Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (9-1) 0971 — 2020 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2
0971/12/O/N/20 · 40 questions · 40 marks · ≈45 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper16 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · ‘The movement of a substance very slowly from an area of high concentration to an area of…
1 ‘The movement of a substance very slowly from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.’ Which process is being described? A a liquid being frozen B a solid melting C a substance diffusing through a liquid D a substance diffusing through the air
Mark scheme: C
Q2 · Oxygen melts at –219 C and boils at –183 C
2 Oxygen melts at –219 C and boils at –183 C. At which temperature is oxygen a liquid? A –225 C B –189 C C –175 C D 25 C
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · Which diagram shows a burette?
3 Which diagram shows a burette? A B C D
Mark scheme: D
Q4 · In the chromatography experiment shown, which label represents the solvent front?
4 In the chromatography experiment shown, which label represents the solvent front? A B D C
Mark scheme: A
Q5 · Different methods of separation rely on substances having different properties
5 Different methods of separation rely on substances having different properties. Which property does distillation make use of? A boiling point B colour C particle size D solubility in different solvents
Mark scheme: A
Q6 · Which statement about atomic structure is correct?
6 Which statement about atomic structure is correct? A Isotopes have a different nucleon number but the same proton number. B Metal atoms gain electrons to achieve a noble gas electronic structure. C The nucleon number is the total number of electrons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atom. D Protons and neutrons are oppositely charged particles.
Mark scheme: A
Q7 · Which element is a non-metal?
7 Which element is a non-metal? A scandium B sodium C strontium D sulfur
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · The structure of propane, C3H8, is shown
8 The structure of propane, C3H8, is shown. H H H H C C C H H H H How many electrons are involved in the bonding of propane? A 8 B 10 C 16 D 20
Mark scheme: D
Q9 · Rubidium is in Group I of the Periodic Table and bromine is in Group VII
9 Rubidium is in Group I of the Periodic Table and bromine is in Group VII. Rubidium reacts with bromine to form an ionic compound. Which row shows the electron change taking place for rubidium and the correct formula of the rubidium ion? electron change formula of ion formed A electron gained Rb+ B electron gained Rb– C electron lost Rb+ D electron lost Rb–
Mark scheme: C
Q10 · Which statement explains why graphite is used as a lubricant?
10 Which statement explains why graphite is used as a lubricant? A All bonds between the atoms are weak. B It conducts electricity. C It has a low melting point. D Layers in the structure can slide over each other.
Mark scheme: D
Q11 · The formula of which compound contains the largest number of Group VII atoms?
11 The formula of which compound contains the largest number of Group VII atoms? A C13H13IO8 B Cl 2O6 C Al (BrO3)3 D NaFC2H2O2
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · The relative atomic mass of chlorine is 35.5
12 The relative atomic mass of chlorine is 35.5. When calculating relative atomic mass, which particle is the mass of a chlorine atom compared to? A a neutron B a proton C an atom of carbon-12 D an atom of hydrogen-1
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · Universal indicator solution is added to a neutral solution of concentrated aqueous…
13 Universal indicator solution is added to a neutral solution of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride. The solution, which contains H+ (hydrogen), Na+ (sodium), Cl – (chloride) and OH– (hydroxide) ions, is electrolysed. The product at the cathode is hydrogen gas and the product at the anode is chlorine gas. What happens to the colour of the indicator in the solution during electrolysis? A The colour changes from blue to green. B The colour changes from blue to red. C The colour changes from green to blue. D The colour changes from green to red.
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · Which energy level diagram represents an endothermic reaction?
14 Which energy level diagram represents an endothermic reaction? A B reactants products energy energy products reactants progress of reaction progress of reaction C D reactants reactants products energy energy products progress of reaction progress of reaction
Mark scheme: B
Q15 · Which process is a physical change?
15 Which process is a physical change? A burning a piece of magnesium B dissolving calcium carbonate in hydrochloric acid C melting an ice cube D the rusting of an iron nail
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · Which substance does not require oxygen in order to produce energy?
