Elements, compounds and mixtures: past paper questions
Real questions on elements, compounds and mixtures
The newest 11 of 11 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0653/32 · May/June 2025 · Q4b[2]
Aqueous sodium chloride is a mixture of two compounds, sodium chloride and water. State one similarity and one difference between a compound and a mixture. similarity difference
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2024 · Q3a(iv)[1]
Explain why the reaction mixture is stirred in step 4.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2024 · Q3a(v)[1]
The temperature increase is not as large as expected because thermal (heat) energy is transferred to the surroundings. Suggest one improvement to the apparatus that will give a more accurate value for the thermal energy released.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2024 · Q3a(vi)[3]
Draw a diagram to show the assembled apparatus used to filter the mixture in step 6. Label the apparatus, the filtrate and the residue.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2024 · Q3b(i)[2]
The student adds aqueous ammonia slowly to solution H until there is no further change. State the observations the student makes.
See it on the paper → - 0653/62 · February/March 2024 · Q3b(ii)[1]
The student adds dilute nitric acid and then aqueous silver nitrate to solution H. The student observes a white precipitate. Identify the anion (negative ion) present in solution H. Tick (3) one box. carbonate chloride nitrate sulfate
See it on the paper → - 0653/31 · October/November 2023 · Q2a(i)[2]
State a chemical test for water and the observation for a positive result. test observation
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2023 · Q8a(iv)[1]
State why chlorine is used in the treatment of the water supply.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2022 · Q8a(ii)[2]
Air is a mixture. Carbon dioxide is a compound. Explain the difference between a mixture and a compound.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2022 · Q8b[2]
The concentration of oxygen in the air entering a car engine is greater than the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gases leaving the car. Explain why.
See it on the paper → - 0653/22 · May/June 2022 · Q2[1]
What will happen to structure X if this cell is immersed in distilled water or concentrated salty water?
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Candidates found this question demanding. The similarity is that a compound and a mixture both contain two or more different elements. The main difference is that in a mixture the elements are not combined chemically, but they are chemically combined in a compound. Answers that were not awarded credit included explanations using the words atoms, particles and substances.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/32 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
The main reason for stirring in this experiment was to ensure that the temperature was even across the mixture before the measurement of temperature was taken. Some candidates stated this. Others made the reasonable points that stirring ensures complete reaction or speeds up the reaction. These answers were awarded credit. However, many candidates stated that stirring is to mix the reactants which...
— Examiner report, February/March 2024, 0653/62 Q3(a)(iv) (Cambridge)
Most candidates suggested the use of insulation or a lid to prevent heat loss. A common error was to suggest an external source of heat, for example keeping it hot with a Bunsen Burner or heated water bath.
— Examiner report, February/March 2024, 0653/62 Q3(a)(v) (Cambridge)
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