PMT Education

GCSE
CHEMISTRY
8462/1H
Paper 1 Higher Tier

Mark scheme
Predicted Paper 2025 (Based on AQA)
 1

1.1 In Figure 1, the letters A, D, E, G, J, L, M, R, T and X show the

positions of ten elements in the periodic table.

The letters are not the symbols of the atoms of these elements.

Figure 1

Use the letters A, D, E, G, J, L, M, R, T and X in your answers.

Give the letter of the element in Group 3 which has the

highest atomic number?
[1 mark]
L – 1 mark

1.2 Which elements is in

[1 mark]
Period 3? Tick () one box.

1.3 Give the letter of the element in Group 1 which

reacts most vigorously with water.
[1 mark]

D – 1 mark

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 2

A sample of element X contains two isotopes: X-35 and X-37.

1.4
Define the term ‘isotope’ and explain why these isotopes have
similar chemical properties.
[2 marks]
Atoms have same atomic number (protons) but different
mass numbers (neutrons) – 1 mark

Isotopes have same chemical properties due to same electronic

configuration / same number of electrons – 1 mark

Table 1 shows the percentage (%) abundance of the two isotopes of X.

Table 1

Mass number of isotope Percentage (%) abundance

35 74

37 26

1.5 Calculate the relative atomic mass (Ar) of

element X. Give your answer to one decimal

place.

[3 marks]
Correct calculation method shown: ((35 × 74) + (37 ×
26)) ÷ 100
= (2590 + 962) ÷ 100
= 3552 ÷ 100 – 1 mark for any of the above.

Correct numerical answer clearly stated: 35.52 – 1 mark

Correct rounding clearly shown: 35.5 (1 decimal place) –

1 mark

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 3

Element X has an atomic number of 18.

1.6
Write the electronic structure of element X. [1 mark]

2.8.8 – 1 mark

What is the total number of electrons in an ion of

1.7
fluorine (F⁻)?
[1 mark]

10 – 1 mark

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2.1 Dmitri Mendeleev published his first periodic table of the elements
in 1869. This consisted of about 60 elements.
Part of his table is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2

Explain how Dmitri Mendeleev arranged the elements in his

periodic table and describe one significant prediction he made
about undiscovered elements.
[3 marks]
Elements arranged by increasing atomic mass, grouped by similar chemical
properties – 1 mark
Mendeleev predicted undiscovered elements and left gaps for
them – 1 mark
Discovered elements matched predictions, validating his table – 1 mark

2.2 In Mendeleev's original periodic table, some elements were

placed in groups that did not correspond to their chemical
properties.

Explain one reason why this occurred. [2 marks]

Elements initially grouped incorrectly due to strict atomic

weight ordering – 1 mark
Discovery of isotopes explained earlier anomalies – 1 mark

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2.3 Scientists later discovered a group of elements that were missing

from Mendeleev’s table.

Which group of the modern periodic table is missing from Mendeleev’s table?

[1 mark]
Group 0 or group 8 (Noble gases) – 1 mark

2.4 Astatine (At) is a Group 7 element that was not included in

Mendeleev’s periodic table.

Predict one physical property of astatine and explain why you made
this prediction.
[2 marks]
Astatine predicted physical property (e.g., solid at room temp.) – 1 mark

Explained clearly using trend of increasing melting points down

Group 7 – 1 mark

2.5 The atomic model has changed over time.

Draw one line from each scientist to their correct discovery.

[2 marks]

Scientist Discovery

Suggested that electrons orbit the

John Dalton nucleus in shells

J.J. Thomson Discovered the neutron

Niels Bohr Developed the ‘plum pudding’

model
James Chadwick
Discovered that atoms are
indivisible

2 correct lines – 1 mark

4 correct lines – 2 marks

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State what experiment supported the transition from

2.6 the plum pudding model to the nuclear model.
[1 mark]
alpha particle scattering experiment
or
Rutherford's gold foil experiment – 1 mark

According to the nuclear model of the atom, what is the relative

2.7
charge of an electron?
[1 mark]
-1 – 1 mark

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 7

3.1 What is the group name of elements that react vigorously with water?

Tick () one box. [1 mark]

Transition
metals

Noble gases

Alkali Metals

3.2 Table 2 shows the name, state at room temperature and colour of Group 7
elements.

Table 2

Element State at Room Temperature Colour

Fluorine Gas Pale Yellow

Chlorine Gas Yellow-green

Bromine Liquid Red-Brown

Iodine Solid Dark grey

Complete Table 2 by filling in the missing information about Group 7.

