Rate of reaction: past paper questions
Real questions on rate of reaction
The newest 20 of 100 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5070/21 · October/November 2025 · Q7b(i)[2]
Describe and explain the effect of increasing the temperature on the rate of the forward reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2025 · Q6e(i)[2]
The rate of decomposition increases as the temperature of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide increases. Explain why.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2025 · Q6e(ii)[1]
Manganese( IV ) oxide is a catalyst for the decomposition of aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Describe how a catalyst increases the rate of reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(ii)[1]
The reaction is catalysed using platinum metal. Explain how a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(iii)[2]
State and explain the effect of increasing the temperature on the rate of this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(iv)[2]
State and explain the effect of decreasing the pressure on the rate of this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(iii)[2]
State and explain the effect of increasing the temperature on the rate of this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(iv)[2]
Lumps of calcium carbonate are used instead of calcium carbonate powder. State and explain the effect of this change on the rate of this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(i)[2]
In another experiment, powdered copper( II ) carbonate is used instead of large pieces of copper( II ) carbonate. All other conditions and the mass of copper( II ) carbonate stay the same. Draw a line on the grid in Fig. 5.1 to show how the mass of the reaction mixture changes with time.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(ii)[2]
The initial experiment is repeated using large pieces of copper( II ) carbonate and hydrochloric acid of a higher concentration. All other conditions stay the same. Describe and explain the difference in rate of reaction when hydrochloric acid of a higher concentration is used.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(i)[1]
Describe how the shape of the curve in Fig. 5.1 shows that the rate of reaction decreases with time.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Explain in terms of collision theory why the rate of reaction decreases with time.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(iii)[2]
The student repeats the experiment using the same mass of powdered zinc instead of large pieces of zinc. All other conditions stay the same. Describe and explain the difference in rate of reaction when powdered zinc is used.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2024 · Q3b[2]
Describe and explain the effect of increasing the temperature on the rate of this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2024 · Q3c[2]
Describe and explain the effect of decreasing the concentration of ammonium nitrite on the rate of this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2024 · Q3b[2]
Describe and explain the effect of decreasing the temperature on the rate of this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2024 · Q3c[2]
Describe and explain the effect of increasing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide on the rate of this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2023 · Q2f(i)[1]
State how a catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2023 · Q3c[2]
The student repeats the experiment at 30 °C. All other conditions stay the same. Describe and explain, using collision theory, how the rate of reaction differs when a temperature of 30 °C is used.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2023 · Q3b(i)[1]
Deduce the volume of carbon dioxide gas released after 40 seconds. volume cm 3
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Lowering of activation energy was known by better performing candidates. Many others repeated the question stem by stating they speed up a reaction. ‘Alternative pathway’ was insufficient.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/21 Q2(f)(i) (Cambridge)
Most candidates appreciated that the reaction would be faster. The increase in kinetic energy of the particles was well known. Some discussed the reactants gaining kinetic energy or referred to a general increase in energy or thermal energy. Whilst many appreciated there would be more collisions, a high proportion of candidates did not discuss either more successful/effective collisions or more pa...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/21 Q3(c) (Cambridge)
A significant proportion of the candidates did not end their line at 46 cm3, other candidates did not appreciate that that gradient of the line was greater than the original. Some candidates did both of these errors. Some candidates did not show sufficient differentiation between the original line and their line and as a result it was not possible to assess if the gradient was greater than the ori...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/22 Q3(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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