Rate of reaction: past paper questions
Real questions on rate of reaction
The newest 20 of 290 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/31 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(iv)[1]
Explain why the reaction finishes.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(vi)[1]
State how the rate of reaction differs, if at all, when larger pieces of magnesium are used.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2026 · Q3c(i)[1]
State how the rate of reaction differs, if at all, when a catalyst is added.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2026 · Q3c(ii)[3]
Describe how the student can show the catalyst is unchanged at the end of the reaction. In your answer, include how the catalyst is separated from the reaction mixture.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(iv)[1]
State how the rate of reaction differs, if at all, when a higher temperature is used.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(v)[1]
State how the rate of reaction differs, if at all, when a lower concentration of dilute sulfuric acid is used.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(ii)[1]
Deduce the mass of the reaction mixture at 40 s. mass = g
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(iii)[1]
On Figure 3.1, draw an X to show where the rate of reaction is the fastest.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(iv)[2]
The student repeats the experiment using the same volume of dilute hydrochloric acid but with smaller pieces of calcium carbonate. Draw a line on the grid in Figure 3.1 to show how the mass of the reaction mixture changes when smaller pieces of calcium carbonate are used.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(v)[1]
State how the rate of reaction differs, if at all, when a higher temperature is used.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(vi)[1]
State how the rate of reaction differs, if at all, when a catalyst is added.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q4c(i)[1]
Explain why the rate of reaction is highest at the start of the reaction.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q4c(ii)[1]
Explain why the reaction stops.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q4d[3]
The experiment is repeated at a lower temperature. Explain why the rate of reaction is lower at the lower temperature.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q4b[1]
The rate of reaction is highest at the start of the reaction. The rate of reaction decreases as time increases. The rate of reaction eventually becomes zero because the reaction stops. Explain why the rate of reaction decreases as time increases.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q4c[3]
The experiment is repeated at a higher temperature. All other conditions remain the same. Explain why the rate of reaction is greater at the higher temperature.
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q2c(i)[1]
Calculate the mean rate of reaction in Experiment 3. Give units for the mean rate you have calculated. mean rate of reaction =
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q2c(ii)[1]
State which Experiment, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, has the highest mean rate of reaction.
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q2d[1]
Use your graph in Figure 2.2 to predict the volume of gas collected in 75 seconds if the volume of distilled water is 77 cm 3 . Show your working on Figure 2.2.
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q2f(i)[1]
State the effect, if any, the gas escaping has on the volume of gas collected in 75 seconds.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Some candidates could answer this question in terms of how the time taken changed. Limited responses • Many candidates confused time taken with rate in this question.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q4(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Some candidates were able to define the term catalyst using the two main points in the definition. • Many candidates were able to write down one of the points. Limited responses • Some candidates were confused with the definition and would benefit with more practice of definitions.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q4(c) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates correctly stated the effect of temperature decrease and catalyst removal on the rate of the reaction and some candidates were able to predict correctly the effect of the changes on concentration of methanol. Limited responses • Some candidates thought that the effect on the rate would be the same as the effect on the concentration of methanol.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/42 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
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