[2 marks]

2 correct – 1 mark
4 correct – 2 marks

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 8

3.3 Group 7 elements exist as diatomic molecules.

Complete the dot and cross diagram to represent the bonding in a Chlorine
(Cl2) molecule.

Use dots (o) and crosses (x) to represent electrons.

You should only show the electrons in the outer shell.

[2 marks]

Cl Cl

Describe and explain the trend in reactivity of Group 7 elements

3.4
as you move down the group.
[3 marks]
Reactivity decreases – 1 mark
Outer electrons further from nucleus – 1 mark
Attraction for electrons decreases – 1 mark

State what happens to the melting and boiling points of group 7

3.5
elements as you go down the group.
[1 mark]
Increase down group – 1 mark

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 9

4.1 This question is about bonding and structures.

Figure 3 shows a sheet of graphene.

Figure 3

Explain how the structure of graphene makes it useful in

electronic
applications. [3 marks]
Delocalised electrons conduct electricity – 1
mark Strong, flexible covalent bonds – 1 mark
Suitable for electronics because it can conduct electricity
efficiently and is extremely thin, making it ideal for flexible
electronic components – 1 mark

4.2 Fullerenes are another form of carbon.

Figure 4 shows a buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀).

Figure 4

Suggest and explain a possible use for this

molecule. [2 marks]

Drug delivery – 1 mark

Spherical cage-like structure allows molecules (e.g. drugs) to be
enclosed securely and carried within the body – 1 mark

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 10

A student investigates the properties of three different

4.3
substances. Their observations are recorded in Table 3.

Table 3

Melting Solubility in Electrical

Substance Conductivity Hardness
Point (°C) Water

Conducts
X 1200 Insoluble Brittle
when
molten
Does not
Y 45 Soluble Soft
conduct
Does not
Z 3800 Insoluble Very hard
conduct

Based on the data, determine the types of bonding present in

substances X, Y, and Z, and justify your choices.
[6 marks]

Level 3: Clear identification and justification of each bonding type with

reference to properties. Logical reasoning shown throughout. 5–6
marks
Level 2: Correct bonding identified with some explanation. 3–4 marks
Level 1: Simple identification with limited explanation. 1–2 marks
No relevant content 0 marks

Indicative content

Substance X
- Ionic bonding identified
- High melting point due to strong ionic bonds
- Conducts electricity when molten due to free-moving ions

Substance Y
- Simple covalent bonding identified
- Low melting point because weak intermolecular forces
- Doesn't conduct electricity due to no free ions or electrons

Substance Z
- Giant covalent bonding identified
- High melting point due to strong covalent bonds
- Doesn't conduct electricity – no free electrons or ions

11

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 11

5.1 Metals are extracted from their ores using chemical reactions and
have a wide range of industrial uses.

Complete and balance the equation for iron

extraction.
[2 marks]

2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO₂

CO₂ correct – 1 mark
CO₂ and all balancing correct– 2 marks

Identify the reaction type in iron

5.2 extraction.

[1 mark]
Tick () one

box. Iron is

oxidised

Iron oxide is neutralised

Iron oxide is reduced

Carbon is reduced

Calculate the maximum mass of iron which can be

5.3 extracted from 750 tonnes of Fe₂O₃.

(Relative formula mass (Mr) of Fe₂O₃ = 160) [3 marks]

(Relative atomic mass (Ar) of Fe = 56)
750 ÷ 160 = 4.6875 moles Fe₂O₃
Fe moles = 4.6875 × 2 = 9.375 moles
Mass = 9.375 × 56 = 525 tonnes – 3 marks total (1 mark per step)

Maximum mass of iron = tonnes

 12

5.4 Describe how the bonding in iron allows for it to conduct electricity.

[3 marks]
metal atoms arranged in layers (regular lattice) – 1 mark
delocalised electrons are present throughout the metallic
structure – 1 mark these electrons are free to move – 1 mark
the free-moving delocalised electrons can carry electrical charge – 1 mark

5.5 State one difference in physical properties of transition metals

and group 1 metals.
[1 mark]
Transition metals: Higher melting point/ denser/ harder – 1 mark

10

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 13

6.1 Electrolysis is another process used to extract metals.

Explain why potassium cannot be extracted from its ore by

heating with carbon.
[1 mark]
More reactive than carbon / too reactive to reduce carbon – 1 mark

6.2 The extraction of aluminium involves electrolysis of molten

aluminium oxide. Explain why aluminium oxide is mixed with cryolite

before electrolysis.

