Physical and chemical changes: past paper questions
Real questions on physical and chemical changes
The newest 20 of 134 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0971/32 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(i)[2]
Complete the symbol equation for this reaction. tenes K + .. — 2KOH + H,
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(ii)[1]
Bubbles of hydrogen gas are observed. State the test for hydrogen gas.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(ii)[1]
Name the weak attractions that are overcome when bromine boils.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2026 · Q3a[1]
(a) Complete the equation for this reaction. ZnNCOg HySOg ZNSOg .......... ..........
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2026 · Q3b[1]
Name one other zinc compound that reacts with dilute sulfuric acid to produce zinc sulfate.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2026 · Q3c[1]
The reaction is complete when no more zinc carbonate dissolves and a white solid of excess zinc carbonate is seen in the reaction mixture. State one other observation which shows the reaction is complete.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(ii)[2]
Write the symbol equation for the reaction in the Haber process.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(iii)[1]
State the typical pressure, in kPa, used in the Haber process.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2026 · Q6f(ii)[1]
Name the other product formed.
See it on the paper → - 0971/62 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(ii)[1]
Explain why a Bunsen burner should not be used to heat the apparatus.
See it on the paper → - 0971/62 · May/June 2026 · Q3c[1]
(c) To the first portion of solution D, the student adds aqueous sodium hydroxide in excess. ODSErVALIONS .......... .......... .......... ..........
See it on the paper → - 0971/62 · May/June 2026 · Q3d[1]
(d) The student gently warms the product from 3(c). Any gas given off is tested. ODSErVALIONS .......... .......... .......... ..........
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · October/November 2025 · Q4g(i)[1]
In excess oxygen, decane undergoes complete combustion to produce carbon dioxide and one other product. Identify this other product.
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · 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 → - 0971/32 · October/November 2025 · Q5d(i)[3]
Describe what is observed when sodium is added to water.
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · October/November 2025 · Q5d(ii)[1]
Complete the word equation for the reaction of sodium with water. sodium + water + hydrogen
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · October/November 2025 · Q5e[2]
Sodium carbonate reacts with sulfuric acid to form sodium sulfate, carbon dioxide and one other product. Complete the symbol equation for this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · October/November 2025 · Q5f(i)[2]
State the colour change observed when sodium hydroxide is added to water containing thymolphthalein. from to
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[3]
Name each physical change: • solid to liquid • gas to liquid (b) Substances can physically change.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2c(ii)[2]
Describe a test for aqueous Fe 2+ ions. test observations
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Qualitative tests were not well recalled. Some candidates confused the use of a lit splint with the flame test. Although it is a common term, ‘the pop test’ does not describe the action required and credit was not awarded.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0971/31 Q5(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
When writing chemical names, candidates should make their answer as clear as possible. Some candidates appeared to write ‘magnesium nitrite’, which is incorrect. Other common errors included ‘hydrogen’, ‘carbon oxide’ or the formula ‘H2O’ or ‘CO2’ rather than the chemical name.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0971/31 Q6(a) (Cambridge)
Most candidates could balance the species. A few incorrectly gave 2H rather than H2 or created an extra oxygen atom to give H2O.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0971/31 Q7(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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