O Level Chemistry 5070 · Topic 8

The Periodic Table: past paper questions

103 real questionsasked in 5 of the last 10 exam series2019–2024usually: State, Use, Describe, Name, Explain

Real questions on the periodic table

The newest 20 of 31 written questions, plus 72 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.

5070/21 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(i)[1]
an atom of an element in Group VI of the Periodic Table
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5070/21 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(ii)[1]
an atom that forms an ion that gives a lilac colour in a flame test
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5070/21 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(iv)[1]
an atom of an element that is used in the treatment of the domestic water supply to remove tastes and odours
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5070/21 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(v)[1]
an atom that forms a stable ion by losing two electrons.
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5070/22 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(iv)[1]
an atom of an element in Period 3 of the Periodic Table
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5070/21 · October/November 2023 · Q2a[2]
Potassium is an element in Group I of the Periodic Table. Copper is a transition element. State two physical properties of potassium that are different from those of copper.
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5070/22 · October/November 2023 · Q2a[2]
Chromium is a transition element. Sodium is an element in Group I of the Periodic Table. State two physical properties of chromium that are different to those of sodium.
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5070/22 · October/November 2022 · Q1c[1]
is about one percent by volume of dry air
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5070/22 · October/November 2022 · Q1e[1]
forms an ion with a charge of –2.
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5070/22 · October/November 2022 · Q2b(i)[1]
State the colour of Br 2 (aq).
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5070/21 · October/November 2021 · Q10a(ii)[1]
Describe the general trend in the boiling points of the Group IV elements.
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5070/22 · October/November 2021 · Q10a(ii)[1]
suggest why it is difficult to predict the melting point of arsenic.
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5070/41 · October/November 2021 · Q5a[1]
R is dissolved in water. The solution is divided into three portions for tests (b), (c) and (d). A coloured solution forms.
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5070/21 · May/June 2021 · Q2a[1]
Name the noble gas which has the greatest volume composition in air.
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5070/21 · May/June 2021 · Q2b[1]
State one use for helium.
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5070/21 · May/June 2021 · Q2c[1]
Radon is very unreactive. Use the electronic structure of radon to explain why.
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5070/22 · May/June 2021 · Q8a(i)[1]
Use the Periodic Table to state the number of occupied electron shells in an atom of lead.
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5070/22 · May/June 2021 · Q8a(ii)[1]
Use the Periodic Table to state the number of electrons in the outer shell of an atom of lead.
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5070/21 · October/November 2020 · Q4b(i)[1]
State the trend in the colour of the halogens from chlorine to iodine.
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5070/22 · October/November 2020 · Q4c(ii)[1]
Describe the trend in reactivity of the Group I elements lithium, sodium and potassium.
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What examiners said

Many candidates recalled one or two physical properties which were different between the two metals. Many chose physical properties which were similar such as malleable and ductile or gave chemical properties such as catalysis, variable oxidation states, reaction with water or coloured compounds.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/21 Q2(a) (Cambridge)

Some candidates could not distinguish between chemical and physical properties often referring to chromium having coloured compounds and having varying oxidation states in its compounds. The most common answers referred to chromium being hard and having a high density. Candidates did not need to give comparative answers but had to make it clear if the property was related to chromium or sodium.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5070/22 Q2(a) (Cambridge)

Some candidates were not able to recognise Ar and a common incorrect answer was C.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 5070/22 Q1(c) (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Practise the periodic table

In the syllabus

8.1 Arrangement of elements

Describe the Periodic Table as an arrangement of elements in periods and groups and in order of increasing proton number / atomic number
Describe the change from metallic to non-metallic character across a period
Describe the relationship between group number and the charge of the ions formed from elements in that group
Explain similarities in the chemical properties of elements in the same group of the Periodic Table in terms of their electronic configuration
Explain how the position of an element in the Periodic Table can be used to predict its properties
Identify trends in groups, given information about the elements

8.2 Group I properties

Describe the Group I alkali metals, lithium, sodium and potassium, as relatively soft metals with general trends down the group, limited to: (a) decreasing melting point (b) increasing density (c) increasing reactivity
Predict the properties of other elements in Group I, given information about the elements

8.3 Group VII properties

Describe the Group VII halogens, chlorine, bromine and iodine, as diatomic non-metals with general trends down the group, limited to: (a) increasing density (b) decreasing reactivity
State the appearance of the halogens at r.t.p. as: (a) chlorine, a pale yellow-green gas (b) bromine, a red-brown liquid (c) iodine, a grey-black solid
Describe and explain the displacement reactions of halogens with other halide ions
Predict the properties of other elements in Group VII, given information about the elements

8.4 Transition elements

Describe the transition elements as metals that: (a) have high densities (b) have high melting points (c) have variable oxidation numbers (d) form coloured compounds (e) often act as catalysts as elements and in compounds

8.5 Noble gases

Describe the Group VIII noble gases as unreactive, monatomic gases and explain this in terms of electronic configuration

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