[2 marks]
Cryolite lowers melting point – 1
mark So less energy required – 1
mark

Explain what forms at the cathode during the electrolysis of

6.3 molten aluminium oxide.
[2 marks]
Aluminium – 1 mark
Positive / Al³⁺ ions gain (3) electrons – 1 mark

Write the balanced half-equation for the reaction at the cathode

6.4
during the electrolysis of aluminium oxide.
[2 marks]

Al³⁺ + 3e⁻ → Al – 2 marks for correct half equation (lose

one mark if charge or 3 is missing)

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 14

6.5 The balanced equation for the electrolysis of magnesium oxide

(MgO) is given below:
2MgO → 2Mg + O2

Calculate the volume of oxygen gas which would be produced

from the electrolysis of 2.5 tonnes of magnesium oxide (MgO) at
room temperature and pressure.
[4 marks]

2.5 tonnes x 1000 = 2,500kg x 1000 = 2,500,000g

2,500,000g ÷ 40 = 62,500 moles
MgO Moles O₂ = 62,500 / 2 =
31,250
Volume O₂ = 31,250 × 24 = 750,000 dm³ – 4 marks total (1 per step)

Volume
of oxygen =__________________dm3

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 15

A student investigated the reaction of different metals with

7.1 sulfuric acid to produce hydrogen gas.

The student added equal masses of five different metals to separate

test tubes containing sulfuric acid and measured the time taken to
collect 50 cm³ of hydrogen gas in each reaction.

What is the independent variable in this

[1 mark]
investigation? Type of metal – 1 mark

7.2 Table 4 shows the results for this experiment.

Table 4

Time to collect 50 cm³ of

Metal
hydrogen (s)

Calcium 5
Magnesium 9
Zinc 22
Iron 55
Copper No reaction

Write the five metals in order of their reactivity, starting with the most
reactive, and justify your answer based on the temperature changes
observed.

[3 marks]
Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Copper – 2 marks for all 5
(1 mark if only 2 metals in correct place)

Shorter reaction = more reactive – 1 mark

Explain why copper did not react with sulfuric

7.3 acid.
[1 mark]

Below hydrogen / less reactive than hydrogen –

1 mark

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 16

7.4 The reaction between magnesium and sulfuric acid is

exothermic. Explain, in terms of bond breaking and bond

making, why the reaction is

exothermic.
[3 marks]
Energy required to break bonds in magnesium metal and
sulfuric acid – 1 mark
Energy released when new bonds formed in magnesium sulfate
and hydrogen gas – 1 mark
More energy released forming bonds than absorbed
breaking bonds, so overall reaction releases energy
(exothermic) – 1 mark

The reaction between magnesium and sulfuric acid can be represented

7.5 by the energy profile below.
Complete the diagram below to show the reaction profile for the
reaction between magnesium and sulfuric acid.
[3 marks]

Progress of
reaction

11
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 17

8.1 This question is about the electrolysis of aqueous solutions.

A student prepares an aqueous solution of copper sulfate (CuSO₄).

The student makes 250 cm³ of a copper sulfate solution with a concentration
of
0.2 mol/dm³.

Calculate the mass of copper sulfate (CuSO₄) required to make this

solution. (Relative formula mass (Mr): CuSO₄ = 159.5)

[2 marks]

Moles = concentration × volume = 0.2 × 0.25 dm³ = 0.05 mol

– 1 mark Mass of CuSO₄ = moles × Mr = 0.05 × 159.5 = 7.975
g (7.98 g rounded) – 1 mark

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 18

8.2 The student electrolyses the copper sulfate solution using the
apparatus shown below.

Figure 5

Identify the products formed at each electrode and explain how these
products are formed.

Include ionic half-equations in your answer.