16 Which substance does not require oxygen in order to produce energy? A coal B hydrogen C natural gas D 235U
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · Nitrogen, N2, and hydrogen, H2, can be converted into ammonia, NH3, using a catalyst
17 Nitrogen, N2, and hydrogen, H2, can be converted into ammonia, NH3, using a catalyst. What is the purpose of the catalyst? A to increase the amount of ammonia produced B to increase the rate of reaction C to reduce the amount of reactants needed D to reduce the rate of reaction
Mark scheme: B
Q18 · A reaction is carried out at four different temperatures
18 A reaction is carried out at four different temperatures. The time taken for the reaction to complete at each temperature is measured. The results are shown. 70 60 50 40 time / s 30 20 10 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 temperature / °C What is the relationship between temperature and rate of reaction? A The rate decreases as the temperature increases. B The rate increases as the temperature increases. C The rate is proportional to the temperature. D The rate is inversely proportional to the temperature.
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · During the manufacture of sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide is converted to sulfur trioxide
19 During the manufacture of sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide is converted to sulfur trioxide. 2SO2 + O2 2SO3 Which type of reaction is this? A displacement B neutralisation C oxidation D thermal decomposition
Mark scheme: C
Q20 · When pink crystals of cobalt(II) chloride are heated, steam is given off and the colour…
20 When pink crystals of cobalt(II) chloride are heated, steam is given off and the colour of the solid changes to blue. CoCl 2•6H2O CoCl 2 + 6H2O What happens when water is added to the blue solid? colour temperature A changes to pink decreases B changes to pink increases C remains blue decreases D remains blue increases
Mark scheme: B
Q21 · Which statement describes a base?
21 Which statement describes a base? A It reacts with ammonium chloride to produce ammonia gas. B It reacts with calcium carbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas. C It reacts with copper to produce hydrogen gas. D It turns blue litmus red.
Mark scheme: A
More questions on The characteristic properties of acids and bases
Q22 · Which compound is an acidic oxide?
22 Which compound is an acidic oxide? A aluminium oxide B carbon dioxide C copper(II) oxide D magnesium oxide
Mark scheme: B
Q23 · Which statement describes how a flame test is done?
23 Which statement describes how a flame test is done? A The tip of a clean wire is dipped into the substance and the wire is placed in a blue Bunsen burner flame. B The tip of a clean wire is dipped into the substance and the wire is placed in a yellow Bunsen burner flame. C A wooden splint is lit and is placed above a test-tube containing the gas being tested. D A wooden splint is lit, blown out and the glowing splint put into a test-tube of the gas being tested.
Mark scheme: A
Q24 · A student carries out an experiment to prepare pure magnesium sulfate crystals
24 A student carries out an experiment to prepare pure magnesium sulfate crystals. The diagram shows the first stage of the preparation. stirrer magnesium carbonate dilute sulfuric acid He adds magnesium carbonate until no more reacts. Which process should he use for the next stage? A crystallisation B evaporation C filtration D neutralisation
Mark scheme: C
Q25 · Which row about elements in the Periodic Table is correct?
25 Which row about elements in the Periodic Table is correct? statement 1 statement 2 A two elements in the same group metals are on the have similar chemical properties left of the table B two elements in the same group metals are on the have similar chemical properties right of the table C two elements in the same period metals are on the have similar chemical properties left of the table D two elements in the same period metals are on the have similar chemical properties right of the table
Mark scheme: A
Q26 · Tennessine, Ts, is a newly discovered element
26 Tennessine, Ts, is a newly discovered element. The atomic number of tennessine is 117 and it is placed directly underneath astatine in Group VII of the Periodic Table. The trends in properties of Group VII elements are shown. boiling point density element colour in g / cm3 reactivity / C fluorine –188 pale yellow 0.002 extremely high chlorine –35 green 0.003 very high bromine 60 red-brown 3.103 high iodine 184 dark grey 4.933 low Which statement about the properties of tennessine is likely to be correct? A Tennessine has a higher reactivity than astatine. B Tennessine has a lower boiling point than astatine. C Tennessine is a lighter colour than astatine. D Tennessine is more dense than astatine.
