Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (9-1) 0971 — 2021 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 1
0971/21/M/J/21 · 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 · A gas is released at point P in the apparatus shown
1 A gas is released at point P in the apparatus shown. P damp universal indicator paper Which gas turns the damp universal indicator paper red most quickly? A ammonia, NH3 B chlorine, Cl 2 C hydrogen chloride, HCl D sulfur dioxide, SO2
Mark scheme: C
Q2 · A mixture is separated using the apparatus shown
2 A mixture is separated using the apparatus shown. mixture funnel filter paper What is the mixture? A aqueous copper(II) sulfate and aqueous sodium chloride B aqueous copper(II) sulfate and copper C copper and sulfur D ethanol and ethanoic acid
Mark scheme: B
Q3 · Which statement about paper chromatography is correct?
3 Which statement about paper chromatography is correct? A A solvent is needed to dissolve the paper. B Paper chromatography separates mixtures of solvents. C The solvent should cover the baseline. D The baseline should be drawn in pencil.
Mark scheme: D
Q4 · Element X has 7 protons
4 Element X has 7 protons. Element Y has 8 more protons than X. Which statement about element Y is correct? A Y has more electron shells than X. B Y has more electrons in its outer shell than X. C Y is in a different group of the Periodic Table from X. D Y is in the same period of the Periodic Table as X.
Mark scheme: A
Q5 · A covalent molecule Q contains only six shared electrons
5 A covalent molecule Q contains only six shared electrons. What is Q? A ammonia, NH3 B chlorine, Cl 2 C methane, CH4 D water, H2O
Mark scheme: A
Q6 · The arrangement of particles in each of two solids, S and T, are shown
6 The arrangement of particles in each of two solids, S and T, are shown. S T What are S and T? S T A diamond silicon(IV) oxide B diamond sodium chloride C graphite silicon(IV) oxide D graphite sodium chloride
Mark scheme: B
Q7 · Which statement about metals is correct?
7 Which statement about metals is correct? A Metals conduct electricity when molten because negative ions are free to move. B Metals conduct electricity when solid because positive ions are free to move. C Metals are malleable because the bonds between the atoms are weak. D Metals are malleable because the layers of ions can slide over each other.
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · Two elements, P and Q, are in the same period of the Periodic Table
8 Two elements, P and Q, are in the same period of the Periodic Table. P and Q react together to form an ionic compound. Part of the lattice of this compound is shown. P+ Q– Q– P+ Q– P+ P+ Q– Which statement is correct? A An ion of P has more electrons than an ion of Q. B Element P is non-metallic. C P is to the left of Q in the Periodic Table. D The formula of the compound is P4Q4.
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · 2.56 g of a metal oxide, MO2, is reduced to 1.92 g of the metal, M
9 2.56 g of a metal oxide, MO2, is reduced to 1.92 g of the metal, M. What is the relative atomic mass of M? A 48 B 96 C 128 D 192
Mark scheme: B
Q10 · In separate experiments, electricity was passed through concentrated aqueous sodium…
10 In separate experiments, electricity was passed through concentrated aqueous sodium chloride and molten lead(II) bromide. What would happen in both experiments? A A halogen would be formed at the anode. B A metal would be formed at the cathode. C Hydrogen would be formed at the anode. D Hydrogen would be formed at the cathode.
Mark scheme: A
Q11 · What is the ionic half-equation for the reaction that occurs at the cathode when molten…
11 What is the ionic half-equation for the reaction that occurs at the cathode when molten lead(II) bromide is electrolysed? A Pb2+ + 2e– Pb B 2Br – Br2 + 2e– C Br2 + 2e– 2Br – D Pb Pb2+ + 2e–
Mark scheme: A
Q12 · The complete combustion of propane is exothermic
12 The complete combustion of propane is exothermic. The equation for this reaction is shown. C3H8 + 5O2 3CO2 + 4H2O Which energy level diagram represents the complete combustion of propane? A B C3H8 + 5O2 3CO2 + 4H2O energy energy 3CO2 + 4H2O C3H8 + 5O2 progress of reaction progress of reaction C D 3CO2 + 4H2O C3H8 + 5O2 energy energy C3H8 + 5O2 3CO2 + 4H2O progress of reaction progress of reaction
Mark scheme: D
Q13 · Which equation represents a reaction that takes place in a fuel cell?
13 Which equation represents a reaction that takes place in a fuel cell? A C + O2 CO2 B 2H2 + O2 2H2O C CH4 + 2O2 CO2 + 2H2O D C3H8 + 5O2 3CO2 + 4H2O
Mark scheme: B
Q14 · When sulfur is heated it undergoes a ......1.....
