0654.C2.4.01 — Describe the formation of positive ions, known as cations, and negative ions, known as anions: past paper questions
Real questions on 0654.c2.4.01 — describe the formation of positive ions, known as cations, and negative ions, known as anions
The newest 12 of 12 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0973/42 · May/June 2026 · Q6f(ii)[3]
Describe what happens when a magnesium atom bonds with an oxygen atom. Use ideas about electrons in your answer. Turn over
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · October/November 2025 · Q5c[3]
Fig. 5.1 shows the electronic structures of a sodium atom and an oxygen atom. Na O Fig. 5.1 (c) The Group I element sodium reacts with oxygen to make sodium oxide, Na 2 O. Draw the electronic structures of the sodium ion and oxide ion in sodium oxide. Include the charges on the ions.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2024 · Q2a(iv)[1]
a compound containing an ion with a 1+ charge
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2024 · Q11b[2]
When calcium atoms react, they change into calcium ions, Ca 2+ . Describe how calcium atoms change into calcium ions.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2023 · Q2c(ii)[1]
Suggest how many electrons this sulfur atom gains to become a sulfide ion S 2– .
See it on the paper → - 0973/41 · May/June 2023 · Q5b(i)[2]
A lithium atom bonds with a chlorine atom by ionic bonding. Fig. 5.2 shows the formation of a lithium ion, Li + , from a lithium atom. + Li Li Fig. 5.2 Draw a similar diagram to show the formation of a chloride ion, Cl – , from a chlorine atom.
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2022 · Q5b(i)[1]
A sodium atom, Na, can form a sodium ion, Na + . Describe how a sodium atom forms a sodium ion.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2021 · Q11b(i)[2]
Complete the diagrams in Fig. 11.2 to show the ions in potassium chloride. – + potassium ion chloride ion Fig. 11.2
See it on the paper → - 0973/32 · May/June 2021 · Q5c(ii)[1]
When potassium reacts with chlorine, potassium atoms become potassium ions. Describe what happens to a potassium atom when it becomes a potassium ion.
See it on the paper → - 0973/42 · May/June 2021 · Q13a[2]
State the formulae of all the ions present in concentrated aqueous sodium chloride.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · October/November 2020 · Q8d(ii)[2]
Explain why a potassium ion has an electrical charge of +1. Your answer should include: • • how a potassium ion is formed why it has a charge of +1.
See it on the paper → - 0973/31 · May/June 2020 · Q5d(ii)[2]
Potassium reacts with chlorine to form potassium chloride. Describe how the electronic structures of a potassium atom and of a chlorine atom change when potassium and chlorine react. change in potassium change in chlorine
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates answered this question well, gaining both marks. However, there was some confusion about the number of orbits to draw, consistency between the atom and the ion, and whether to draw just the atom or the ion. A few showed the bonding between lithium and chlorine.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0973/41 Q5(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Neutrons were also referred to in the responses of some candidates.
— Examiner report, October/November 2020, 0973/31 Q8(d)(ii) (Cambridge)
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