[6 marks]

Level 3: Comprehensive explanation of electrolysis with correct

ionic half- equations and detailed reasoning. 5–6 marks
Level 2: Correct products identified with half-equations; reasoning
partially clear. 3–4 marks
Level 1: Basic products identified, limited reasoning. 1–
2 marks No relevant content 0 marks

Indicative content
Cathode: copper metal formed
Copper ions (Cu²⁺) attracted and gain electrons (reduced)
Cathode half-equation: Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
Copper discharged because lower reactivity compared to
hydrogen Anode: oxygen gas formed
OH⁻ ions preferentially oxidised over
sulfate ions Correct half-equation: 4OH⁻ →
O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻ Sulfate ions remain in
solution

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 19

This question is about preparing crystals of a soluble salt.

9.1
A student prepared pure, dry crystals of copper(II) chloride (CuCl₂) starting
from copper(II) oxide (CuO) and dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Write the balanced equation for this reaction.

[2 marks]

CuO + 2HCl → CuCl₂ + H₂O – 2 marks (lose one

mark if
unbalanced/wrong
balancing) The student followed these steps:
9.2
1. 50 cm³ of dilute hydrochloric acid was poured into a beaker.
2. Copper(II) oxide powder was gradually added while stirring.
3. The mixture was filtered.
4. The student used the filtrate to obtain crystals of copper(II) chloride.

Suggest how the student would know when the copper(II) oxide had
fully reacted with the hydrochloric acid.
[1 mark]
excess copper oxide remains unreacted / visible – 1 mark

9.3 Describe how the student could obtain pure, dry copper(II)
chloride crystals from the filtrate.
[3 marks]
Gently heat solution to evaporate some water until
crystals begin to
form at the edge of the solution or on a glass rod – 1
mark Leave solution to cool slowly to allow larger
copper(II) chloride crystals to form – 1 mark
Filter crystals from the solution and leave to dry in air or
gently dab dry with filter paper – 1 mark

Which of the following compounds could also be

9.4 reacted with hydrochloric acid to produce copper(II) Copper(II)
chloride crystals? phosphate

Tick () one box.

Copper(II)

carbonate

Copper(II) sulfate
7
Copper(II) nitrate

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 20

[1 mark]

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 21

This question is about acids and bases.

10.1
Describe the difference between a strong acid and a
weak acid in terms of ionisation.
[1 mark]
Strong acids fully ionise in aqueous solution whilst weak
acids
partially ionise – 1 mark

A student has two solutions of hydrochloric acid:

10.2
● Solution A has a concentration of 0.1 mol/dm³.
● Solution B has a concentration of 1.0 mol/dm³.

Which solution is more dilute? Explain your answer.

[2 marks]
Solution A (0.1 mol/dm³) is more dilute – 1 mark
Because it contains fewer moles of acid per unit volume
compared to solution B – 1 mark

10.3 State the type of reaction which occurs between hydrochloric acid
and sodium hydroxide.
[1 mark]
Neutralisation – 1 mark

10.4 Identify the two products which form when hydrochloric acid and
sodium hydroxide react.
[1 mark]
Sodium chloride and water – 1 mark

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 22

10.5 A student performed a titration to determine the concentration of

calcium hydroxide solution (Ca(OH)₂) using dilute nitric acid
(HNO₃) with a known concentration of 0.2 mol/dm³.

The balanced equation for the reaction is:

Ca(OH)2 + 2HNO3 → Ca(NO3)2 + 2H2O

Name two suitable pieces of apparatus the student should use to

accurately measure the volumes of calcium hydroxide solution and
nitric acid solution.

[1 mark]
Pipette – 1 mark
Burette – 1 mark

Suggest a suitable indicator for this

10.6
[1 mark]
titration. Phenolphthalein – 1 mark

10.7 In the titration, 25.0 cm³ of calcium hydroxide solution was exactly
neutralised by 20.0 cm³ of nitric acid.

Calculate the concentration of the calcium hydroxide

solution.

Give your answer in mol/dm³. [4 marks]

Moles of HNO₃ = concentration × volume

= 0.2 × (20 ÷ 1000)
= 0.004 mol – 1 mark
Moles Ca(OH)₂ = 0.004 ÷ 2 = 0.002 mol (correct 1:2 ratio)
– 1 mark
Concentration Ca(OH)₂ = 0.002 ÷ 0.025 = 0.08 mol/dm³ – 1 mark for
calculation Final answer clearly stated: 0.08 mol/dm³ – 1 mark

End of questions 11

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