correct properties of aluminium in the context of it being used in the manufacturing of overhead power cables. Limited responses • A few candidates confused the properties and answered with ‘high density’ and ‘does not conduct electricity’.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q6(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates knew that diamond is hard and so it is suitable for use in cutting tools.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q6(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Most candidates identified aluminium as the element used in food containers.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/31 Q1(g) (Cambridge)
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