Simple molecules and covalent bonds: past paper questions
Real questions on simple molecules and covalent bonds
The newest 20 of 56 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5070/21 · October/November 2025 · Q4c(i)[1]
Name the two products of this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2025 · Q6a[2]
Include only the outer shell electrons of each atom. (a) Draw a dot-and-cross diagram to show the electronic arrangement in a molecule of ethyne.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2025 · Q6a[2]
Draw the dot-and-cross diagram to show the electronic arrangement in a molecule of hydrogen peroxide. Only draw the outer shell electrons of oxygen and hydrogen.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2025 · Q8a[1]
Explain why X is unsaturated.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2025 · Q8b[2]
Describe the observations when X reacts with aqueous bromine.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2025 · Q8c[1]
X is a weak acid. Describe the meaning of the term weak in weak acid.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2025 · Q8e[2]
Describe how an ester is prepared from X.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2025 · Q8f(i)[1]
Describe how ethanoic acid is made from ethanol.
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2025 · Q3e[1]
Draw a dot‑and‑cross diagram to show the electronic configuration in a molecule of methane. Show only the outer shell electrons.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[1]
gives a yellow flame test colour
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2024 · Q6c[1]
Complete Fig. 6.2 to show the dot-and-cross diagram for the electronic configuration of disulfur dichloride. Show only the outer shell electrons. Cl S S Cl
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2024 · Q9b[1]
PET is a condensation polymer. Name the type of linkage that bonds the repeat units to one another in PET.
See it on the paper → - 5070/41 · May/June 2024 · Q1b[1]
The student washes the apparatus in Fig. 1.2 before it is used. State the substance used to wash the apparatus.
See it on the paper → - 5070/41 · May/June 2024 · Q1c[1]
Describe the colour change of the methyl orange at the end-point. from to
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · October/November 2023 · Q4e[2]
Sulfur dibromide is produced when sulfur reacts with bromine. Complete Fig. 4.1 to show the dot‑and‑cross diagram for a molecule of sulfur dibromide. Show only the outer shell electrons. S Br Br Fig. 4.1
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2023 · Q4e[2]
Phosphorus( III ) iodide is produced when phosphorus reacts with iodine. Complete Fig. 4.1 to show the dot-and-cross diagram for a molecule of phosphorus( III ) iodide. Show only the outer shell electrons. I P I I Fig. 4.1
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · October/November 2023 · Q9a(i)[3]
the difference in the melting points of diamond and iodine
See it on the paper → - 5070/21 · May/June 2023 · Q3c(i)[1]
Name the acid and the alkali used. acid alkali
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2023 · Q10b(i)[1]
Name the linkage present in PET.
See it on the paper → - 5070/22 · May/June 2023 · Q10b(ii)[2]
Proteins and PET are both made by condensation polymerisation. Describe the differences polymerisation. between condensation polymerisation and addition
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates drew 2 correct single bonds between the S and Br; some put 3 or 4 electrons into each bond. The non-bonding electrons proved more difficult with many either omitting them altogether or putting 5 instead of 6.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/21 Q4(e) (Cambridge)
Candidate were often able to get the bonding pairs correct but struggled to get all the non-bonding electrons correct. Candidates did not need to draw the non-bonding electrons as pairs but it might help some candidates to ensure they include the correct number of electrons.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/22 Q4(e) (Cambridge)
Candidates found this question very challenging. Many candidates mentioned intermolecular forces when describing diamond even when they correctly identified the structure as giant molecular or giant covalent. The idea of a lattice with many strong covalent bonds was poorly expressed for diamond. In terms of iodine, the candidates were more likely to be awarded credit for weak intermolecular forces...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/22 Q9(a)(i) (Cambridge)
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