Mark scheme: D
Q27 · A flammable gas needs to be removed from a tank at an industrial plant
27 A flammable gas needs to be removed from a tank at an industrial plant. For safety reasons, an inert gas is used. Which gas is suitable? A argon B hydrogen C methane D oxygen
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · A substance, X, has the following properties
28 A substance, X, has the following properties. 1 It has a high melting point. 2 It conducts electricity in the solid and liquid states. 3 It is malleable. 4 It has a high density. What is X? A a ceramic B copper C graphite D sodium chloride
Mark scheme: B
Q29 · Which diagram best represents the structure of a substance that is a good conductor of…
29 Which diagram best represents the structure of a substance that is a good conductor of electricity at 25 C? A B C D – + – + + – + – – + – +
Mark scheme: D
Q30 · Some properties of element Y are listed
30 Some properties of element Y are listed. ● It reacts with hydrochloric acid to make hydrogen gas. ● It reacts with steam but not with cold water. ● The oxide of Y cannot be reduced by carbon. What is element Y? A copper B iron C magnesium D sodium
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · Oxides of nitrogen are given out from car exhausts
31 Oxides of nitrogen are given out from car exhausts. Which row best shows why oxides of nitrogen are unwanted in the atmosphere? acidic toxic A no no B no yes C yes no D yes yes
Mark scheme: D
Q32 · Water is purified using several processes
32 Water is purified using several processes. Four of the processes are listed. 1 Chlorine is added to water to kill any bacteria. 2 Water is passed through coarse gravel to remove large pieces of dirt. 3 Water is passed through wire screens to remove large twigs. 4 Water is passed through fine sand to remove small particles. In which order are the processes carried out? A 1 2 3 4 B 2 1 4 3 C 3 2 4 1 D 4 3 2 1
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · When solid S is heated strongly, it forms gas G
33 When solid S is heated strongly, it forms gas G. G turns limewater cloudy. What are S and G and which type of reaction does S undergo? S G type of reaction A calcium carbonate carbon dioxide combustion B calcium carbonate carbon dioxide thermal decomposition C sodium carbonate oxygen combustion D sodium carbonate oxygen thermal decomposition
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · The element sulfur is found in a number of different minerals
34 The element sulfur is found in a number of different minerals. Which mineral contains the greatest percentage by mass of sulfur? A barite, BaSO4 B galena, PbS C gypsum, CaSO4 D pyrite, FeS2
Mark scheme: D
Q35 · Which structure represents a molecule of ethanol?
35 Which structure represents a molecule of ethanol? A B C D H H H H H H H O H C C H C C H C C O H H C C H H H H H H H O H
Mark scheme: C
Q36 · Petroleum is separated into fractions by fractional distillation
36 Petroleum is separated into fractions by fractional distillation. Separation occurs in a fractionating column. Some properties of three of these fractions are shown. number of boiling point fraction carbon atoms in range / C the molecules 1 5 –10 2 320–350 16–24 3 120–210 Which statement is correct? A Fraction 1 has a higher boiling point range than fraction 2. B Fraction 2 is removed from a higher point in the fractionating column than fraction 1. C Molecules in fraction 3 have shorter chains than those in fraction 2. D None of the fractions are liquid at room temperature.
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · Which statement describes methane?
37 Which statement describes methane? A It is an alcohol. B It is an unsaturated molecule. C It contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms only. D Each molecule contains four single covalent bonds.
Mark scheme: D
Q38 · The flow chart shows the preparation of ethanol and some important chemistry of ethanol
38 The flow chart shows the preparation of ethanol and some important chemistry of ethanol. fermentation process Y substance X ethanol carbon dioxide + substance Z What are X, Y and Z? X Y Z A yeast combustion oxygen B glucose combustion steam C glucose polymerisation water D yeast fermentation glucose
Mark scheme: B
Q39 · The structure of propane is shown
39 The structure of propane is shown. H H H H C C C H H H H Which statement about the atoms and the bonding in propane is correct? A All the bonds are single bonds. B Each carbon atom only bonds with two hydrogen atoms. C Propane is an unsaturated molecule. D There are three carbon-carbon bonds.
Mark scheme: A
Q40 · The structure of a compound X is shown
40 The structure of a compound X is shown. O H C O H X is in the same homologous series as ethanoic acid. Which row describes some of the properties of an aqueous solution of X? reacts with CaCO3 neutralises turns methyl to produce a gas CuO orange red A no no no B no yes no C yes yes yes D yes no yes
Mark scheme: C
What was in this paper
The subtopics covered by these 40 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.
2Alkanes2Arrangement of elements2Fuels2Identification of ions and gases2Rate of reaction2Relative masses of atoms and molecules2Air quality and climate1Atomic structure and the Periodic Table1Carboxylic acids1Chromatography1Diffusion1Electrolysis1Exothermic and endothermic reactions1Experimental design1Formulae1Giant covalent structures1Group VII properties1Ions and ionic bonds1Metallic bonding1Noble gases1Oxides1Physical and chemical changes1Preparation of salts1Properties of metals1Reactivity series1Redox1Reversible reactions and equilibrium1Separation and purification1Simple molecules and covalent bonds1Solids, liquids and gases1The characteristic properties of acids and bases1Water1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2020 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.