Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (9-1) 0971 — 2023 Oct/Nov Paper 1 · Variant 2
0971/12/O/N/23 · 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 melting points and boiling points of four elements are shown
1 The melting points and boiling points of four elements are shown. melting boiling element point / °C point / °C W –7 60 X –101 –34 Y 114 184 Z 39 688 In which elements do the particles vibrate about fixed positions at 0 °C? A W and X B W and Z C X and Y D Y and Z
Mark scheme: D
Q2 · Which statements about clean, dry air are correct?
2 Which statements about clean, dry air are correct? 1 It is a mixture of elements only. 2 It is a mixture of elements and compounds. 3 It contains only non-metals. A 1 and 3 B 1 only C 2 and 3 D 2 only
Mark scheme: C
Q3 · A representation of an atom is shown
3 A representation of an atom is shown. – + + – – + + – – + + – What is the nucleon number of this atom? A 6 B 7 C 12 D 13
Mark scheme: D
Q4 · Which statement describes isotopes of the same element?
4 Which statement describes isotopes of the same element? A They have different electron arrangements. B They have different nuclear charges. C They have nuclei with masses that are the same. D They have the same number of protons.
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · Potassium reacts with iodine to form potassium iodide
5 Potassium reacts with iodine to form potassium iodide. Which statement about potassium iodide is correct? A Each potassium atom shares a pair of electrons with an iodine atom. B In potassium iodide, the particles of potassium have more protons than electrons. C Potassium iodide has a high melting point because it is a covalent compound. D Potassium iodide has a low melting point because it is an ionic compound.
Mark scheme: B
Q6 · Which row describes the properties of a simple molecular substance?
6 Which row describes the properties of a simple molecular substance? electrical boiling point conductivity when solid A low poor B high poor C low good D high good
Mark scheme: A
Q7 · Different forms of an element G are used as lubricants and in cutting tools
7 Different forms of an element G are used as lubricants and in cutting tools. What is the structure of G? A giant covalent B ionic C metallic D simple covalent
Mark scheme: A
Q8 · The diagram shows the structure of a molecule of ethyl ethanoate
8 The diagram shows the structure of a molecule of ethyl ethanoate. H O H C C H H H O C C H H H What is the molecular formula of a molecule of ethyl ethanoate? A CHO B C4H8O2 C C4(H2)2(O2) D C2H4O
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Formulae, functional groups and terminology
Q9 · The formula of a compound containing element X is Na2X2O3
9 The formula of a compound containing element X is Na2X2O3. The relative formula mass of the compound is 158. What is the relative atomic mass of X? A 32 B 59.5 C 64 D 119
Mark scheme: A
Q10 · Limestone is used to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power stations
10 Limestone is used to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power stations. The equation for the reaction is shown. CaCO3 + SO2 → CaSO3 + CO2 What is the smallest mass of CaCO3 required to remove 1 tonne of SO2? A 1 tonne B 2 tonnes C 64 tonnes D 100 tonnes
Mark scheme: B
Q11 · Which statement about electrolysis is correct?
11 Which statement about electrolysis is correct? A Bromine and hydrogen are formed during the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide. B Metals are formed at the positive electrode. C Molten covalent compounds are broken down by electricity. D Platinum is used as an inert electrode.
Mark scheme: D
Q12 · Which statements about hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells are correct?
12 Which statements about hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells are correct? 1 The reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is endothermic. 2 The waste product in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is water. 3 A chemical reaction in the cell produces hydrogen which is used as the fuel. 4 A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is used to generate electricity. A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 2 and 4 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: C
Q13 · The initial and final temperatures of four different reactions are measured
13 The initial and final temperatures of four different reactions are measured. Which reaction is the least exothermic? initial final temperature temperature / °C / °C A 19 25 B 21 18 C 22 17 D 22 26
Mark scheme: D
Q14 · Solid calcium carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid
14 Solid calcium carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid. Which changes to the reaction conditions increase the rate of reaction? concentration of surface area of hydrochloric acid calcium carbonate A decrease decrease B decrease increase C increase decrease D increase increase
Mark scheme: D
Q15 · Zinc reacts slowly with dilute sulfuric acid at room temperature
15 Zinc reacts slowly with dilute sulfuric acid at room temperature. Bubbles of a gas, L, form on the surface of the zinc. When a small amount of copper is added, the reaction is faster. Which row identifies L and explains why the reaction is faster? gas formed reason the reaction is faster in reaction A hydrogen copper acts as a catalyst B hydrogen copper is more reactive than zinc C oxygen copper acts as a catalyst D oxygen copper is more reactive than zinc
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · Which reaction shows a colour change from white to blue?
