Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Mark

Scheme Bank
Contents
Principles of Chemistry

1.​ States of Matter

2.​ Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
3.​ Atomic Structure
4.​ The Periodic Table
5.​ Chemical Formulae, Equations and Calculations
6.​ Ionic Bonding
7.​ Covalent Bonding
8.​ Metallic Bonding
9.​ Electrolysis

Inorganic Chemistry

10.​Group 1 - Alkali Metals

11.​Group 7 - Halogens
12.​Gases in the Atmosphere
13.​Reactivity Series
14.​Extraction and Uses of Metals
15.​Acids, Alkalis and Titrations
16.​Acids, Bases and Salt Preparations
17.​Chemical Tests
1. States of Matter
Topic 1.1: Particle Theory

Question Type: Describe the arrangement of particles

Mark Scheme:

●​ Solid: particles are closely packed / touching (1)

●​ Particles in regular arrangement / pattern / lattice (1)
●​ Liquid: particles are close together but not in regular arrangement (1)
●​ Gas: particles are far apart / widely spaced (1)

Question Type: Describe particle movement

Mark Scheme:

●​ Solid: particles vibrate about fixed positions (1)

●​ Liquid: particles can move/slide past each other (1)
●​ Gas: particles move randomly / in all directions / rapidly (1)

Question Type: Describe particle energy

Mark Scheme:

●​ Solids have least energy (1)

●​ Liquids have more energy than solids (1)
●​ Gases have most energy (1)

Topic 1.2: State Changes

Question Type: Name state changes

Mark Scheme:

●​ Solid → Liquid: melting (1)

●​ Liquid → Gas: boiling / evaporation (1)
●​ Gas → Liquid: condensing / condensation (1)
●​ Liquid → Solid: freezing / solidification (1)
●​ Solid → Gas: sublimation (1)

Question Type: Explain state changes in terms of energy

Mark Scheme:

●​ Heating increases particle energy (1)

 ●​ Particles vibrate more / move faster (1)
●​ Particles overcome forces of attraction between them (1)
●​ Particles become more spread out (1)

Topic 1.3: Diffusion

Question Type: Explain diffusion

Mark Scheme:

●​ Movement of particles (1)

●​ From region of high concentration to low concentration (1)
●​ Until evenly distributed / equilibrium reached (1)
●​ Due to random movement of particles (1)

Question Type: Factors affecting rate of diffusion

Mark Scheme:

●​ Temperature: higher temperature increases rate (1)

●​ Because particles have more energy / move faster (1)
●​ Molecular mass: smaller/lighter molecules diffuse faster (1)

Topic 1.4-1.7: Solutions and Solubility

Question Type: Define key terms

Mark Scheme:

●​ Solvent: liquid that dissolves a solute (1)

●​ Solute: substance that dissolves in a solvent (1)
●​ Solution: mixture formed when solute dissolves in solvent (1)
●​ Saturated solution: solution containing maximum amount of solute at that temperature
(1) / no more solute will dissolve (1)
●​ Solubility: mass of solute that dissolves in 100g of solvent (1) at a specific temperature
(1)

Question Type: Interpret solubility curves

Mark Scheme:

●​ As temperature increases, solubility increases (for most solids) (1)

●​ Point on curve shows solution is saturated (1)
●​ Point below curve shows solution is unsaturated (1)
●​ Point above curve is impossible / supersaturated (1)
2. Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
Topic 1.8: Classification of Matter

Question Type: Define element/compound/mixture

Mark Scheme:

●​ Element: substance made of one type of atom only (1)

●​ Compound: two or more elements chemically combined / bonded (1) in fixed
proportions (1)
●​ Mixture: two or more substances not chemically combined (1)

Question Type: Distinguish pure from impure

Mark Scheme:

●​ Pure substance has sharp/fixed melting point (1)

●​ Pure substance has sharp/fixed boiling point (1)
●​ Mixture melts/boils over a range of temperatures (1)
●​ Impurities lower melting point (1)
●​ Impurities raise boiling point (1)

Topic 1.10-1.13: Separation Techniques

Question Type: Describe simple distillation

Mark Scheme:

●​ Heat the mixture (1)

●​ Liquid with lowest boiling point evaporates first (1)
●​ Vapour condenses in condenser (1)
●​ Pure liquid collected as distillate (1)
●​ Thermometer shows boiling point of substance being collected (1)

Question Type: Describe fractional distillation

Mark Scheme:

●​ Mixture heated (1)

●​ Vapours rise up fractionating column (1)
●​ Column has temperature gradient / hotter at bottom (1)
●​ Liquid with lowest boiling point reaches top first (1)
●​ Condenses and collected (1)
●​ Used to separate liquids with different boiling points (1)
Question Type: Describe filtration

Mark Scheme:

●​ Separates insoluble solid from liquid (1)

●​ Mixture poured through filter paper (1)
●​ Residue remains on filter paper (1)
●​ Filtrate passes through (1)

Question Type: Describe crystallisation

Mark Scheme:

●​ Heat solution to evaporate some solvent (1)

●​ Until solution becomes saturated (1)
●​ Allow to cool (1)
●​ Crystals form as solubility decreases (1)
●​ Filter to collect crystals (1)
●​ Wash crystals with cold distilled water (1)
●​ Dry crystals (1)

Question Type: Describe paper chromatography

Mark Scheme:

●​ Spot of mixture placed on pencil baseline (1)

●​ Paper placed in solvent (1)
●​ Solvent must be below baseline (1)
●​ Solvent rises up paper (1)
●​ Different components travel different distances (1)
●​ Based on their solubility in solvent (1)

Question Type: Calculate Rf values

Mark Scheme:

●​ Rf = distance moved by substance ÷ distance moved by solvent (1)

●​ Measure from baseline to center of spot (1)
●​ Rf value has no units (1)
●​ Component with same Rf as reference is identified as that substance (1)
3. Atomic Structure
Topic 1.14-1.15: Structure of Atoms

Question Type: Define atom and molecule

Mark Scheme:

●​ Atom: smallest particle of an element (1)

●​ Molecule: two or more atoms chemically bonded together (1)

Question Type: Describe atomic structure

Mark Scheme:

●​ Protons: in nucleus (1), relative mass = 1 (1), relative charge = +1 (1)

●​ Neutrons: in nucleus (1), relative mass = 1 (1), relative charge = 0 / neutral (1)
●​ Electrons: in shells/energy levels around nucleus (1), relative mass = 1/1840 / negligible
(1), relative charge = -1 (1)

Topic 1.16-1.17: Atomic Number and Mass

Question Type: Define key terms

Mark Scheme:

●​ Atomic number: number of protons (1) in nucleus of atom (1)

●​ Mass number: total number of protons + neutrons (1) in nucleus (1)
●​ Isotopes: atoms of same element (1) with same number of protons (1) but different
number of neutrons (1) / different mass numbers (1)
●​ Relative atomic mass (Ar): average mass of isotopes (1) compared to 1/12 mass of
carbon-12 (1)

Question Type: Calculate relative atomic mass

Mark Scheme:

●​ Multiply mass of each isotope by its abundance (1)

●​ Add these values together (1)
●​ Divide by total abundance / 100 (1)
●​ Ar = Σ(mass × abundance) ÷ total abundance (1)

Example calculation (3 marks):

●​ Correct multiplication shown (1)

●​ Values added correctly (1)
●​ Final answer correct (1)
4. The Periodic Table
Topic 1.18-1.19: Organization of Periodic Table

Question Type: Describe arrangement

Mark Scheme:

●​ Elements arranged in order of atomic number (1)

●​ Groups: vertical columns (1)
●​ Periods: horizontal rows (1)
●​ Group number = number of electrons in outer shell (1)
●​ Period number = number of electron shells/energy levels (1)

Question Type: Write electronic configuration

Mark Scheme:

●​ First shell holds maximum 2 electrons (1)

●​ Second shell holds maximum 8 electrons (1)
●​ Third shell holds maximum 8 electrons (for first 20 elements) (1)
●​ Written as numbers separated by commas, e.g., 2,8,1 (1)

Topic 1.20-1.24: Metals and Non-metals

Question Type: Properties of metals vs non-metals

Mark Scheme:

Metals:

●​ Conduct electricity (1)

●​ Oxides are basic / alkaline (1)
●​ Left side / Groups 1, 2, 3 of Periodic Table (1)

Non-metals:

●​ Do not conduct electricity (except graphite) (1)

●​ Oxides are acidic (1)
●​ Right side of Periodic Table (1)

Question Type: Explain similar properties in groups

Mark Scheme:

●​ Elements in same group have same number of outer electrons (1)

 ●​ Chemical properties depend on number of outer electrons (1)
●​ Therefore have similar reactions (1)

Question Type: Explain noble gas unreactivity

Mark Scheme:

●​ Noble gases have full outer shell (1)

●​ This is a stable electronic configuration (1)
●​ No need to gain/lose/share electrons (1)
●​ Therefore unreactive / inert (1)
5. Chemical Formulae, Equations and Calculations
Topic 1.25: Chemical Equations

Question Type: Write balanced equations

Mark Scheme:

●​ Correct formulae for all substances (1 per formula)

●​ Balanced equation (1)
●​ State symbols correct (s, l, g, aq) (1)
●​ Word equation correct (1)

Common state symbols:

