0653.C2.2.05 — Determine the electronic configuration of elements with proton number 1 to 20, e.g. 2,8,3: past paper questions
Real questions on 0653.c2.2.05 — determine the electronic configuration of elements with proton number 1 to 20, e.g. 2,8,3
The newest 9 of 9 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0653/31 · May/June 2025 · Q5d[1]
The proton number of magnesium is 12. Determine the electronic configuration of magnesium.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2023 · Q5a[1]
Methane is the main constituent of natural gas. Complete the word equation for the complete combustion of methane. methane + +
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2023 · Q5c(i)[1]
State the name of the process that is used to produce alkenes.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2023 · Q8a(i)[1]
State what is meant by the term molecule.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2023 · Q8b(i)[2]
Deduce the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of this atom. protons
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2023 · Q8b(ii)[2]
State the number of electrons in the outer shell of a chlorine atom and in the outer shell of a chloride ion, Cl – . Cl atom –
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2023 · Q8c[2]
State why chlorine does not react with neon, a Group VIII element. Use ideas about electronic structure in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0653/22 · May/June 2023 · Q15[1]
What is the definition of nucleon number?
See it on the paper → - 0653/11 · October/November 2022 · Q20[1]
What is substance J?
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Some candidates knew the correct electronic configuration of magnesium, 2,8,2. This configuration shows the electrons in each shell of the atom. Other candidates wrote 12. This is correct for the total number of electrons, but it does not give information about the electrons in each shell.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/31 Q5(d) (Cambridge)
The equation for the complete combustion of methane was not known by many candidates. The main error was writing hydrogen instead of water as one of the products. Some candidates omitted to place oxygen in the box for the missing reactant. Candidates are reminded that for the complete combustion of fossil fuels there must be a plentiful supply of oxygen.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0653/33 Q5(a) (Cambridge)
Few candidates gave the correct answer, cracking. Some responses stated heating. These responses did not get the mark because the reaction also requires a catalyst and the exclusion of oxygen.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0653/33 Q5(c)(i) (Cambridge)
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