16 Which reaction shows a colour change from white to blue? A adding water to anhydrous copper(II) sulfate B adding water to hydrated copper(II) sulfate C heating anhydrous copper(II) sulfate D heating hydrated copper(II) sulfate
Mark scheme: A
Q17 · In a blast furnace, iron(III) oxide is converted to iron and carbon monoxide is converted…
17 In a blast furnace, iron(III) oxide is converted to iron and carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide. Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2 What happens to each of these reactants? A Both iron(III) oxide and carbon monoxide are oxidised. B Both iron(III) oxide and carbon monoxide are reduced. C Iron(III) oxide is oxidised and carbon monoxide is reduced. D Iron(III) oxide is reduced and carbon monoxide is oxidised.
Mark scheme: D
Q18 · Which products are formed when magnesium carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid?
18 Which products are formed when magnesium carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid? A carbon dioxide, hydrogen and magnesium chloride B carbon dioxide and magnesium chloride only C carbon dioxide, water and magnesium chloride D water and magnesium chloride only
Mark scheme: C
Q19 · Which element forms an oxide that reacts with an aqueous solution of a base?
19 Which element forms an oxide that reacts with an aqueous solution of a base? A argon B sulfur C magnesium D copper
Mark scheme: B
Q20 · Which salt is insoluble?
20 Which salt is insoluble? A barium sulfate B lead(II) nitrate C magnesium chloride D sodium carbonate
Mark scheme: A
Q21 · Some properties of element R are shown
21 Some properties of element R are shown. melting point in °C 98 boiling point in °C 883 reaction with cold water gives off H2 gas reaction when heated with oxygen burns to give a white solid In which part of the Periodic Table is R found? A Group I B Group VII C Group VIII D transition elements
Mark scheme: A
Q22 · Lithium, sodium and potassium are elements in Group I
22 Lithium, sodium and potassium are elements in Group I. Statements about these elements are listed. 1 Lithium is more dense than sodium. 2 Sodium is more reactive than potassium. 3 They all conduct electricity at room temperature. 4 They all react with oxygen at room temperature. Which statements are correct? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: D
Q23 · An outline of the Periodic Table is shown
23 An outline of the Periodic Table is shown. Y Which name is given to the elements in column Y? A alkali metals B halogens C noble gases D transition elements
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · Which row describes the properties of a metal that can be used in the manufacture of…
24 Which row describes the properties of a metal that can be used in the manufacture of aircraft? strength density ease of corrosion A high high corrodes easily B high low resists corrosion C low high corrodes easily D low low resists corrosion
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · Which metallic element is added to iron in the manufacture of stainless steel?
25 Which metallic element is added to iron in the manufacture of stainless steel? A carbon B copper C lead D nickel
Mark scheme: D
Q26 · Which statement about the uses of metals is correct?
26 Which statement about the uses of metals is correct? A Aluminium is used in the manufacture of overhead electrical cables as it has a high density. B Aluminium is used to make food containers as it conducts electricity. C Stainless steel is used in cutlery because it is resistant to rusting. D Stainless steel is used to make chemical reactors because it is a soft alloy.
Mark scheme: C
Q27 · The list gives the order of some metals and hydrogen in the reactivity series
27 The list gives the order of some metals and hydrogen in the reactivity series. Metal X is also included. most reactive K Mg Zn H X least reactive Cu Which row shows the properties of metal X? reacts with oxide reduced dilute acids by carbon A no no B no yes C yes no D yes yes
Mark scheme: B
Q28 · Which gas in the air is needed for iron to rust?
28 Which gas in the air is needed for iron to rust? A argon B carbon dioxide C nitrogen D oxygen
Mark scheme: D
Q29 · Why is limestone added to the blast furnace?
29 Why is limestone added to the blast furnace? A It neutralises the molten slag produced. B It reacts with impurities to form slag. C It releases carbon dioxide which reduces the iron(III) oxide. D It removes acidic gases such as carbon dioxide.