●​ (s) = solid
●​ (l) = liquid
●​ (g) = gas
●​ (aq) = aqueous / dissolved in water

Topic 1.26-1.28: The Mole

Question Type: Calculate Mr

Mark Scheme:

●​ Add together Ar values of all atoms in formula (1)

●​ Multiply Ar by number of atoms of each element (1)
●​ Correct answer (1)

Question Type: Calculate moles

Mark Scheme:

●​ Moles = mass ÷ Mr (1)

●​ Correct substitution (1)
●​ Correct answer with units (mol) (1)

Alternative:

●​ Mass = moles × Mr (1)

●​ Mr = mass ÷ moles (1)

Topic 1.29-1.30: Reacting Masses and Yield

Question Type: Calculate reacting mass

Mark Scheme:

●​ Write balanced equation (1)

●​ Calculate moles of known substance (1)
●​ Use mole ratio from equation (1)
●​ Calculate moles of required substance (1)
●​ Calculate mass using mass = moles × Mr (1)

Question Type: Calculate percentage yield

Mark Scheme:

●​ Percentage yield = (actual yield ÷ theoretical yield) × 100 (1)

●​ Correct substitution (1)
●​ Correct answer with % sign (1)

Topic 1.31-1.33: Empirical and Molecular Formulae

Question Type: Define formulae types

Mark Scheme:

●​ Empirical formula: simplest whole number ratio of atoms (1) of each element in
compound (1)
●​ Molecular formula: actual number of atoms (1) of each element in molecule (1)

Question Type: Calculate empirical formula from data

Mark Scheme:

●​ Divide mass of each element by its Ar to get moles (1)

●​ Divide all values by smallest number of moles (1)
●​ If necessary, multiply to get whole numbers (1)
●​ Write formula using these ratios (1)

Topic 1.34-1.35: Solution and Gas Calculations (Chemistry only)

Question Type: Calculate concentration

Mark Scheme:

●​ Concentration (mol/dm³) = moles ÷ volume (dm³) (1)

●​ Convert cm³ to dm³ by dividing by 1000 (1)
●​ Correct substitution (1)
●​ Correct answer with units (1)
Question Type: Calculate gas volume

Mark Scheme:

●​ 1 mole of gas = 24 dm³ at rtp (1)

●​ Volume = moles × 24 (dm³) (1)
●​ OR Volume = moles × 24000 (cm³) (1)
●​ Correct answer with units (1)
6. Ionic Bonding
Topic 1.37-1.38: Ion Formation

Question Type: Explain ion formation

Mark Scheme:

●​ Metals lose electrons to form positive ions / cations (1)

●​ Non-metals gain electrons to form negative ions / anions (1)
●​ To achieve full outer shell / stable electronic configuration (1)
●​ Group 1 metals form 1+ ions (1)
●​ Group 2 metals form 2+ ions (1)
●​ Group 7 non-metals form 1- ions (1)
●​ Group 6 non-metals form 2- ions (1)

Question Type: Know common ion charges

Mark Scheme:

●​ Memorize: Ag⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ (1 each)

●​ Memorize: H⁺, OH⁻, NH₄⁺, CO₃²⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻ (1 each)

Topic 1.39-1.40: Ionic Compounds

Question Type: Write formulae for ionic compounds

Mark Scheme:

●​ Balance charges to make compound neutral (1)

●​ Use brackets for compound ions when more than one present (1)
●​ Correct formula (1)

Question Type: Draw dot-and-cross diagrams

Mark Scheme:

●​ Show outer electrons only (1)

●​ Use dots for one atom, crosses for another (1)
●​ Show electron transfer with arrows (1)
●​ Show charges on ions formed (1)
●​ Show square brackets around ions (1)

Topic 1.41-1.43: Properties of Ionic Compounds

Question Type: Explain properties

Mark Scheme:

High melting/boiling points:

●​ Giant ionic lattice structure (1)

●​ Strong electrostatic forces of attraction (1)
●​ Between oppositely charged ions (1)
●​ Requires large amount of energy to overcome (1)

Electrical conductivity:

●​ Solid: does not conduct (1)

●​ Because ions cannot move / fixed in lattice (1)
●​ Molten/aqueous: does conduct (1)
●​ Because ions are free to move (1)
●​ And carry charge/current (1)
7. Covalent Bonding
Topic 1.44-1.46: Covalent Bond Formation

Question Type: Define covalent bonding

Mark Scheme:

●​ Sharing of a pair of electrons (1)

●​ Between two atoms (usually non-metals) (1)
●​ Electrostatic attraction between shared electrons and nuclei (1)

Question Type: Draw dot-and-cross diagrams

Mark Scheme:

●​ Show outer electrons only (1)

●​ Use dots for one atom, crosses for another (1)
●​ Show shared pairs in overlap region (1)
●​ Show non-bonding pairs if present (1)

Common molecules to know:

●​ H₂, O₂, N₂, Cl₂, HCl, H₂O, NH₃, CO₂, CH₄, C₂H₆, C₂H₄

Topic 1.47-1.48: Simple Molecular Structures

Question Type: Explain low melting/boiling points

Mark Scheme:

●​ Simple molecular structure (1)

●​ Weak intermolecular forces between molecules (1)
●​ Only small amount of energy needed to overcome these forces (1)
●​ Strong covalent bonds within molecules not broken (1)

Question Type: Explain trend in melting/boiling points

Mark Scheme:

●​ As Mr increases, melting/boiling point increases (1)

●​ Because intermolecular forces get stronger (1)
●​ With larger molecules (1)
●​ More energy needed to overcome forces (1)

Topic 1.49-1.50: Giant Covalent Structures

Question Type: Explain high melting/boiling points

Mark Scheme:

●​ Giant covalent structure / macromolecular (1)

●​ Many strong covalent bonds throughout structure (1)
●​ Requires large amount of energy to break bonds (1)

Question Type: Compare diamond, graphite, and C₆₀

Mark Scheme:

Diamond:

●​ Each carbon bonded to four other carbons (1)

●​ Tetrahedral arrangement (1)
●​ Very hard because all bonds must be broken (1)
●​ Does not conduct electricity - no free electrons (1)

Graphite:

●​ Each carbon bonded to three other carbons (1)

●​ Forms layers (1)
●​ Layers held by weak forces (1)
●​ Layers can slide - makes it soft/lubricant (1)
●​ Conducts electricity - one electron per carbon is delocalized (1)

C₆₀ Fullerene:

●​ 60 carbon atoms (1)

●​ Form spherical/cage structure (1)
●​ Soft - weak intermolecular forces between molecules (1)

Topic 1.51: Conductivity

Question Type: Explain non-conductivity

Mark Scheme:

●​ Covalent compounds do not conduct electricity (1)

●​ Because there are no charged particles (1)
●​ No ions present (1)
●​ No free/delocalized electrons (1)
8. Metallic Bonding (Chemistry only)
Topic 1.52-1.53: Structure and Bonding

Question Type: Draw metallic lattice diagram

Mark Scheme:

●​ Show regular arrangement of positive ions (1)

●​ Show sea of delocalized electrons (1)
●​ Label appropriately (1)

Question Type: Explain metallic bonding

Mark Scheme:

●​ Electrostatic attraction (1)

●​ Between positive metal ions (1)
●​ And delocalized electrons / sea of electrons (1)

Topic 1.54: Properties of Metals

Question Type: Explain electrical conductivity

Mark Scheme:

●​ Metals contain delocalized electrons (1)

●​ These electrons are free to move (1)
●​ Can carry charge/current through structure (1)

Question Type: Explain malleability

Mark Scheme:

●​ Metal ions can slide over each other (1)

●​ When force applied (1)
●​ Metallic bonding maintained (1)
●​ Because delocalized electrons move with ions (1)
●​ Therefore metal doesn't break / can be shaped (1)
9. Electrolysis (Chemistry only)
Topic 1.55-1.57: Conductivity and Ions

Question Type: Explain why ionic compounds conduct when molten/aqueous

Mark Scheme:

●​ Ionic compound contains ions (1)

●​ When solid, ions are fixed in lattice / cannot move (1)
●​ When molten/aqueous, ions are free to move (1)
●​ Can carry charge to electrodes (1)
●​ Cations = positive ions (1)
●​ Anions = negative ions (1)

Topic 1.58: Predicting Products

Question Type: Predict products at electrodes

Mark Scheme:

At cathode (negative electrode):

●​ Positive ions / cations attracted (1)

●​ Gain electrons / reduced (1)
●​ Metal or hydrogen produced (1)
●​ Reactive metals: hydrogen produced instead (1)

At anode (positive electrode):

●​ Negative ions / anions attracted (1)

●​ Lose electrons / oxidized (1)
●​ Non-metal produced (1)
●​ Oxygen produced if no halide present / from OH⁻ or SO₄²⁻ (1)

Common examples:

●​ Lead(II) bromide: Pb at cathode, Br₂ at anode

●​ NaCl(aq): H₂ at cathode, Cl₂ at anode
●​ Dilute H₂SO₄: H₂ at cathode, O₂ at anode
●​ CuSO₄(aq): Cu at cathode, O₂ at anode

Topic 1.59: Half Equations

Question Type: Write half equations

Mark Scheme:

●​ Show correct formula of ion (1)

