Atomic structure and the Periodic Table: past paper questions
Real questions on atomic structure and the periodic table
The newest 20 of 50 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5070/21 · October/November 2025 · Q2c[2]
Show by calculation that the relative atomic mass of sulfur for this sample is 32.09.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[1]
in aqueous solution, reacts with an excess of aqueous ammonia to give a dark blue solution
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2025 · Q2a(ii)[1]
State one other property of graphite that makes it suitable for use as an electrode during electrolysis.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2025 · Q6c(i)[2]
State the oxidation number of chlorine in Cl 2 and in Cl – . Cl –
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1c[1]
dissolves to form a dark purple aqueous solution
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2024 · Q1b[2]
Deduce the number of protons and neutrons in the chromium atom shown. 53 Cr 24 number of protons
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(iii)[1]
an atom of an element in Group V of the Periodic Table
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2024 · Q1b[2]
Deduce the number of protons and neutrons in the vanadium atom shown. 51 23 V number of protons
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2024 · Q6c[1]
Complete Fig. 6.2 to show the dot-and-cross diagram for the electronic configuration of hydrazine. Show only the outer shell electrons. H H N N H H
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2024 · Q7d[3]
The symbol of a sulfide ion is shown. 33 2– 16 S Complete Table 7.1 about this sulfide ion. Table 7.1 particle number of particles electrons neutrons protons
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2023 · Q2b[2]
Complete the diagram in Fig. 2.1 to show the electronic configuration of a potassium ion. Include the charge on the ion. K Fig. 2.1
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2023 · Q2d[2]
Deduce the number of protons and neutrons in the copper atom shown. 65 Cu 29 number of protons number of neutrons
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2023 · Q4d(ii)[1]
State the oxidation number of the Zn 2+ ion.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2023 · Q1e[1]
contains an anion with a charge of –2.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2023 · Q2b[2]
Deduce the number of protons and neutrons in the chromium atom shown. 53 24 Cr number of protons number of neutrons
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2023 · Q2d[2]
Complete the diagram in Fig. 2.1 to show the electronic configuration of a sodium ion. Include the charge on the ion. Na Fig. 2.1
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2023 · Q2b(ii)[1]
State the oxidation number of hydrogen in H 2 .
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2023 · Q4a[3]
The formula for a nitride ion can be written as 157 N 3– . Complete Table 4.1 to show the number of particles in this nitride ion. Table 4.1 particle number of particles electron neutron proton
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2022 · Q8c[2]
The full symbol of an ion of mercury is shown. 199 80 Hg 2+ Deduce the number of electrons and neutrons in this ion. number of electrons number of neutrons
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2022 · Q8c[2]
The full symbol of an ion of cerium is shown. 140 58 Ce 3+ Deduce the number of electrons and neutrons in this ion. number of electrons number of neutrons
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The electronic configuration was well known by the majority of candidates. Incorrect responses included 1−, 2+, 2.8.8.1, 2.8.7, 4.8.8. and 2.8.9.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/21 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
Almost all candidates surmised the numbers of protons and neutrons correctly. Common incorrect responses included 32, 65 and 36 for the number of protons and 65 and 29 for the number of neutrons.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/21 Q2(d) (Cambridge)
Candidates gave lots of different answers including covalent molecules such as nitrogen dioxide and the ionic salts magnesium chloride and sodium bromide.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/22 Q1(e) (Cambridge)
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