Uses of metals: past paper questions

Real questions on uses of metals

The newest 7 of 7 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0971/32 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(v)[1]

   is used in food containers because of its resistance to corrosion (v)

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2. 0971/31 · May/June 2023 · Q1f[1]

   is used in food containers because of its resistance to corrosion. [Total: 6]

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3. 0971/42 · May/June 2022 · Q1g[1]

   is used in food containers ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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4. 0971/32 · October/November 2021 · Q3d(i)[1]

   Give one use of stainless steel.

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5. 0971/31 · May/June 2021 · Q1a(v)[1]

   an atom of a metal used in food containers.

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6. 0971/32 · October/November 2020 · Q1a(iv)[1]

   is a metal used as an inert electrode

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7. 0971/32 · October/November 2019 · Q3b(ii)[1]

   State one other use of calcium carbonate in industry.

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What examiners said

The use of aluminium, Al, in food containers was recalled by the majority of candidates. Common errors included iron and a small but significant number of candidates suggested a gaseous element such as oxygen, O, or helium, He.

— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0971/31 Q1(f) (Cambridge)

Some candidates knew that aluminium is used to make food containers and identified the electronic configuration of aluminium. A variety of incorrect answers were seen, the commonest being C (magnesium).

— Examiner report, May/June 2021, 0971/31 Q1(a)(v) (Cambridge)

Few candidates identified the metal used as an inert electrode. The commonest incorrect answer was iron. Some candidates did not read the question carefully enough and chose potassium (a very reactive metal) or the non-metals iodine or carbon.

— Examiner report, October/November 2020, 0971/32 Q1(a)(iv) (Cambridge)