●​ Show electrons on correct side (1)
●​ Balance equation (1)
●​ Include state symbols (1)

Examples:

●​ Reduction (gain electrons): Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu

●​ Oxidation (lose electrons): 2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻

Question Type: Identify oxidation/reduction

Mark Scheme:

●​ Oxidation: loss of electrons (1) / OIL (1)

●​ Reduction: gain of electrons (1) / RIG (1)
●​ Happens at anode (1) / happens at cathode (1)
10. Group 1 - Alkali Metals
Topic 2.1: Similarities in Reactions

Question Type: Describe reactions with water

Mark Scheme:

●​ All react vigorously with water (1)

●​ Produce hydrogen gas (1)
●​ Form metal hydroxide / alkali (1)
●​ General equation: 2M + 2H₂O → 2MOH + H₂ (1)

Observations:

●​ Metal floats on water (1)

●​ Fizzing / effervescence (1)
●​ Metal moves around surface (1)
●​ Solution becomes alkaline / pH increases (1)
●​ With lithium: gentle fizzing (1)
●​ With sodium: melts into ball / more vigorous (1)
●​ With potassium: lilac flame seen / very vigorous (1) / may ignite (1)

Topic 2.2: Trends in Reactivity

Question Type: Explain trend in reactivity

Mark Scheme:

●​ Reactivity increases down the group (1)

●​ Lithium < sodium < potassium (1)
●​ Reactions become more vigorous (1)
●​ Evidence: speed of reaction, amount of heat produced (1)

Reactions with air/oxygen:

●​ All form metal oxides (1)

●​ Tarnish when exposed to air (1)
●​ Must be stored in oil to prevent reaction (1)
●​ React more vigorously down the group (1)

Topic 2.3: Predicting Properties

Question Type: Predict properties of rubidium/caesium

Mark Scheme:

●​ More reactive than potassium (1)

●​ React very vigorously with water (1)
●​ Likely to explode/ignite in water (1)
●​ Form hydroxide and hydrogen (1)
●​ Lower melting/boiling point than potassium (1)
●​ Higher density than potassium (1)

Topic 2.4: Electronic Configuration Explanation (Chemistry only)

Question Type: Explain trend in terms of electrons

Mark Scheme:

●​ All Group 1 metals have 1 electron in outer shell (1)

●​ Down the group, more electron shells / larger atoms (1)
●​ Outer electron is further from nucleus (1)
●​ Weaker attraction between nucleus and outer electron (1)
●​ Shielding from inner electrons increases (1)
●​ Easier to lose outer electron (1)
●​ Therefore more reactive down the group (1)
11. Group 7 - Halogens
Topic 2.5: Physical Properties

Question Type: State colours and states

Mark Scheme:

●​ Fluorine: pale yellow gas (1)

●​ Chlorine: green/yellow gas (1)
●​ Bromine: red-brown liquid (1)
●​ Iodine: grey/black solid (1) / purple vapour (1)

Question Type: Describe trends

Mark Scheme:

●​ Melting/boiling points increase down the group (1)

●​ Change from gas → liquid → solid down the group (1)
●​ Colour darkens down the group (1)
●​ Become less volatile down the group (1)

Topic 2.6: Predicting Properties

Question Type: Predict properties of astatine

Mark Scheme:

●​ Solid at room temperature (1)

●​ Darker than iodine / black (1)
●​ Higher melting/boiling point than iodine (1)
●​ Less reactive than iodine (1)
●​ Forms At⁻ ions (1)

Topic 2.7: Displacement Reactions

Question Type: Describe displacement reactions

Mark Scheme:

●​ More reactive halogen displaces less reactive halogen (1)

●​ From its salt/compound (1)
●​ Chlorine displaces bromine and iodine (1)
●​ Bromine displaces iodine only (1)
●​ Iodine cannot displace chlorine or bromine (1)
Question Type: Observations in displacement

Mark Scheme:

●​ Cl₂ + KBr: solution turns orange/brown (bromine formed) (1)

●​ Cl₂ + KI: solution turns brown/black (iodine formed) (1)
●​ Br₂ + KI: solution turns brown/black (iodine formed) (1)
●​ Br₂ + KCl: no reaction / no colour change (1)

Topic 2.8: Electronic Configuration Explanation (Chemistry only)

Question Type: Explain reactivity trend

Mark Scheme:

●​ Reactivity decreases down the group (1)

●​ All Group 7 elements have 7 electrons in outer shell (1)
●​ Need to gain 1 electron to form stable ion (1)
●​ Down the group, more electron shells / atoms larger (1)
●​ Outer shell further from nucleus (1)
●​ Weaker attraction for incoming electron (1)
●​ Shielding from inner electrons increases (1)
●​ Therefore harder to gain electron (1)
●​ Less reactive down the group (1)
12. Gases in the Atmosphere
Topic 2.9: Composition of Air

Question Type: State percentage composition

Mark Scheme:

●​ Nitrogen: approximately 78% (1) / 4/5 (1)

●​ Oxygen: approximately 21% (1) / 1/5 (1)
●​ Argon: approximately 1% (1) / 0.9% (1)
●​ Carbon dioxide: approximately 0.04% (1)
●​ (Water vapour: variable amount)

Topic 2.10: Determining Oxygen Percentage

Question Type: Describe method using iron

Mark Scheme:

●​ Wet iron wool / filings placed in tube (1)

●​ Tube inverted over water (1)
●​ Iron rusts / reacts with oxygen (1)
●​ Water level rises (1)
●​ Rise equals volume of oxygen removed (1)
●​ Calculate: (volume risen ÷ original volume) × 100 (1)
●​ Should get approximately 20-21% (1)

Question Type: Describe method using phosphorus

Mark Scheme:

●​ Phosphorus burned in bell jar (1)

●​ Over water (1)
●​ Phosphorus reacts with oxygen only (1)
●​ Forms phosphorus oxide (white smoke) (1)
●​ Water level rises (1)
●​ Rise shows volume of oxygen (1)
●​ Approximately 1/5 of air volume (1)

Topic 2.11: Combustion in Oxygen

Question Type: Describe combustion of magnesium

Mark Scheme:
 ●​ Burns with bright white light / flame (1)
●​ Forms white powder / solid (1)
●​ Product is magnesium oxide (1)
●​ 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO (1)

Question Type: Describe combustion of hydrogen

Mark Scheme:

●​ Burns with squeaky pop / blue flame (1)

●​ Forms water / colourless liquid (1)
●​ 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O (1)
●​ Water can be tested with anhydrous copper sulfate (turns blue) (1)

Question Type: Describe combustion of sulfur

Mark Scheme:

●​ Burns with blue flame (1)

●​ Produces choking gas / acidic gas (1)
●​ Product is sulfur dioxide (1)
●​ S + O₂ → SO₂ (1)

Topic 2.12-2.13: Carbon Dioxide

Question Type: Thermal decomposition of carbonates

Mark Scheme:

●​ Metal carbonate → metal oxide + carbon dioxide (1)

●​ Example: CuCO₃ → CuO + CO₂ (1)
●​ Copper carbonate is green (1)
●​ Changes to black copper oxide when heated (1)
●​ Test for CO₂: turns limewater milky/cloudy (1)

Question Type: Greenhouse gases and climate change

Mark Scheme:

●​ CO₂ is a greenhouse gas (1)

●​ Traps heat in atmosphere / prevents heat escaping (1)
●​ Increasing levels in atmosphere (1)
●​ May contribute to climate change / global warming (1)
●​ Caused by burning fossil fuels (1) / deforestation (1)
13. Reactivity Series
Topic 2.15-2.17: Order of Reactivity

Question Type: State reactivity series

Mark Scheme: Most reactive:

●​ Potassium (1)
●​ Sodium (1)
●​ Lithium (1)
●​ Calcium (1)
●​ Magnesium (1)
●​ Aluminium (1)
●​ (Carbon) - for reference
●​ Zinc (1)
●​ Iron (1)
●​ (Hydrogen) - for reference
●​ Copper (1)
●​ Silver (1)
●​ Gold (1) Least reactive

Mnemonic: Please Stop Calling Me A Careless Zebra, Instead Try Learning How Copper
Saves Gold

Topic 2.15: Reactions with Water and Acid

Question Type: Reactions with water

Mark Scheme:

●​ K, Na, Li: react vigorously with cold water (1)

●​ Form metal hydroxide + hydrogen (1)
●​ Ca: reacts with cold water, less vigorously (1)
●​ Mg: reacts slowly with cold water, vigorously with steam (1)
●​ Zn, Fe: react with steam only (1), form metal oxide + hydrogen (1)
●​ Cu and below: no reaction with water or steam (1)

Question Type: Reactions with dilute acid

Mark Scheme:

●​ K, Na, Li, Ca: too dangerous / too reactive (1)

●​ Mg, Al, Zn, Fe: react to form salt + hydrogen (1)
●​ Reactivity decreases down the series (1)
 ●​ Cu, Ag, Au: no reaction with dilute acid (1)
●​ General equation: metal + acid → salt + hydrogen (1)

Topic 2.16: Displacement Reactions

Question Type: Metal + metal oxide displacement

Mark Scheme:

●​ More reactive metal displaces less reactive metal (1)

●​ From its oxide (1)
●​ Example: Fe₂O₃ + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO (carbon more reactive than iron) (1)
●​ Or: CuO + Mg → Cu + MgO (magnesium more reactive than copper) (1)
●​ Exothermic reaction / heat released (1)

