0653.C2.2.01 — Describe the structure of the atom as a central nucleus containing neutrons and protons, surrounded by electrons in shells: past paper questions
Real questions on 0653.c2.2.01 — describe the structure of the atom as a central nucleus containing neutrons and protons, surrounded by electrons in shells
The newest 11 of 11 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0653/33 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(i)[2]
Write a number in each gap to complete the sentence.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(ii)[2]
The electronic configuration of a potassium atom is 2,8,8,1. State two ways that the electronic configuration is related to the position of potassium in the Periodic Table.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(iii)[2]
Complete Table 6.1 with information about an electron. proton relative charge relative mass +1 1 electron Table 6.1
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · May/June 2025 · Q4d[1]
The noble gases are in Group VIII of the Periodic Table. Explain how the electronic configuration of neon affects its reactivity.
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2025 · Q4c[3]
The arrangement of particles in an atom of lithium is shown in Fig. 4.1. – – + + – Fig. 4.1 Complete the labels in Fig. 4.1 with the name of each particle in the atom. +
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · May/June 2024 · Q2c[2]
An atom of iron is represented as shown. 56 26 Fe Deduce the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in this atom. number of protons = number of neutrons = number of electrons =
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2024 · Q2a[2]
An atom of lithium is represented as shown. 7 Li 3 7 Complete Table 2.1 to show the number of protons, electrons and neutrons in one atom of 3 Li. Table 2.1 number of protons number of electrons number of neutrons
See it on the paper → - 0653/31 · October/November 2023 · Q2a(ii)[2]
Complete Fig. 2.1 to show the dot-and-cross diagram of a molecule of water. Show all of the outer shell electrons. H O H Fig. 2.1
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2023 · Q8a(iii)[2]
Chlorine is dissolved in a solvent to form aqueous chlorine. State the formula of the solvent and the formula of the solute in aqueous chlorine. solvent
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2023 · Q2b(i)[3]
Magnesium atoms can have different numbers of neutrons. One atom of magnesium is represented as shown. 26 12 Mg Use this information to complete Table 2.1 to show the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in this atom. Table 2.1 number of protons number of neutrons number of electrons
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2023 · Q2b(ii)[1]
State how a magnesium atom differs from a magnesium ion, Mg 2+ .
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Candidates had to state that neon has a full outer shell and this makes it unreactive. Some described the full outer shell but did not explain the effect this has on its reactivity.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/32 Q4(d) (Cambridge)
This question was generally answered well. Most candidates labelled the subatomic particles accurately.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0653/32 Q4(c) (Cambridge)
Many candidates drew the dot-and-cross diagram correctly. Common errors included writing an incorrect number of electrons in the covalent bonds or placing extra electrons in the orbits of both the oxygen and hydrogen atoms.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0653/31 Q2(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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