Simple molecules and covalent bonds: past paper questions
Real questions on simple molecules and covalent bonds
The newest 20 of 104 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q2c[2]
Complete Figure 2.1 to show the dot-and-cross diagram for a molecule of ammonia. Show outer shell electrons only. H N H H
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q2a[1]
Halogens exist as diatomic molecules. Explain what is meant by the term diatomic.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q2c[2]
Complete Figure 2.1 to show the dot-and-cross diagram for a molecule of fluorine. Show outer shell electrons only. F F
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(i)[2]
In Figure 3.2, complete the dot-and-cross diagram of a molecule of fluorine. Show outer shell electrons only. F F
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(iii)[1]
Name C.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(iv)[1]
Name D.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q6c[1]
The structural formula of B, CH 3 CH 2 OH, can also be written as C 2 H 5 OH. Explain why the structural formula C 3 H 7 OH does not identify C.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(i)[2]
Complete the dot–and-cross diagram in Figure 3.2 of a molecule of oxygen. Show outer shell electrons only. O O
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q7b(iv)[2]
Polyesters are condensation polymers. Condensation polymers are made from two monomers. Name the two types of monomers used to produce polyesters.
See it on the paper → - 0620/61 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(ii)[1]
Identify the residue, A, in Figure 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 0620/61 · May/June 2026 · Q1c(i)[1]
Name the white solid the student obtains.
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1d[1]
State which alkane is collected first. Give a reason for your answer. alkane
See it on the paper → - 0620/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1e[1]
State what, if anything, is left in the flask at the end of the experiment. Explain your answer. left in flask explanation
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · February/March 2026 · Q4e[3]
In Figure 4.3, complete the dot-and-cross diagram of a molecule of methanol. H C O H H H
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · October/November 2025 · Q4h(i)[2]
Ethanol can be used to make jet fuel. Draw the displayed formula of ethanol. Show all the atoms and all the bonds.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · October/November 2025 · Q4h(ii)[3]
Ethanol can be manufactured from ethene and one other reactant. Name the other reactant, and state the temperature and pressure used. reactant temperature °C
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q3b(iv)[1]
State the type of bonding between the atoms in sulfur dioxide.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q4e(ii)[1]
Explain why the molecule in Fig. 4.1 is unsaturated.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · May/June 2025 · Q6d[1]
Table 6.2 shows some properties of five compounds, A, B, C, D and E. Table 6.2 compound electrical conductivity when molten density in g / cm 3 melting point in °C A does not conduct 3.53 1856 B does not conduct 1.57 –157 C conducts 1.93 110 D conducts 3.03 1256 E does not conduct 4.93 –83 State which two of the compou...
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2025 · Q2f[2]
Water is a simple molecular compound. Complete the dot-and-cross diagram in Fig. 2.2 for a molecule of water. Show outer electrons only. H O H Fig. 2.2
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates produced dot and cross diagrams that fully complied with the conventions used when drawing such diagrams. Limited responses • Some candidates used two dots to represent the O–H bond. • Some candidates drew the C–O as being double. • Another common error was the omission of all the non-bonding electrons from the oxygen atom. • Some candidates used crosses...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/42 Q4(e) (Cambridge)
Although a majority of candidates answered this correctly, a significant number suggested ‘ionic’, ‘metallic’ or ‘single’. Whilst ‘chemical bonding’ is correct it is not sufficiently accurate for credit.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/31 Q3(b)(iv) (Cambridge)
Many correctly identified unsaturation as the presence of the carbon-to-carbon double bond, C=C. A common error was to state ‘double bond’ without reference to the two carbon atoms. The molecule shown contains a C=O bond which, on its own, would not qualify the molecule as unsaturated
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/31 Q4(e)(ii) (Cambridge)
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