Question Type: Metal + salt solution displacement

Mark Scheme:

●​ More reactive metal displaces less reactive metal (1)

●​ From its salt solution (1)
●​ Example: Mg + CuSO₄ → MgSO₄ + Cu (1)
●​ Observation: copper formed as brown solid (1)
●​ Blue solution becomes colourless/pale (1)
●​ If no reaction: metal is less reactive than metal in salt (1)

Topic 2.18-2.19: Rusting of Iron

Question Type: Conditions for rusting

Mark Scheme:

●​ Requires both oxygen and water (1)

●​ Air and water / moisture needed (1)
●​ Salt water speeds up rusting (1)
●​ Rusting is oxidation of iron (1)
●​ Forms hydrated iron(III) oxide (1)

Question Type: Prevention methods

Mark Scheme:

Barrier methods:

●​ Painting / coating (1)

●​ Oiling/greasing (1)
 ●​ Plastic coating (1)
●​ Prevents oxygen and water reaching iron (1)

Galvanising:

●​ Coating with zinc (1)

●​ Zinc is more reactive than iron (1)
●​ Zinc reacts instead of iron / acts as barrier (1)

Sacrificial protection:

●​ Attach blocks of more reactive metal (e.g. zinc, magnesium) (1)

●​ More reactive metal corrodes instead of iron (1)
●​ Protects iron by sacrificing itself (1)
●​ Used on ships, underground pipes (1)

Topic 2.20: Oxidation and Reduction

Question Type: Define terms

Mark Scheme:

In terms of oxygen:

●​ Oxidation: gain of oxygen (1)

●​ Reduction: loss of oxygen (1)
●​ Redox: reaction where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously (1)

In terms of electrons:

●​ Oxidation: loss of electrons (1) OIL

●​ Reduction: gain of electrons (1) RIG
●​ Oxidising agent: substance that causes oxidation (1) / accepts electrons (1)
●​ Reducing agent: substance that causes reduction (1) / donates electrons (1)

Question Type: Identify oxidation/reduction in reactions

Mark Scheme: Example: 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO

●​ Magnesium is oxidised (1) / gains oxygen (1)

●​ Oxygen is reduced (1)
●​ Oxygen is oxidising agent (1)
●​ Magnesium is reducing agent (1)

Example: ZnO + C → Zn + CO

●​ Zinc oxide is reduced (1) / loses oxygen (1)

●​ Carbon is oxidised (1) / gains oxygen (1)
14. Extraction and Uses of Metals (Chemistry only)
Topic 2.22: Metal Ores

Question Type: Define and explain ores

Mark Scheme:

●​ Ore: rock that contains enough metal to make extraction economical (1)
●​ Most metals found as compounds in ores (1)
●​ Unreactive metals (e.g. gold, silver) found as elements / uncombined (1)
●​ Extraction requires reduction (1)

Topic 2.23: Extraction Methods

Question Type: Relate extraction to reactivity

Mark Scheme:

●​ Metals more reactive than carbon: extracted by electrolysis (1)

●​ Example: aluminium (1)
●​ Metals less reactive than carbon: extracted by reduction with carbon (1)
●​ Example: iron (1)
●​ Carbon acts as reducing agent (1)
●​ Unreactive metals: found native/uncombined (1)

Question Type: Extraction of iron

Mark Scheme:

●​ Iron ore (e.g. haematite Fe₂O₃) (1)

●​ Heated with carbon/coke (1)
●​ In blast furnace (1)
●​ Carbon reduces iron oxide (1)
●​ Fe₂O₃ + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO (1)
●​ Or: Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂ (1)
●​ Iron oxide loses oxygen / is reduced (1)
●​ Carbon gains oxygen / is oxidised (1)

Question Type: Extraction of aluminium

Mark Scheme:

●​ Aluminium ore is bauxite (Al₂O₃) (1)

●​ Extracted by electrolysis (1)
 ●​ Ore dissolved in cryolite to lower melting point (1)
●​ At cathode: Al³⁺ + 3e⁻ → Al (1) / reduction (1)
●​ At anode: 2O²⁻ → O₂ + 4e⁻ (1) / oxidation (1)
●​ Expensive process / requires lots of electricity (1)
●​ Anode made of carbon / graphite (1)
●​ Anodes need replacing as they react with oxygen (1)

Topic 2.25: Uses of Metals

Question Type: Explain uses in terms of properties

Mark Scheme:

Aluminium:

●​ Low density / light (1) - used in aircraft, vehicles (1)

●​ Doesn't corrode / resistant to corrosion (1) - oxide layer protects (1)
●​ Good conductor of electricity (1) - used in power cables (1)

Copper:

●​ Excellent conductor of electricity (1) - used in electrical wiring (1)

●​ Good conductor of heat (1) - used in saucepans (1)
●​ Malleable / can be shaped (1)
●​ Unreactive with water (1) - used in water pipes (1)

Iron and steel:

●​ Strong (1)
●​ High tensile strength (1)
●​ Used in construction / buildings, bridges (1)
●​ Low-carbon/mild steel: soft, easily shaped (1) - car bodies (1)
●​ High-carbon steel: hard, strong (1) - cutting tools, blades (1)
●​ Stainless steel: resistant to corrosion (1) - cutlery, surgical instruments (1)

Topic 2.26-2.27: Alloys

Question Type: Define alloy

Mark Scheme:

●​ Mixture of a metal with one or more other elements (1)

●​ Usually other metals or carbon (1)
●​ Example: steel is iron + carbon (1)
●​ Example: brass is copper + zinc (1)
Question Type: Explain why alloys are harder

Mark Scheme:

●​ Pure metal has regular arrangement of identical atoms (1)

●​ Layers can slide over each other easily (1)
●​ In alloy, different sized atoms present (1)
●​ Disrupts regular arrangement / distorts layers (1)
●​ Layers cannot slide as easily (1)
●​ Therefore alloy is harder than pure metal (1)
15. Acids, Alkalis and Titrations
Topic 2.28: Indicators

Question Type: Colours of indicators

Mark Scheme:

Litmus:

●​ In acid: red (1)

●​ In alkali: blue (1)
●​ In neutral: purple (1)

Phenolphthalein:

●​ In acid: colourless (1)

●​ In alkali: pink / magenta (1)

Methyl orange:

●​ In acid: red / pink (1)

●​ In alkali: yellow (1)

Topic 2.29-2.30: pH Scale

Question Type: Describe pH scale

Mark Scheme:

●​ Scale from 0 to 14 (1)

●​ 0-3: strongly acidic (1)
●​ 4-6: weakly acidic (1)
●​ 7: neutral (1)
●​ 8-10: weakly alkaline (1)
●​ 11-14: strongly alkaline (1)

Question Type: Universal indicator

Mark Scheme:

●​ Shows approximate pH value (1)

●​ Different colours at different pH values (1)
●​ Red = strongly acidic (1)
●​ Orange/yellow = weakly acidic (1)
●​ Green = neutral (1)
 ●​ Blue = weakly alkaline (1)
●​ Purple = strongly alkaline (1)

Topic 2.31-2.32: Acids and Alkalis

Question Type: Define acids and alkalis

Mark Scheme:

●​ Acids in solution produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) (1)

●​ Alkalis in solution produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) (1)
●​ Alkalis are soluble bases (1)

Question Type: Neutralisation

Mark Scheme:

●​ Acid + alkali → salt + water (1)

●​ H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O (ionic equation) (1)
●​ Exothermic reaction / heat released (1)
●​ pH moves towards 7 / neutral (1)

Topic 2.33: Titration Method (Chemistry only)

Question Type: Describe titration procedure

Mark Scheme:

Method:

●​ Use pipette to measure fixed volume of alkali (1)

●​ Into conical flask (1)
●​ Add few drops of indicator (1)
●​ Fill burette with acid (1)
●​ Record initial reading on burette (1)
●​ Add acid slowly / drop by drop near end point (1)
●​ Swirl flask constantly (1)
●​ Stop when indicator changes colour / end point reached (1)
●​ Record final reading (1)
●​ Calculate volume of acid used (final - initial) (1)
●​ Repeat to get concordant results (1)
●​ Calculate mean/average titre (ignore anomalies) (1)

Accuracy points:

●​ Read burette at eye level / avoid parallax error (1)

●​ Read to nearest 0.05 cm³ / 2 decimal places (1)
●​ White tile under flask to see colour change clearly (1)
●​ Wash conical flask between repeats (1)
16. Acids, Bases and Salt Preparations
Topic 2.34: Solubility Rules

Question Type: Predict solubility

Mark Scheme - SOLUBLE compounds:

●​ All sodium (Na⁺) compounds are soluble (1)

●​ All potassium (K⁺) compounds are soluble (1)
●​ All ammonium (NH₄⁺) compounds are soluble (1)
●​ All nitrates (NO₃⁻) are soluble (1)
●​ Most chlorides (Cl⁻) are soluble (1)
○​ EXCEPT: silver chloride (AgCl) and lead(II) chloride (PbCl₂) are insoluble (1)
●​ Most sulfates (SO₄²⁻) are soluble (1)
○​ EXCEPT: barium sulfate (BaSO₄), calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), lead(II) sulfate
(PbSO₄) are insoluble (1)