14 When sulfur is heated it undergoes a ......1...... change as it melts. Further heating causes the sulfur to undergo a ......2...... change and form sulfur dioxide. Which words complete gaps 1 and 2? 1 2 A chemical chemical B chemical physical C physical chemical D physical physical
Mark scheme: C
Q15 · Four statements about the effect of increasing temperature on a reaction are shown
15 Four statements about the effect of increasing temperature on a reaction are shown. 1 The activation energy becomes lower. 2 The particles move faster. 3 There are more collisions between reacting particles per second. 4 There are more collisions which have energy greater than the activation energy. Which statements are correct? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1, 3 and 4 C 2, 3 and 4 D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: C
Q16 · An example of a redox reaction is shown
16 An example of a redox reaction is shown. Zn + Cu2+ Zn2+ + Cu Which statement about the reaction is correct? A Zn is the oxidising agent and it oxidises Cu2+. B Zn is the oxidising agent and it reduces Cu2+. C Zn is the reducing agent and it oxidises Cu2+. D Zn is the reducing agent and it reduces Cu2+.
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · Which statement about a reaction in equilibrium is correct?
17 Which statement about a reaction in equilibrium is correct? A Both the forward and the backward reactions are proceeding at the same rate. B Neither the forward nor the backward reaction is proceeding. C The amount of product present is no longer affected by changes in temperature or pressure. D The amount of product present is only affected by a change in pressure.
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · Element X forms an oxide, XO, that neutralises sulfuric acid
18 Element X forms an oxide, XO, that neutralises sulfuric acid. Which row describes X and XO? element X nature of oxide, XO A metal acidic B metal basic C non-metal acidic D non-metal basic
Mark scheme: B
Q19 · Copper(II) sulfate is prepared by adding excess copper(II) oxide to warm dilute sulfuric…
19 Copper(II) sulfate is prepared by adding excess copper(II) oxide to warm dilute sulfuric acid. Which purification methods are used to obtain pure solid copper(II) sulfate from the reaction mixture? 1 crystallisation 2 filtration 3 chromatography 4 distillation A 1 and 4 B 1 and 2 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · Some reactions of element M are shown
20 Some reactions of element M are shown. burn add water element M oxide of M solution add to purple acidified add blue litmus potassium manganate(VII) goes colourless goes red What is element M? A carbon B iron C magnesium D sulfur
Mark scheme: D
Q21 · In which equation is the underlined reactant acting as a base?
21 In which equation is the underlined reactant acting as a base? A CH3COO– + H3O+ CH3COOH + H2O B NH4 + + OH– NH3 + H2O C CO2 + 2H2O H3O+ + HCO3 – D H+ + OH– H2O
Mark scheme: C
More questions on The characteristic properties of acids and bases
Q22 · Why is helium used to fill balloons?
22 Why is helium used to fill balloons? A Helium is monoatomic. B Helium is in Group VIII of the Periodic Table. C Helium has a full outer electron shell. D Helium is less dense than air.
Mark scheme: D
Q23 · Which elements in the table are transition elements?
23 Which elements in the table are transition elements? element property E forms E3+ ions only F forms F+ and F2+ ions G forms only white salts H used in catalytic converters A E and G B E and H C F and G D F and H
Mark scheme: D
Q24 · Element R forms a covalent compound R2Si with silicon
24 Element R forms a covalent compound R2Si with silicon. Which row describes R? metallic or group number in non-metallic character the Periodic Table A metallic II B metallic VI C non-metallic II D non-metallic VI
Mark scheme: D
Q25 · Some properties of metal J are listed
25 Some properties of metal J are listed. ● J does not react with cold water. ● J reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid. ● No reaction occurs when the oxide of J is heated with carbon. What is J? A copper B iron C magnesium D sodium
Mark scheme: C
Q26 · Some metal nitrates and carbonates decompose when heated strongly
26 Some metal nitrates and carbonates decompose when heated strongly. Metal Q has a nitrate that decomposes to give a salt and a colourless gas only. The carbonate of metal Q does not decompose when heated with a Bunsen burner. What is metal Q? A calcium B copper C sodium D zinc
Mark scheme: C
Q27 · Which substances are used in the extraction of aluminium?
