0654.C11.1.01 — Draw and interpret the displayed formula of a molecule to show all the atoms and all the bonds: past paper questions

Real questions on 0654.c11.1.01 — draw and interpret the displayed formula of a molecule to show all the atoms and all the bonds

The newest 8 of 8 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0654/31 · May/June 2026 · Q6a[2]

   Draw the displayed formula of a molecule of methane, CH,.

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2. 0654/32 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(iii)[2]

   Draw the displayed formula of ethanol.

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3. 0654/32 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(iii)[2]

   Complete the dot-and-cross diagram in Fig. 6.1 to show the arrangement of electrons in a molecule of water. Draw the outer-shell electrons only. H O H

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4. 0654/33 · May/June 2024 · Q5a[2]

   Ethanol has the formula C 2 H 5 OH. Complete Fig. 5.1 to show the structure of an ethanol molecule. C C Fig. 5.1

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5. 0654/32 · February/March 2023 · Q8b[2]

   Complete Fig. 8.1 to show the structure of ethanol. C C Fig. 8.1

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6. 0654/32 · February/March 2023 · Q8c[2]

   State two ways of producing ethanol.

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7. 0654/32 · February/March 2023 · Q8f[1]

   Ethanol is used in alcoholic drinks. State one other use for ethanol.

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8. 0654/11 · May/June 2019 · Q15[1]

   What is the formula of this compound?

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What examiners said

Those that attempted a displayed formula generally gave a good representation. Common errors included adding a double bond (either between the carbons or between the carbon and oxygen) or adding the O and H the wrong way around. A significant number did not know what was required in a displayed formula and tried to write an equation for a reaction or just repeated the formula given.

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0654/32 Q6(a)(iii) (Cambridge)

A good number of candidates were able to draw the electronic structure correctly, with many more able to place two electrons correctly in one of the bonds. The placement of the electrons outside of the bond proved more challenging with many placing one or more around the hydrogen atoms. Some candidates expected the hydrogen atoms to have the same requirement of 8 electrons in the outer shell that...

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0654/32 Q6(b)(iii) (Cambridge)

Many candidates were able to draw the structural formula of ethanol. A few candidates replaced the –OH group with an OH– ion.

— Examiner report, February/March 2023, 0654/32 Q8(b) (Cambridge)