Mark Scheme - INSOLUBLE compounds:

●​ Most carbonates (CO₃²⁻) are insoluble (1)

○​ EXCEPT: sodium, potassium, ammonium carbonates are soluble (1)
●​ Most hydroxides (OH⁻) are insoluble (1)
○​ EXCEPT: sodium, potassium hydroxides are soluble (1)
○​ Calcium hydroxide is slightly soluble (1)

Memory aid: "NAP" compounds (Sodium, Ammonium, Potassium) are generally soluble

Topic 2.35-2.36: Acids and Bases

Question Type: Define acids and bases

Mark Scheme:

●​ Acid: proton donor (1) / donates H⁺ ions (1)

●​ Base: proton acceptor (1) / accepts H⁺ ions (1)
●​ Proton transfer occurs in acid-base reactions (1)
●​ H⁺ ion transferred from acid to base (1)

Question Type: Give examples

Mark Scheme:

●​ HCl → H⁺ + Cl⁻ (acid donates proton) (1)

●​ NH₃ + H⁺ → NH₄⁺ (base accepts proton) (1)
Topic 2.37: Reactions of Acids

Question Type: Acid + Metal

Mark Scheme:

●​ Acid + metal → salt + hydrogen (1)

●​ Example: Mg + H₂SO₄ → MgSO₄ + H₂ (1)
●​ Example: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂ (1)
●​ Effervescence / fizzing observed (1)
●​ Test for hydrogen: squeaky pop with lighted splint (1)
●​ Only works with metals above hydrogen in reactivity series (1)

Question Type: Acid + Base (metal oxide/hydroxide)

Mark Scheme:

●​ Acid + base → salt + water (1)

●​ Acid + metal oxide → salt + water (1)
●​ Acid + metal hydroxide → salt + water (1)

Examples:

●​ CuO + H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + H₂O (1)

●​ NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H₂O (1)
●​ Fe₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Fe(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O (1)

Question Type: Acid + Carbonate

Mark Scheme:

●​ Acid + carbonate → salt + water + carbon dioxide (1)

●​ Example: CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂ (1)
●​ Example: Na₂CO₃ + H₂SO₄ → Na₂SO₄ + H₂O + CO₂ (1)
●​ Effervescence / fizzing observed (1)
●​ Test for CO₂: turns limewater milky (1)

Question Type: Name salts formed

Mark Scheme:

●​ Hydrochloric acid produces chlorides (1)

●​ Sulfuric acid produces sulfates (1)
●​ Nitric acid produces nitrates (1)
●​ Salt name = metal + acid ending (1)
Topic 2.38: Bases and Alkalis

Question Type: Define bases and alkalis

Mark Scheme:

●​ Bases include: metal oxides, metal hydroxides, ammonia (1)

●​ Base: neutralises acids (1)
●​ Alkali: base that is soluble in water (1)
●​ Alkalis produce OH⁻ ions in solution (1)
●​ Examples of alkalis: NaOH, KOH, NH₃ solution (1)

Topic 2.39: Prepare Soluble Salt from Insoluble Base

Question Type: Describe method (e.g. copper sulfate from copper oxide)

Mark Scheme:

Method:

●​ Add excess insoluble base (e.g. CuO) to acid (e.g. H₂SO₄) (1)
●​ Warm the mixture / heat gently (1)
●​ Stir until no more reacts / acid neutralized (1)
●​ Filter to remove excess unreacted base (1)
●​ Heat/evaporate filtrate to concentrate solution (1)
●​ Leave to crystallize / cool slowly (1)
●​ Filter to collect crystals (1)
●​ Wash with cold distilled water (1)
●​ Dry crystals (in warm oven / between filter papers) (1)

Why excess base used:

●​ To ensure all acid is used up (1)

●​ Excess base can be filtered off as it's insoluble (1)

Equation example:

●​ CuO + H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + H₂O (1)

Topic 2.40: Prepare Soluble Salt from Acid + Alkali (Chemistry only)

Question Type: Describe titration method

Mark Scheme:

Method:
 ●​ Perform titration first (without indicator) to find volumes needed (1)
●​ OR: do titration, then repeat exact volumes without indicator (1)
●​ Measure fixed volume of alkali using pipette (1)
●​ Add to conical flask (1)
●​ Add acid from burette drop by drop (1)
●​ Use indicator (e.g. phenolphthalein) (1)
●​ Stop when indicator changes / neutralization reached (1)
●​ Note volume of acid used (1)
●​ Repeat using exact same volumes but without indicator (1)
●​ Evaporate solution to concentration point (1)
●​ Leave to crystallize (1)
●​ Filter and dry crystals (1)

Why repeat without indicator:

●​ To get pure salt (1)

●​ Indicator would contaminate the salt (1)

Topic 2.41: Prepare Insoluble Salt (Chemistry only)

Question Type: Describe precipitation method

Mark Scheme:

Method (e.g. lead sulfate from lead nitrate + sodium sulfate):

●​ Mix two soluble salt solutions (1)

●​ That contain the ions needed for the insoluble salt (1)
●​ Precipitate forms immediately (1)
●​ Filter to collect precipitate (1)
●​ Wash with distilled water (1)
●​ Dry the precipitate (1)

Example:

●​ Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) + Na₂SO₄(aq) → PbSO₄(s) + 2NaNO₃(aq) (1)

●​ Or ionic: Pb²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s) (1)

Choosing reactants:

●​ Choose two soluble compounds (1)

●​ That contain the required ions (1)
●​ Check against solubility rules (1)
17. Chemical Tests
Topic 2.44: Gas Tests

Question Type: Test for hydrogen

Mark Scheme:

●​ Use lighted splint / burning splint (1)

●​ Hydrogen burns with squeaky pop (1)
●​ Or: makes popping sound (1)

Question Type: Test for oxygen

Mark Scheme:

●​ Use glowing splint (1)

●​ Splint relights / bursts into flames (1)

Question Type: Test for carbon dioxide

Mark Scheme:

●​ Bubble through limewater / calcium hydroxide solution (1)

●​ Limewater turns milky / cloudy / white precipitate forms (1)
●​ Equation: Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O (1)

Question Type: Test for ammonia

Mark Scheme:

●​ Use damp red litmus paper (1)

●​ Paper turns blue (1)
●​ Or: has pungent/sharp smell (1)
●​ Only alkaline gas commonly tested (1)

Question Type: Test for chlorine

Mark Scheme:

●​ Use damp litmus paper (1)

●​ Paper bleached / turns white (1)
●​ Or: has sharp/choking smell (1)

Topic 2.45-2.46: Flame Tests

Question Type: Describe flame test procedure

Mark Scheme:

●​ Clean nichrome wire / platinum wire (1)

●​ By dipping in concentrated HCl (1)
●​ Heat in blue Bunsen flame until no colour seen (1)
●​ Dip wire in sample / compound (1)
●​ Hold in blue flame (1)
●​ Observe colour produced (1)

Question Type: State flame test colours

Mark Scheme:

●​ Lithium (Li⁺): red / crimson (1)

●​ Sodium (Na⁺): yellow / golden (1)
●​ Potassium (K⁺): lilac / pale purple (1)
●​ Calcium (Ca²⁺): orange-red (1)
●​ Copper (Cu²⁺): blue-green (1)

Memory aid: LiNa K CalCu = Red Yellow Lilac Orange-red Blue-green

Topic 2.47: Cation Tests with NaOH

Question Type: Test for ammonium ions (NH₄⁺)

Mark Scheme:

●​ Add sodium hydroxide solution (1)

●​ Warm/heat the mixture (1)
●​ Ammonia gas produced / released (1)
●​ Test with damp red litmus (turns blue) (1)
●​ Or: pungent smell detected (1)
●​ Equation: NH₄⁺ + OH⁻ → NH₃ + H₂O (1)

Question Type: Test for metal cations

Mark Scheme:

Copper (Cu²⁺):

●​ Add sodium hydroxide solution (1)

●​ Blue precipitate forms (1)
●​ Precipitate is copper(II) hydroxide (1)
●​ Precipitate insoluble in excess NaOH (1)
 ●​ Cu²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Cu(OH)₂ (1)

Iron(II) (Fe²⁺):

●​ Add sodium hydroxide solution (1)

●​ Green precipitate forms (1)
●​ Precipitate is iron(II) hydroxide (1)
●​ May turn brown on standing (oxidation in air) (1)
●​ Fe²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Fe(OH)₂ (1)

Iron(III) (Fe³⁺):

●​ Add sodium hydroxide solution (1)

●​ Brown precipitate forms / rust-colored (1)
●​ Precipitate is iron(III) hydroxide (1)
●​ Fe³⁺ + 3OH⁻ → Fe(OH)₃ (1)

Topic 2.48: Anion Tests

Question Type: Test for halide ions (Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻)

Mark Scheme:

Method:

●​ Add dilute nitric acid (1)

●​ Then add silver nitrate solution (1)
●​ Observe precipitate formed (1)

Results:

●​ Chloride (Cl⁻): white precipitate (silver chloride) (1)

●​ Bromide (Br⁻): cream precipitate (silver bromide) (1)
●​ Iodide (I⁻): yellow precipitate (silver iodide) (1)

Why add nitric acid:

●​ To remove carbonate ions (1)

