The characteristic properties of acids and bases: past paper questions
Real questions on the characteristic properties of acids and bases
The newest 20 of 160 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q3c(i)[1]
Write the formula of the ion that is in all acids.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q3c(ii)[1]
Choose the pH value for an acidic solution. Draw a circle around your chosen answer. pH 7 pH 9 pH 2 pH 12
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(v)[1]
turns damp red litmus paper blue
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3d(i)[1]
Sodium hydroxide is an alkali. State the meaning of the term alkali.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2026 · Q3d(ii)[2]
Dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide is added to a solution of thymolphthalein indicator in acid until the sodium hydroxide is in excess. State the colour change seen. from to
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q6a(i)[1]
State the meaning of the term amphoteric. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0620/63 · May/June 2026 · Q3a[1]
State what conclusion can be made about solution A from the observations in test 1.
See it on the paper → - 0620/63 · May/June 2026 · Q3b[1]
State what conclusion can be made about solution A from the observations in test 2.
See it on the paper → - 0620/63 · May/June 2026 · Q3c[1]
A flame test is used to confirm the identity of the cation in solution A. Describe how to carry out a flame test.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · February/March 2026 · Q4d(i)[2]
Potassium hydroxide is an alkali. State the colour change observed when excess aqueous potassium hydroxide is added to a solution of dilute hydrochloric acid with methyl orange indicator. from to
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · February/March 2026 · Q4d(ii)[1]
Give the formula of the ion that is present in all aqueous alkalis.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · February/March 2026 · Q4d(iii)[1]
Choose the pH value of an alkali. Draw a circle around your chosen answer.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · February/March 2026 · Q3a(i)[1]
State the colour of the flame sodium metal burns with before it is placed into the chlorine gas in method 1.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · February/March 2026 · Q3a(ii)[1]
State the colour of the chlorine gas before the burning sodium metal is added to it in method 1.
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q6c(ii)[2]
Complete the word equation for the reaction of calcium with ethanoic acid. + ethanoic + calcium
See it on the paper → - 0620/31 · October/November 2025 · Q7d(i)[1]
Explain what is meant by the term inert.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(ii)[1]
State the name of the PO 43 – ion.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(iii)[2]
Describe a test to identify the presence of nitrate ions, NO 3– , in a sample of water. test
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(iv)[1]
Calculate the mass of sodium ions, Na + , in 200 cm 3 of the contaminated water. mass = mg
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · October/November 2025 · Q5e(i)[1]
Choose the pH value of dilute nitric acid. Draw a circle around your chosen answer.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • A few candidates did know the colour change of the methyl orange indicator. Limited responses • Some candidates confused the colours and got them the other way around. • Many candidates did not know the correct colours and would benefit with more practice of the different colours of indicators in acids and alkalis.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q4(d)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Some candidates knew the correct formula of the ion. Limited responses • Many candidates confused the formula and also gave equations.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q4(d)(ii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates could circle the correct value for the pH of an alkali.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q4(d)(iii) (Cambridge)
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