Simple molecules and covalent bonds: past paper questions
Real questions on simple molecules and covalent bonds
The newest 20 of 47 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0971/32 · 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. y * G <> Figure 2.1
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2026 · Q5d[3]
On Figure 5.2, complete the dot-and-cross diagram of a molecule of nitrogen trifluoride. ©) Figure 5.2 Turn over
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · 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 → - 0971/31 · May/June 2025 · Q3b(iv)[1]
State the type of bonding between the atoms in sulfur dioxide.
See it on the paper → - 0971/31 · 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 → - 0971/41 · May/June 2025 · Q4a[2]
Complete the dot-and-cross diagram in Fig. 4.1 to show the electronic configuration in a nitrogen molecule. Show outer-shell electrons only. N N
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2025 · Q1g[1]
number of covalent bonds in one molecule of ethanol
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2a[2]
State what is meant by a covalent bond.
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2b(ii)[3]
Complete the dot-and-cross diagram in Fig. 2.1 of a molecule of chlorine( I ) oxide. Show outer electrons only. Cl O Cl Fig. 2.1
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2b(iii)[3]
Explain, in terms of structure and bonding, why Cl 2 O boils at a low temperature and does not thermally decompose into its constituent elements, Cl 2 and O 2 .
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2b(iv)[2]
Give two reasons why liquid Cl 2 O is a poor conductor of electricity.
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · October/November 2024 · Q2a(i)[2]
State two physical properties of a compound with a simple molecular structure.
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · October/November 2024 · Q2a(ii)[1]
Hydrogen chloride is a molecule with a covalent bond. Complete this sentence about a covalent bond. A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share a pair of .
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · October/November 2024 · Q2a(iii)[2]
Complete Fig. 2.1 to show the dot-and-cross diagram for a molecule of hydrogen chloride. Show outer shell electrons only. H Cl
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2024 · Q1a[1]
is an element with a triple bond
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2024 · Q1b[1]
is a product of photosynthesis
See it on the paper → - 0971/42 · October/November 2024 · Q3c[3]
Complete the dot-and-cross diagram in Fig. 3.1 of a molecule of chloride Q, SCl 2 . S Cl Cl Show outer electrons only.
See it on the paper → - 0971/31 · May/June 2024 · Q1b[2]
Complete Fig. 1.2 to show the dot-and-cross diagram for structure C. Show the outer shell electrons only. O H H Fig. 1.2 [Total: 8]
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · May/June 2024 · Q1b[2]
Complete Fig. 1.2 to show the dot-and-cross diagram for structure G. Show the outer electron shells only. H N H H Fig. 1.2 [Total: 8]
See it on the paper → - 0971/32 · May/June 2024 · Q8c(ii)[1]
State the type of bonding in a methane molecule.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
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, 0971/31 Q3(b)(iv) (Cambridge)
Some incorrectly used the density to identify the simple molecules. Candidates should be able to identify low melting point as a property of simple molecules, but some described the values given as ‘normal melting points’ which is unclear.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0971/31 Q6(d) (Cambridge)
This was answered well. The most common incorrect answers showed either two or four shared electrons. A small number of candidates used only dots or only crosses.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0971/41 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
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