●​ Which would also form white precipitate (1)

Equations:

●​ Ag⁺ + Cl⁻ → AgCl (1)

●​ Ag⁺ + Br⁻ → AgBr (1)
●​ Ag⁺ + I⁻ → AgI (1)

Question Type: Test for sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻)

Mark Scheme:

●​ Add dilute hydrochloric acid / or nitric acid (1)

●​ Then add barium chloride solution (1)
●​ White precipitate forms (1)
●​ Precipitate is barium sulfate (1)
●​ Ba²⁺ + SO₄²⁻ → BaSO₄ (1)

Why add acid:

●​ To remove carbonate/sulfite ions (1)

●​ Which would also give white precipitate with Ba²⁺ (1)

Question Type: Test for carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻)

Mark Scheme:

●​ Add dilute acid (e.g. HCl or H₂SO₄) (1)

●​ Effervescence / fizzing / gas produced (1)
●​ Bubble gas through limewater (1)
●​ Limewater turns milky/cloudy (1)
●​ Confirms gas is carbon dioxide (1)
●​ Equation: CO₃²⁻ + 2H⁺ → CO₂ + H₂O (1)

Topic 2.49-2.50: Tests for Water

Question Type: Test for presence of water

Mark Scheme:

●​ Use anhydrous copper(II) sulfate (1)

●​ White/grey powder (1)
●​ Turns blue in presence of water (1)
●​ Forms hydrated copper(II) sulfate (1)
●​ CuSO₄ + 5H₂O → CuSO₄·5H₂O (1)

Alternative:

●​ Use anhydrous cobalt chloride (1)

●​ Blue paper (1)
●​ Turns pink in presence of water (1)

Question Type: Test for pure water

Mark Scheme:
 ●​ Measure boiling point (1)
●​ Pure water boils at exactly 100°C (at standard pressure) (1)
●​ Or measure melting/freezing point (1)
●​ Pure water freezes at exactly 0°C (1)
●​ Impure water has range of melting/boiling points (1)
●​ Or: boiling point is higher / melting point is lower than pure (1)

To identify an unknown compound systematically:

1.​ Flame test → identify metal cation (if coloured)

2.​ Add NaOH solution → identify metal cation (by precipitate colour)
3.​ Add dilute acid → test for carbonate (effervescence)
4.​ Add silver nitrate + HNO₃ → test for halides (precipitate colour)
5.​ Add barium chloride + HCl → test for sulfate (white precipitate)
18. Energetics (Physical Chemistry)
Topic 3.1: Types of Reactions
Question Type: Define exothermic and endothermic

Mark Scheme:

●​ Exothermic reaction: releases/gives out heat energy (1)

●​ To the surroundings (1)
●​ Temperature of surroundings increases (1)
●​ Endothermic reaction: takes in/absorbs heat energy (1)
●​ From the surroundings (1)
●​ Temperature of surroundings decreases (1)

Question Type: Give examples

Mark Scheme:

●​ Exothermic examples:
○​ Combustion (1)
○​ Neutralisation (1)
○​ Displacement reactions (1)
○​ Respiration (1)
○​ Oxidation reactions (1)
●​ Endothermic examples:
○​ Thermal decomposition (1)
○​ Photosynthesis (1)
○​ Dissolving some salts (e.g. ammonium nitrate) (1)

Topic 3.2-3.4: Calorimetry

Question Type: Describe calorimetry experiment

Mark Scheme:

●​ Method:
○​ Measure mass of substance/solution (1)
○​ Measure initial temperature (1)
○​ Carry out reaction in insulated container/polystyrene cup (1)
○​ Stir mixture (1)
○​ Measure maximum/minimum temperature reached (1)
○​ Calculate temperature change (ΔT = final - initial) (1)
Question Type: Calculate heat energy change

Mark Scheme:

●​ Use equation: Q = mcΔT (1)

●​ Q = heat energy change in joules (J) (1)
●​ m = mass in grams (g) (1)
●​ c = specific heat capacity (4.2 J/g°C for water) (1)
●​ ΔT = temperature change in °C (1)
●​ Correct substitution (1)
●​ Correct answer with units (J or kJ) (1)

Question Type: Calculate molar enthalpy change (ΔH)

Mark Scheme:

●​ Calculate heat energy change Q first using Q = mcΔT (1)

●​ Calculate moles of limiting reactant (1)
●​ ΔH = Q ÷ moles (1)
●​ Include correct sign (negative for exothermic, positive for endothermic) (1)
●​ Correct units (kJ/mol) (1)

Topic 3.5-3.7: Energy Level Diagrams and Bond Energies (Chemistry

only)
Question Type: Draw energy level diagram

Mark Scheme:

●​ Exothermic:
○​ Products at lower energy level than reactants (1)
○​ Arrow pointing downwards (1)
○​ ΔH shown as negative/pointing down (1)
○​ Activation energy shown from reactants to peak (1)
●​ Endothermic:
○​ Products at higher energy level than reactants (1)
○​ Arrow pointing upwards (1)
○​ ΔH shown as positive/pointing up (1)
○​ Activation energy shown from reactants to peak (1)

Question Type: Explain bond breaking and making Mark Scheme:

●​ Bond breaking is endothermic (1)

●​ Requires/absorbs energy (1)
●​ Bond making is exothermic (1)
●​ Releases energy (1)
Question Type: Calculate enthalpy change from bond energies

Mark Scheme:

●​ Energy in = sum of all bonds broken (1)

●​ Energy out = sum of all bonds formed (1)
●​ ΔH = energy in - energy out (1)
●​ OR: ΔH = bonds broken - bonds formed (1)
●​ If result is negative, reaction is exothermic (1)
●​ If result is positive, reaction is endothermic (1)
●​ Correct answer with units (kJ/mol) (1)

19. Rates of Reaction

Topic 3.9-3.10: Factors Affecting Rate
Question Type: Describe methods to measure rate

Mark Scheme:

●​ Methods:
○​ Measure volume of gas produced using gas syringe (1)
○​ At regular time intervals (1)
○​ Measure mass loss using balance (1)
○​ Measure time for solution to become cloudy (1)
○​ Measure time for colour change (1)

Question Type: Factors that affect rate

Mark Scheme:

●​ Increasing temperature increases rate (1)

●​ Increasing concentration of solution increases rate (1)
●​ Increasing pressure of gas increases rate (1)
●​ Increasing surface area of solid increases rate (1)
●​ Using a catalyst increases rate (1)

Topic 3.11: Collision Theory

Question Type: Explain effect of temperature

Mark Scheme:

●​ Higher temperature gives particles more energy (1)

 ●​ Particles move faster (1)
●​ More frequent collisions (1)
●​ More collisions have energy ≥ activation energy (1)
●​ Therefore rate increases (1)

Question Type: Explain effect of concentration

Mark Scheme:

●​ Higher concentration means more particles (1)

●​ In same volume (1)
●​ Particles closer together (1)
●​ More frequent collisions (1)
●​ Therefore rate increases (1)

Question Type: Explain effect of surface area

Mark Scheme:

●​ Smaller pieces/powder have larger surface area (1)

●​ More particles exposed to react (1)
●​ More frequent collisions (1)
●​ Therefore rate increases (1)

Question Type: Explain effect of pressure (gases)

Mark Scheme:

●​ Higher pressure means same number of gas particles (1)

●​ In smaller volume (1)
●​ Particles closer together (1)
●​ More frequent collisions (1)
●​ Therefore rate increases (1)

Topic 3.12-3.14: Catalysts

Question Type: Define and explain catalysts

Mark Scheme:

●​ Catalyst: increases rate of reaction (1)

●​ Without being used up/chemically unchanged at end (1)
●​ Only small amount needed (1)
●​ Works by providing alternative pathway (1)
●​ With lower activation energy (1)
●​ More particles have energy ≥ activation energy (1)
 ●​ Therefore more successful collisions (1)

Question Type: Draw reaction profile diagram (Chemistry only)

Mark Scheme:

●​ x-axis labeled "progress of reaction" (1)

●​ y-axis labeled "energy" (1)
●​ Reactants and products labeled (1)
●​ Activation energy shown from reactants to peak (1)
●​ ΔH shown between reactants and products (1)
●​ Catalyzed pathway shown with lower peak (1)
●​ Lower activation energy labeled (1)

20. Reversible Reactions and Equilibria (Chemistry only)

Topic 3.17-3.18: Reversible Reactions
Question Type: Define reversible reaction

Mark Scheme:

●​ Reaction that can go in both directions (1)

●​ Forward and backward/reverse reaction occur (1)
●​ Shown by ⇌ symbol (1)

Question Type: Give examples

Mark Scheme:

●​ Hydrated copper sulfate ⇌ anhydrous copper sulfate + water (1)

●​ CuSO₄·5H₂O ⇌ CuSO₄ + 5H₂O (1)
●​ Blue crystals ⇌ white powder (when heated) (1)
●​ White powder + water → blue crystals (when water added) (1)
●​ Ammonium chloride ⇌ ammonia + hydrogen chloride (1)
●​ NH₄Cl ⇌ NH₃ + HCl (1)

Topic 3.19-3.20: Dynamic Equilibrium

Question Type: Define dynamic equilibrium Mark Scheme:

●​ Occurs in sealed/closed container (1)

