Separation and purification: past paper questions
Real questions on separation and purification
The newest 20 of 95 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/31 · May/June 2026 · Q4b(i)[4]
Outline how petroleum is separated by fractional distillation. In your answer, include: • • the property of the fractions which allows them to be separated a description of how fractional distillation separates the petroleum into fractions.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(iii)[1]
Name the piece of apparatus used to collect and measure the volume of carbon dioxide produced in this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q3e(ii)[1]
Name this technique of insoluble salt preparation.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q3e(iii)[3]
Describe how pure lead( II ) sulfate can be obtained from the reaction mixture.
See it on the paper → - 0620/61 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(i)[1]
Name the method of separation shown in Figure 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 0620/61 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(iii)[1]
Name the item of apparatus labelled B in Figure 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 0620/61 · May/June 2026 · Q1c(ii)[1]
Describe what the student should do to get crystals of hydrated copper( II ) sulfate from the aqueous copper( II ) sulfate obtained in step 3.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2c(ii)[1]
Name the method used to separate ethanol from the reaction mixture after fermentation has finished.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q3d[1]
The diagram in Fig. 3.1 shows the apparatus used to separate pure water from the sample of river water. river water pure water heat Fig. 3.1 Name the separation method shown in Fig. 3.1.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q7e(ii)[1]
Name a method to remove the excess copper( II ) carbonate from the mixture.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[1]
A sample of water is taken from a river. The sample contains some insoluble substances. State one method of removing the insoluble substances from the water.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3e[1]
The mixture is filtered in step 3. State the general term given to a solid left in the filter paper after filtration.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · October/November 2025 · Q5a(iv)[1]
The lead( II ) sulfate precipitate is separated from the rest of the reaction mixture by filtration. The impure lead( II ) sulfate remains on the filter paper. State the general term given to an insoluble substance that remains on the filter paper during filtration.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · October/November 2025 · Q5a(v)[2]
Describe how the lead( II ) sulfate is purified after filtration.
See it on the paper → - 0620/63 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[1]
Identify the item of apparatus labelled W in Fig. 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 0620/63 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[1]
Identify the item of apparatus labelled Y in Fig. 1.2.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(i)[1]
Name the process that separates petroleum into its useful components.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(ii)[1]
Fuel oil is obtained from petroleum. State one use of fuel oil.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q6b[1]
Crystals of copper( II ) chloride are prepared by adding excess copper( II ) oxide powder to dilute hydrochloric acid. Describe how to prepare a sample of pure, dry copper( II ) chloride crystals after the reaction is complete. In your answer, describe how to: • • • remove the excess copper( II ) oxide from the reactio...
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(ii)[1]
Petroleum is a mixture of hydrocarbons. Outline how petroleum is separated into its useful components. Include in your answer: • • • the name of the separation technique the property of the hydrocarbons which allows them to be separated a description of how this technique separates the petroleum into its useful compone...
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates could answer with the separation technique of fractional distillation or filtration. Limited responses • Some used the term evaporation or boiling instead of a correct separation technique.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q2(c)(ii) (Cambridge)
The distinction between fractional distillation and cracking confused many candidates. Some candidates were close with ‘distillation’, but fractional distillation is required.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/31 Q4(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Few candidates recalled the use of fuel oil as the fuel for ships or home heating systems. The most common answer was fuel for cars.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/31 Q4(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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