27 Which substances are used in the extraction of aluminium? A bauxite and cryolite B bauxite and hematite C cryolite and zinc blende D hematite and zinc blende
Mark scheme: A
Q28 · Different types of steel alloys are manufactured by changing the percentage of carbon in…
28 Different types of steel alloys are manufactured by changing the percentage of carbon in the alloy. The properties of four steel alloys are shown. alloy percentage of strength of hardness of mixture carbon in the alloy the alloy the alloy 1 0.00 to 0.20 high low 2 0.21 to 0.30 high medium 3 0.31 to 0.40 medium high 4 0.41 to 1.50 low high What are the properties of the steel alloy containing 0.23% of carbon? strength hardness A high low B low high C high medium D medium high
Mark scheme: C
Q29 · Ammonia is made by reacting nitrogen with hydrogen in the Haber process
29 Ammonia is made by reacting nitrogen with hydrogen in the Haber process. The equation for the process is shown. N2 + 3H2 2NH3 Which changes in reaction conditions would produce a greater yield of ammonia? 1 adding more iron catalyst 2 increasing the reaction pressure 3 increasing the particle size of the iron catalyst A 1 only B 2 only C 1 and 2 D 2 and 3
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
30 Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere? A combustion of fossil fuels B fermentation C photosynthesis D respiration
Mark scheme: C
Q31 · Which catalyst is used in the Contact process?
31 Which catalyst is used in the Contact process? A calcium oxide B iron C manganese(II) oxide D vanadium(V) oxide
Mark scheme: D
Q32 · A white solid Z reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce a gas
32 A white solid Z reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce a gas. The same gas is produced when compound Z is heated strongly. What is Z? A calcium B calcium carbonate C calcium hydroxide D calcium oxide
Mark scheme: B
Q33 · What is the structure of butanoic acid?
33 What is the structure of butanoic acid? A CH3CH2CO2H B CH3CH2CH2CO2H C CH3CH2CH2CH2CO2H D CH3CH2CH2CO2CH3
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · Compound Z contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
34 Compound Z contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Molecules of compound Z have four hydrogen atoms and two carbon atoms. Compound Z can be made by oxidation of an alcohol. What is compound Z? A ethene B ethanol C ethanoic acid D methyl methanoate
Mark scheme: C
Q35 · Which statement about homologous series and isomerism is correct?
35 Which statement about homologous series and isomerism is correct? A Butane and butene are structural isomers. B Compounds in the same homologous series have the same general formula. C Compounds in the same homologous series have the same molecular formula. D Structural isomers have different molecular formulae.
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Formulae, functional groups and terminology
Q36 · Which statement about alkanes is correct?
36 Which statement about alkanes is correct? A They burn in oxygen. B They contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. C They contain double bonds. D They contain ionic bonds.
Mark scheme: A
Q37 · What is an advantage of manufacturing ethanol by fermentation?
37 What is an advantage of manufacturing ethanol by fermentation? A The process is very fast. B The ethanol requires no separation. C The raw materials used are renewable. D There are no other products formed.
Mark scheme: C
Q38 · P, Q, R and S are four organic compounds
38 P, Q, R and S are four organic compounds. P is an unsaturated hydrocarbon. Q burns but otherwise is unreactive. R contains a C–C single bond and a C=C double bond. S undergoes addition polymerisation. Which compounds are alkenes? A P and R only B P, R and S C P, Q and S D Q, R and S
Mark scheme: B
Q39 · The structure of a synthetic polymer is shown
39 The structure of a synthetic polymer is shown. O O O O O C C N N C C N N C H H H H The structure shows that it is a ......1...... . It is formed by ......2...... polymerisation. Which words complete gaps 1 and 2? 1 2 A polyamide addition B polyamide condensation C polyester addition D polyester condensation
Mark scheme: B
Q40 · Which substance is a natural polymer?
40 Which substance is a natural polymer? A ethene B Terylene C nylon D protein
Mark scheme: D
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.
2Electrolysis2Extraction of metals2Polymers2Rate of reaction2Reversible reactions and equilibrium2Simple molecules and covalent bonds2Transition elements2Air quality and climate1Alcohols1Alkanes1Alkenes1Alloys and their properties1Atomic structure and the Periodic Table1Chromatography1Diffusion1Exothermic and endothermic reactions1Formulae, functional groups and terminology1Giant covalent structures1Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells1Identification of ions and gases1Ions and ionic bonds1Metallic bonding1Noble gases1Oxides1Physical and chemical changes1Preparation of salts1Reactivity series1Redox1Separation and purification1The characteristic properties of acids and bases1The mole and the Avogadro constant1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2021 May/June, Paper 2 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.