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
30 Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere? A photosynthesis B thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate C combustion of fossil fuels D reaction of sodium carbonate with an acid
Mark scheme: A
Q31 · The flow chart shows stages in the treatment of river water to produce drinking water
31 The flow chart shows stages in the treatment of river water to produce drinking water. river sedimentation stage stage drinking water tank J K water What occurs at stages J and K? J K A distillation chlorination B distillation filtration C filtration chlorination D filtration distillation
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · Which two compounds can be mixed together to form an NPK fertiliser?
32 Which two compounds can be mixed together to form an NPK fertiliser? A ammonium phosphate and calcium hydroxide B calcium phosphate and ammonium nitrate C potassium nitrate and calcium oxide D potassium phosphate and ammonium nitrate
Mark scheme: D
Q33 · What are the main substances produced by the fractional distillation of liquid air?
33 What are the main substances produced by the fractional distillation of liquid air? A oxygen and carbon dioxide B oxygen and nitrogen C helium and nitrogen D hydrogen and oxygen
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · Which diagram shows the displayed formula for the named organic compound?
34 Which diagram shows the displayed formula for the named organic compound? A B C D H O H H H O H H H H C C O O H H C C H H C C H H C C H H H H H H H H ethanoic acid ethene ethanol methane
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Formulae, functional groups and terminology
Q35 · Poly(ethene) is formed from petroleum using three separate processes
35 Poly(ethene) is formed from petroleum using three separate processes. In which order are the processes used? A cracking → fractional distillation → polymerisation B cracking → polymerisation → fractional distillation C fractional distillation → cracking → polymerisation D fractional distillation → polymerisation → cracking
Mark scheme: C
Q36 · Gas oil and naphtha are two fractions obtained from petroleum
36 Gas oil and naphtha are two fractions obtained from petroleum. What are uses of gas oil and naphtha? gas oil naphtha A jet fuel making chemicals B jet fuel making roads C diesel engine fuel making chemicals D diesel engine fuel making roads
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · Ethene can be polymerised
37 Ethene can be polymerised. Which diagram represents the structure of the product formed? A B C D H H H H H H H H H H C C C C C C H C C C C H H H H H H H H H H H n n
Mark scheme: C
Q38 · An acid–base titration is described
38 An acid–base titration is described. ● 25.0 cm3 of dilute aqueous alkali is put into a conical flask. ● Indicator is added to the flask. ● Dilute acid is added to the aqueous alkali until the indicator changes colour. ● The volume of acid used is then recorded. Which use of apparatus is correct? A The 25.0 cm3 of aqueous alkali is measured using a volumetric pipette. B The 25.0 cm3 of aqueous alkali is measured using the lines on the conical flask. C The volume of acid is measured using a measuring cylinder. D The volume of acid is measured using a volumetric pipette.
Mark scheme: A
Q39 · The apparatus shown is used to separate a mixture
39 The apparatus shown is used to separate a mixture. heat What is the mixture? A anhydrous copper(II) sulfate and hydrated copper(II) sulfate B sodium chloride and sand C ethanol and methanol D iron and steel
Mark scheme: C
Q40 · The results of tests on three gases, X, Y and Z, are shown
40 The results of tests on three gases, X, Y and Z, are shown. test X Y Z aqueous potassium manganate(VII) purple to colourless no change no change damp red litmus paper no change turns blue no change lighted splint no change no change pops What are X, Y and Z? X Y Z A chlorine sulfur dioxide hydrogen B chlorine sulfur dioxide oxygen C sulfur dioxide ammonia oxygen D sulfur dioxide ammonia hydrogen
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.
2Formulae, functional groups and terminology2Fuels2Group I properties2Identification of ions and gases2Preparation of salts2Rate of reaction2Acid–base titrations1Alloys and their properties1Atomic structure and the Periodic Table1Corrosion of metals1Electrolysis1Elements, compounds and mixtures1Exothermic and endothermic reactions1Extraction of metals1Fertilisers1Giant covalent structures1Group VII properties1Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells1Ions and ionic bonds1Isotopes1Oxides1Polymers1Properties of metals1Reactivity series1Redox1Relative masses of atoms and molecules1Separation and purification1Simple molecules and covalent bonds1Solids, liquids and gases1The mole and the Avogadro constant1Uses of metals1Water1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2023 Oct/Nov, Paper 1 · Variant 2. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.