Acids, bases and salts: past paper questions
Real questions on acids, bases and salts
The newest 20 of 52 written questions, plus 19 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5129/21 · October/November 2025 · Q8b[1]
neutralisation
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · October/November 2025 · Q14a[1]
State the name of the salt produced in the reaction.
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · October/November 2025 · Q14b[2]
Describe the test and the result of the test that confirms that hydrogen gas is produced. test result
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · October/November 2025 · Q8d[1]
a test for bromide ions
See it on the paper → - 5129/31 · October/November 2025 · Q2c[1]
The student looks at the universal indicator paper and concludes that the filtrate has a pH value of 2. Describe what the student observes that leads to this conclusion.
See it on the paper → - 5129/32 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(ii)[1]
The student places the white solid into a test-tube and adds water. A solution is formed. The student tests the solution with universal indicator paper and concludes that the solution has a pH value of 14. Describe what the student observes that leads to this conclusion. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 5129/32 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(iii)[1]
Use the information from (d)(ii) to identify the anion present in the solution.
See it on the paper → - 5129/32 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(iv)[1]
The student places some of the solution from (d)(ii) into a test-tube and adds litmus solution. The student then adds dilute hydrochloric acid to the test-tube until no further change is seen. Describe the colour change that is observed.
See it on the paper → - 5129/32 · October/November 2025 · Q4[7]
When ammonium nitrate is dissolved in water, the temperature of the solution formed is lower than the starting temperature of the water. A student states: ‘The greater the mass of ammonium nitrate dissolved in the water, the more the temperature of the solution decreases.’ solid ammonium nitrate distilled water any app...
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5c[1]
State the name of an acid that contains sulfate ions.
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · October/November 2024 · Q3b(iii)[1]
Describe how the pH of the contents of the conical flask changes as the sulfur trioxide is mixed with water.
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · October/November 2024 · Q3b(iv)[1]
Describe how the pH of the contents of the conical flask is measured.
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · October/November 2024 · Q3c[1]
A solution of sulfuric acid has a concentration of 10 g / dm 3 . Calculate the mass of sulfuric acid that is dissolved in 250 cm 3 of the solution. [1 dm 3 = 1000 cm 3 ] mass = g
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · October/November 2024 · Q6a(i)[2]
calcium carbonate Complete the word equation for the reaction. + hydrochloric acid + + carbon dioxide
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · October/November 2024 · Q6a(ii)[1]
State the name of the piece of apparatus that the student uses to measure the volume of carbon dioxide gas produced.
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · October/November 2024 · Q6a(iii)[2]
Describe a test and the result of the test that shows that carbon dioxide gas is produced. test
See it on the paper → - 5129/21 · May/June 2024 · Q7d[1]
has a pH above 7 when dissolved in water
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · May/June 2024 · Q3b[1]
State the colour of bromine liquid at room temperature and pressure.
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · May/June 2024 · Q6b[1]
forms carbon dioxide when it reacts with acids
See it on the paper → - 5129/22 · May/June 2024 · Q6d[1]
has a pH below 7 when dissolved in water
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Only the most able candidates recalled that acidity is explained by the presence of hydrogen ions.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5129/21 Q10(d) (Cambridge)
Very few candidates recalled that the reaction with water (H2O → H+ + OH–) produces the hydroxide ion which causes the solution to be alkaline.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 5129/21 Q12(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Most candidates suggested an appropriate pH value for an alkaline solution.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 5129/21 Q12(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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