Cambridge IGCSE · Science - Combined (0653)

Atoms, elements and compounds: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Atoms, elements and compounds.

10 questions22 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which property is characteristic of simple molecular covalent compounds?

Question 2

1 mark

An element is located in Group VI of the Periodic Table. Which statement correctly describes the ion it is most likely to form?

Question 3

1 mark

The diagram represents the covalent bonding in a molecule of ethene, \(C_2H_4\). In this molecule, how many electrons are shared in total between the two carbon atoms?

Question 4

1 mark

Which subatomic particle is correctly described in terms of its relative mass and location within the atom?

Question 5

1 mark

Iodine ( \(\text{I}_2\) ) is a simple molecular substance. Which set of properties is characteristic of simple molecular structures?

Question 6

2 marks

An atom has a proton number of 7. State its electronic configuration and identify which group of the Periodic Table it belongs to.

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Question 7

3 marks

Explain why sodium chloride (an ionic compound) generally dissolves in water, whereas many covalent compounds like paraffin wax do not.

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Question 8

5 marks

Chlorine exists as \( \text{Cl}_2 \) molecules. Describe the bonding in a chlorine molecule and explain why chlorine has a very low boiling point (\( -34^\circ\text{C} \)).

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Question 9

3 marks

A student is learning about the different classifications of chemical substances: elements, compounds, and mixtures.

(a) Define the terms element and compound.

(b) State the key difference between a compound and a mixture, in terms of chemical composition and ease of separation.

(c) Give one example of a common element, one example of a common compound, and one example of a common mixture found in everyday life.

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Question 10

4 marks

Water ( \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) ) is a compound that exists as a simple molecule.

(a) Outline the steps involved in the formation of a covalent bond between two atoms.

(b) Oxygen (O) has 6 electrons in its outer shell and Hydrogen (H) has 1 electron in its outer shell. Explain, in terms of electron sharing, how one molecule of water ( \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) ) is formed, ensuring all atoms achieve a noble gas electronic configuration.

(c) Explain why, despite being formed from ions, the formula of the compound Zinc(II) Chloride is written as \( \text{ZnCl}_2 \) and not simply \( \text{ZnCl} \) .

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