●​ Forward and reverse reactions occur at same rate (1)
●​ Concentrations of reactants and products remain constant (1)
 ●​ Reactions haven't stopped / still occurring (1)
●​ Macroscopic properties unchanged (1)

Topic 3.21: Effect of Catalyst on Equilibrium

Question Type: Explain catalyst effect

Mark Scheme:

●​ Catalyst increases rate of forward reaction (1)

●​ Catalyst increases rate of reverse reaction equally (1)
●​ Position of equilibrium unchanged (1)
●​ Equilibrium reached faster (1)
●​ But same amount of products formed (1)

Topic 3.22: Le Chatelier's Principle

Question Type: Effect of temperature change

Mark Scheme:

●​ Increase in temperature:
○​ Shifts equilibrium in endothermic direction (1)
○​ To absorb the extra heat (1)
●​ Decrease in temperature:
○​ Shifts equilibrium in exothermic direction (1)
○​ To release heat (1)

Question Type: Effect of pressure change

Mark Scheme:

●​ Increase in pressure:
○​ Shifts equilibrium to side with fewer moles of gas (1)
○​ To reduce pressure (1)
●​ Decrease in pressure:
○​ Shifts equilibrium to side with more moles of gas (1)
○​ To increase pressure (1)
●​ No effect if equal moles of gas on both sides (1)

Question Type: Apply to Haber Process (N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃, ΔH = -92 kJ/mol)

Mark Scheme:

●​ Forward reaction is exothermic (1)

●​ High pressure favors forward reaction (1)
 ●​ Because 4 moles gas → 2 moles gas (1)
●​ Low temperature favors forward reaction (1)
●​ Because forward reaction is exothermic (1)
●​ But low temperature gives slow rate (1)
●​ Compromise temperature used (about 450°C) (1)
●​ Catalyst (iron) used to increase rate (1)

21. Organic Chemistry - Introduction

Topic 4.1-4.3: Basic Concepts
Question Type: Define key terms

Mark Scheme:

●​ Hydrocarbon: compound containing hydrogen and carbon only (1)

●​ Homologous series: family of compounds (1) with same functional group (1) and same
general formula (1) / similar chemical properties (1)
●​ Functional group: atom or group of atoms (1) that determines chemical properties (1)
●​ Isomers: compounds with same molecular formula (1) but different structural formulae
(1)

Question Type: Types of formulae

Mark Scheme:

●​ Empirical formula: simplest whole number ratio of atoms (1)

●​ Molecular formula: actual number of atoms of each element (1)
●​ General formula: algebraic formula for homologous series (1) e.g. C H₂ ₊₂ (1)
●​ Structural formula: shows arrangement of atoms (1) e.g. CH₃CH₂CH₃ (1)
●​ Displayed formula: shows all bonds between atoms (1)

Topic 4.6: Types of Reactions

Mark Scheme:

●​ Substitution: one atom/group replaced by another (1)

●​ Addition: two molecules join to form one (1) / atoms added across double bond (1)
●​ Combustion: reaction with oxygen (1) / burning (1)
22. Crude Oil
Topic 4.7-4.10: Fractional Distillation
Question Type: Describe crude oil

Mark Scheme:

●​ Mixture of hydrocarbons (1)

●​ Mainly alkanes (1)
●​ Different chain lengths (1)
●​ Formed from ancient dead organisms (1)
●​ Over millions of years (1)
●​ Under high temperature and pressure (1)

Question Type: Describe fractional distillation process

Mark Scheme:

●​ Crude oil heated to vaporize (1)

●​ Vapors pass into fractionating column (1)
●​ Column has temperature gradient (1)
●​ Hotter at bottom, cooler at top (1)
●​ Hydrocarbons condense at different heights (1)
●​ According to their boiling points (1)
●​ Collected as fractions (1)

Question Type: Name fractions and uses

Mark Scheme:

●​ Refinery gases: used for bottled gas / camping gas / heating (1)
●​ Gasoline/petrol: used as fuel for cars (1)
●​ Kerosene: used as fuel for aircraft / jet fuel (1)
●​ Diesel: used as fuel for cars, lorries, trains (1)
●​ Fuel oil: used as fuel for ships, power stations (1)
●​ Bitumen: used for road surfacing / roofing (1)

Question Type: Trends in fractions

Mark Scheme:

●​ As chain length increases going down column:

○​ Boiling point increases (1)
○​ Viscosity increases / becomes thicker (1)
○​ Color darkens (1)
 ○​ Flammability decreases / harder to ignite (1)
○​ Volatility decreases / evaporates less easily (1)

Topic 4.11-4.16: Combustion and Pollution

Question Type: Complete combustion

Mark Scheme:

●​ Requires plentiful/excess oxygen (1)

●​ Hydrocarbon + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (1)
●​ Example: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O (1)
●​ Exothermic reaction / releases energy (1)

Question Type: Incomplete combustion Mark Scheme:

●​ Occurs when oxygen supply is limited (1)

●​ Hydrocarbon + oxygen → carbon monoxide + water (1)
●​ Or: → carbon (soot) + water (1)
●​ Example: 2CH₄ + 3O₂ → 2CO + 4H₂O (1)

Question Type: Explain danger of carbon monoxide

Mark Scheme:

●​ Carbon monoxide is toxic/poisonous (1)

●​ Colorless and odorless (1)
●​ Binds to hemoglobin in blood (1)
●​ Prevents oxygen being transported (1)
●​ Can cause death (1)

Question Type: Nitrogen oxides formation

Mark Scheme:

●​ High temperatures in car engines (1)

●​ Nitrogen and oxygen from air react (1)
●​ N₂ + O₂ → 2NO (1)
●​ Nitrogen oxides contribute to acid rain (1)
●​ Cause photochemical smog (1)
●​ Respiratory problems (1)

Question Type: Sulfur dioxide pollution

Mark Scheme:

●​ Sulfur impurities in hydrocarbon fuels (1)

 ●​ Sulfur burns during combustion (1)
●​ S + O₂ → SO₂ (1)
●​ Sulfur dioxide dissolves in rain water (1)
●​ Forms sulfuric acid / acid rain (1)
●​ H₂O + SO₂ → H₂SO₃ (1)
●​ Damages buildings, trees, aquatic life (1)

Topic 4.17-4.18: Cracking

Question Type: Describe cracking

Mark Scheme:

●​ Breaking down long-chain hydrocarbons (1)

●​ Into shorter-chain alkanes and alkenes (1)
●​ Thermal decomposition reaction (1)
●​ Catalyst: silica or alumina (1)
●​ Temperature: 600-700°C (1)

Question Type: Explain why cracking is needed

Mark Scheme:

●​ High demand for short-chain hydrocarbons (1)

●​ Low demand for long-chain hydrocarbons (1)
●​ Converts excess long chains into useful products (1)
●​ Produces alkenes for polymers (1)
●​ Produces short-chain alkanes for petrol (1)

Question Type: Write cracking equation

Mark Scheme:

●​ Example: C₁₀H₂₂ → C₈H₁₈ + C₂H₄ (1)

●​ Long-chain alkane → shorter alkane + alkene (1)
●​ Products must balance with reactant (1)
23. Alkanes
Topic 4.19-4.21: Properties and Structure
Question Type: Define alkanes

Mark Scheme:

●​ General formula: C H₂ ₊₂ (1)

●​ Saturated hydrocarbons (1)
●​ Contain only single C-C bonds (1)
●​ No double bonds (1)

Question Type: Draw and name alkanes

Mark Scheme:

●​ Methane: CH₄ (1)

●​ Ethane: C₂H₆ or CH₃CH₃ (1)
●​ Propane: C₃H₈ or CH₃CH₂CH₃ (1)
●​ Butane: C₄H₁₀ or CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ (1)
●​ Pentane: C₅H₁₂ or CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃ (1)
●​ Correct displayed formula showing all bonds (1)

Topic 4.22: Reactions of Alkanes

Question Type: Substitution with halogens

Mark Scheme:

●​ Alkane + halogen → haloalkane + hydrogen halide (1)

●​ Requires ultraviolet light / UV radiation / sunlight (1)
●​ Example: CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl (1)
●​ Hydrogen atom replaced by halogen atom (1)
●​ Substitution reaction (1)
24. Alkenes
Topic 4.23-4.26: Properties and Structure
Question Type: Define alkenes

Mark Scheme:

●​ Contain C=C double bond (1)

●​ Functional group: >C=C< (1)
●​ General formula: C H₂ (1)
●​ Unsaturated hydrocarbons (1)
●​ Contain at least one double bond (1)

Question Type: Draw and name alkenes

Mark Scheme:

●​ Ethene: C₂H₄ or CH₂=CH₂ (1)

●​ Propene: C₃H₆ or CH₃CH=CH₂ (1)
●​ Butene: C₄H₈ or CH₃CH₂CH=CH₂ (1)
●​ Correct displayed formula showing double bond (1)

Topic 4.27-4.28: Reactions of Alkenes

Question Type: Addition with bromine

Mark Scheme:

●​ Alkene + bromine → dibromoalkane (1)

●​ Example: C₂H₄ + Br₂ → C₂H₄Br₂ (1)
●​ Double bond broken (1)
●​ Bromine atoms added across double bond (1)
●​ Addition reaction (1)

Question Type: Test for alkenes

Mark Scheme:

●​ Add bromine water (1)

●​ Alkene: orange/brown bromine water decolorizes (1)
●​ Turns colorless (1)
●​ Alkane: no color change (1)
●​ Remains orange/brown (1)
25. Alcohols (Chemistry only)
Topic 4.29-4.30: Structure
Question Type: Define and draw alcohols

Mark Scheme:

●​ Functional group: -OH (1)

●​ Hydroxyl group (1)
●​ Methanol: CH₃OH (1)
●​ Ethanol: C₂H₅OH or CH₃CH₂OH (1)
●​ Propanol: C₃H₇OH or CH₃CH₂CH₂OH (1)
●​ Butanol: C₄H₉OH or CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂OH (1)

Topic 4.31: Oxidation of Ethanol

Question Type: Methods of oxidation

Mark Scheme:

●​ Complete combustion:
○​ Burn in oxygen/air (1)
○​ C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 3H₂O (1)
○​ Produces carbon dioxide and water (1)
●​ Microbial oxidation:
○​ React with oxygen in air (1)
○​ Microbes/bacteria present (1)
○​ Forms ethanoic acid (1)
○​ C₂H₅OH + O₂ → CH₃COOH + H₂O (1)
●​ Chemical oxidation:
○​ Heat with potassium dichromate(VI) (1)
○​ In dilute sulfuric acid (1)
○​ Forms ethanoic acid (1)
○​ Orange solution turns green (1)

Topic 4.32-4.33: Manufacture of Ethanol

Question Type: Hydration of ethene

Mark Scheme:

●​ Ethene reacted with steam (1)

●​ Catalyst: phosphoric acid (1)
●​ Temperature: about 300°C (1)
 ●​ Pressure: about 60-70 atm (1)
●​ C₂H₄ + H₂O → C₂H₅OH (1)
●​ Advantages: continuous process, fast, pure product (1)
●​ Disadvantages: uses non-renewable ethene, high energy cost (1)

Question Type: Fermentation

Mark Scheme:

●​ Glucose converted to ethanol (1)

●​ C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂ (1)
●​ Uses yeast / enzymes in yeast (1)
●​ Temperature: about 30°C (optimum) (1)
●​ Absence of air / anaerobic conditions (1)
●​ Takes several days / batch process (1)
●​ Advantages: uses renewable resources, low temperature (1)
●​ Disadvantages: slow, dilute product needs purification (1)

Question Type: Explain fermentation conditions

Mark Scheme:

●​ Absence of air needed:

○​ Prevents oxidation to ethanoic acid (1)
○​ Yeast respires anaerobically (1)
●​ Optimum temperature needed:
○​ Too low: enzymes work slowly (1)
○​ Too high: enzymes denature (1)
○​ About 30°C gives fastest rate (1)

26. Carboxylic Acids (Chemistry only)

Topic 4.34-4.35: Structure
Question Type: Functional group

Mark Scheme:

●​ Functional group: -COOH (1)

●​ Carboxyl group (1)
●​ Contains C=O and -OH (1)

Question Type: Draw and name carboxylic acids

Mark Scheme:

●​ Methanoic acid: HCOOH (1)

●​ Ethanoic acid: CH₃COOH (1)
●​ Propanoic acid: CH₃CH₂COOH or C₂H₅COOH (1)
●​ Butanoic acid: CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH or C₃H₇COOH (1)

Topic 4.36-4.37: Reactions

Question Type: Reactions of carboxylic acids

Mark Scheme:

●​ Acid + metal → salt + hydrogen (1)

○​ Example: 2CH₃COOH + Mg → (CH₃COO)₂Mg + H₂ (1)
●​ Acid + carbonate → salt + water + carbon dioxide (1)
○​ Example: 2CH₃COOH + CaCO₃ → (CH₃COO)₂Ca + H₂O + CO₂ (1)
●​ Weak acids (1)
●​ Partially ionize in solution (1)

Question Type: Vinegar

Mark Scheme:

●​ Vinegar contains ethanoic acid (1)

●​ Aqueous solution of ethanoic acid (1)
●​ About 4-8% ethanoic acid (1)

27. Esters (Chemistry only)

Topic 4.38-4.42: Structure and Formation
Question Type: Functional group

Mark Scheme:

●​ Functional group: -COO- (1)

●​ Ester link (1)

Question Type: Formation of esters

Mark Scheme:

●​ Alcohol + carboxylic acid → ester + water (1)

 ●​ Acid catalyst needed (e.g. concentrated H₂SO₄) (1)
●​ Heat mixture (1)
●​ Esterification reaction / condensation reaction (1)
●​ Example: CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH → CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O (1)
●​ Ethanoic acid + ethanol → ethyl ethanoate + water (1)

Question Type: Name and draw esters

Mark Scheme:

●​ Name: [alcohol part] [acid part]-oate (1)

●​ Example: ethyl ethanoate from ethanol and ethanoic acid (1)
●​ Structure: CH₃COOC₂H₅ or CH₃-COO-CH₂-CH₃ (1)

Question Type: Properties and uses

Mark Scheme:

●​ Volatile / evaporate easily (1)

●​ Distinctive/pleasant smells (1)
●​ Used as food flavorings (1)
●​ Used in perfumes (1)
●​ Sweet/fruity smells (1)

28. Synthetic Polymers

Topic 4.44-4.47: Addition Polymers
Question Type: Define addition polymer

Mark Scheme:

●​ Formed by joining many small molecules (1)

●​ Small molecules called monomers (1)
●​ Monomers contain C=C double bond (1)
●​ Double bond opens up to form polymer (1)
●​ No other products formed (1)

Question Type: Draw repeat unit

Mark Scheme:

●​ Brackets around repeat unit (1)

●​ Extension bonds/continuation bonds shown (1)
 ●​ Subscript n outside brackets (1)
●​ Example: poly(ethene) from ethene:
○​ Monomer: CH₂=CH₂ (1)
○​ Repeat unit: -[CH₂-CH₂]- (1)
●​ Example: poly(propene) from propene:
○​ Monomer: CH₂=CHCH₃ (1)
○​ Repeat unit: -[CH₂-CH(CH₃)]- (1)

Question Type: Problems with disposal

Mark Scheme:

●​ Non-biodegradable (1)
●​ Chemically inert / unreactive (1)
●​ Persist in environment / landfill (1)
●​ Take hundreds of years to break down (1)
●​ Burning produces toxic gases (1)
●​ E.g. hydrogen chloride from PVC (1)
●​ E.g. carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion (1)

Topic 4.48-4.50: Condensation Polymers (Chemistry only)

Question Type: Formation of polyesters

Mark Scheme:

●​ Formed from dicarboxylic acid + diol (1)

Question Type: Formation of polyesters

Mark Scheme:

●​ Formed from dicarboxylic acid + diol (1)

●​ Each monomer has two functional groups (1)
●​ Small molecule (water) eliminated (1)
●​ Ester links formed (1)
●​ Example: ethanedioic acid + ethanediol → polyester + water (1)

Question Type: Draw polyester structure

Mark Scheme:

●​ Show repeat unit in brackets (1)

●​ Show ester link -COO- (1)
●​ Extension bonds shown (1)
●​ Subscript n (1)
Question Type: Biodegradable polymers Mark Scheme:

●​ Some polyesters are biodegradable (1)

●​ Called biopolyesters (1)
●​ Can be broken down by microorganisms (1)
●​ More environmentally friendly (1)
●​ Reduce landfill problems (1)
Practical Skills Mark Schemes
General Practical Assessment Criteria

Accuracy and precision (2-3 marks):

●​ Measurements to appropriate significant figures (1)

●​ Repeat readings taken (1)
●​ Anomalous results identified and excluded (1)

Safety (1-2 marks):

●​ Appropriate safety precautions mentioned (1)

●​ Risk assessment considerations (1)

Method description (4-6 marks):

●​ Clear, logical sequence (1-2)

●​ Sufficient detail for reproducibility (1-2)
●​ Correct equipment identified (1-2)

Results presentation (2-3 marks):

●​ Table with headings and units (1)

●​ Graph with labeled axes (1)
●​ Appropriate scale chosen (1)

Analysis and conclusion (2-4 marks):

●​ Results analyzed correctly (1-2)

●​ Conclusion linked to results (1)
●​ Evaluation of reliability (1)

Common Mark Scheme Terminology

Command words you must understand:

●​ State: Give a simple answer, no explanation needed

●​ Describe: Give characteristics or main features
●​ Explain: Give reasons why or how
●​ Compare: Give similarities and differences
●​ Suggest: Use knowledge to propose answer to unfamiliar situation
●​ Calculate: Work out numerical answer, show working
 ●​ Deduce: Draw conclusion from information provided

Marking points:

●​ (1) = 1 mark
●​ [2] = total marks for question
●​ Any two from: = choose any 2 correct points for 2 marks
●​ ECF = error carried forward (credit for correct method even if earlier error)

Exam Technique Tips

For full marks, ensure:

1.​ Use correct scientific terminology consistently

2.​ Show all working in calculations
3.​ Include units where appropriate
4.​ Balance equations before using them
5.​ Check significant figures match data given
6.​ Link explanations to particle behavior when appropriate
7.​ Use comparative language (more/less, higher/lower, stronger/weaker)
8.​ Answer the command word - if it says "explain" you must give reasons