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school. “Paper 42” means Paper 4, variant 2.
Practice questions
Original questions written by HomiLabs in the style of the exam, with answers and mark schemes. They are not
Cambridge past paper questions and have not been reviewed by Cambridge. Try each one before opening the answer.
Q1Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Core · Paper 1 style · 1 mark
(a)Which statement about addition polymerisation is correct?[1]
Show answer
(a) A The polymer is the only product.
In addition polymerisation unsaturated monomers (C=C) join and nothing else is produced. B describes condensation polymerisation.
Q2Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Core · Paper 2 style · 4 marks
(a)PVC is made from chloroethene, CH₂=CHCl. Name the type of polymerisation.[1]
(b)Write the repeat unit of PVC.[2]
(c)Give one use of PVC.[1]
Show answer
(a) addition
B1.
(b) –CH₂–CHCl– (shown in brackets with continuation bonds, n outside)
B1 single C–C backbone; B1 correct atoms and continuation bonds.
(c) water pipes / insulation for electrical cables / window frames
B1.
Q3Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Standard · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
A city council plans to ban single-use plastic shopping bags.
(a)Explain why disposing of plastics in landfill sites causes problems.[2]
(b)Describe one problem caused by plastic waste in rivers and seas.[1]
(c)Burning plastic waste is sometimes suggested. Give one disadvantage.[1]
(d)Suggest one way a city council could reduce plastic waste.[1]
Show answer
(a) Most plastics are non-biodegradable, so they remain for a very long time and take up land.
B1 non-biodegradable; B1 persist / use up space.
(b) Harms or kills marine animals that swallow it or become trapped; microplastics enter food chains; blocks drains.
(b) a dicarboxylic acid and a diol; ester linkage, –COO–
B1 monomers; B1 linkage.
(c) water; condensation polymerisation
B1 both.
Q5Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
(a)Proteins are natural polymers. Name the monomers and the linkage in proteins.[2]
(b)A protein chain is made from 50 amino acid molecules joined in a line. How many water molecules are eliminated?[1]
(c)Give one similarity and one difference between the structures of a protein and nylon.[2]
Show answer
(a) amino acids; amide (peptide) linkage
B1 each.
(b) 49
B1 one water molecule per linkage; 50 − 1 = 49 linkages.
(c) Similarity: both contain amide linkages / both condensation polymers. Difference: a protein is made from many different amino acids (each monomer has both –NH₂ and –COOH groups), whereas nylon is made from two different monomers that alternate.
B1 similarity; B1 difference.
Q6Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
(a)Write the repeat unit of poly(propene), made from propene CH₂=CHCH₃.[2]
(b)A poly(propene) molecule is made from 5000 propene molecules. Calculate its relative molecular mass. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1)[2]
(c)The repeat unit of a non-stick coating is –CF₂–CF₂–. Give the structural formula and name of its monomer.[2]
Show answer
(a) –CH₂–CH(CH₃)–
B1 two-carbon backbone with continuation bonds; B1 CH₃ as a side group.
(b) 210 000
M1 Mr propene = 42; A1 5000 × 42 = 210 000.
(c) CF₂=CF₂; tetrafluoroethene
B1 formula; B1 name.
Q7Carboxylic acids & esters · Core · Paper 1 style · 1 mark
(a)Which ester is formed when methanol reacts with ethanoic acid?[1]
Show answer
(a) B methyl ethanoate
The alcohol gives the first part of the name (methyl) and the acid gives the second part (ethanoate). A reverses the two parts.
Q8Carboxylic acids & esters · Core · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
(a)Vinegar contains ethanoic acid. Write a balanced equation for the reaction of ethanoic acid with sodium carbonate, and give one observation.[3]
(b)Name the salt formed when ethanoic acid reacts with magnesium, and name the gas.[2]
(c)Ethanoic acid is a weak acid. Explain what this means.[1]
Q10Carboxylic acids & esters · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
(a)Name the carboxylic acid and the alcohol that react to make propyl methanoate, HCOOCH₂CH₂CH₃.[2]
(b)Ethyl butanoate, CH₃CH₂CH₂COOCH₂CH₃, has a pineapple smell. Name the acid and alcohol used to make it.[2]
(c)Write the molecular formula of ethyl butanoate and calculate its relative molecular mass. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1, O = 16)[2]
Show answer
(a) methanoic acid; propan-1-ol
B1 each.
(b) butanoic acid; ethanol
B1 each.
(c) C₆H₁₂O₂; 116
B1 formula; B1 6 × 12 + 12 + 32 = 116.
Q11Carboxylic acids & esters · Challenge · Paper 4 style · 5 marks
A student titrates 25.0 cm³ of a vinegar sample from a shop in Multan with 1.00 mol/dm³ sodium hydroxide. The mean titre is 20.8 cm³.CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O
(a)Calculate the number of moles of sodium hydroxide used.[1]
(b)Calculate the concentration of ethanoic acid in the vinegar in mol/dm³.[1]
(c)Calculate the concentration in g/dm³ to 3 significant figures. (Mr CH₃COOH = 60)[1]
(d)Name a suitable indicator and give the colour change at the end-point.[2]
Show answer
(a) 0.0208 mol
B1 20.8 ÷ 1000 × 1.00.
(b) 0.832 mol/dm³
B1 0.0208 ÷ 0.0250.
(c) 49.9 g/dm³
B1 0.832 × 60 = 49.92.
(d) Thymolphthalein: colourless to blue (accept phenolphthalein: colourless to pink).
B1 indicator suitable for a weak acid–strong base titration (thymolphthalein or phenolphthalein; not methyl orange); B1 matching colour change at the end-point.
Q12Carboxylic acids & esters · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
(a)Write the equation for the reaction of ethanoic acid with ethanol.[1]
(b)6.0 g of ethanoic acid reacts with excess ethanol. Calculate the maximum mass of ethyl ethanoate. (Mr: CH₃COOH = 60, CH₃COOC₂H₅ = 88)[2]
(c)The student obtains 5.72 g. Calculate the percentage yield.[1]
(d)Give two reasons why the yield is less than 100 %.[2]
Show answer
(a) CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH ⇌ CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O
B1.
(b) 8.8 g
M1 6.0 ÷ 60 = 0.10 mol; A1 0.10 × 88 = 8.8 g.
(c) 65.0 %
B1 5.72 ÷ 8.8 × 100.
(d) The reaction is reversible / reaches equilibrium; some product lost during separation or purification; some ester evaporates (volatile).
1 mark each for any two.
Q13Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Core · Paper 1 style · 1 mark
(a)Which compound is in the same homologous series as ethanol?[1]
Show answer
(a) A C₃H₇OH
C₃H₇OH (propanol) has the same –OH functional group and general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH. CH₃COOH (B) is a carboxylic acid, a different series.
Q14Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Core · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
(a)Give three characteristics of a homologous series.[3]
(b)The general formula of the alkanes is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂. Write the molecular formula of the alkane with 8 carbon atoms, found in petrol.[1]
(c)Write the general formula of the alkenes.[1]
Show answer
(a) Same general formula; same functional group; similar chemical properties; a trend in physical properties (e.g. boiling point increases with chain length); each member differs from the next by CH₂.
1 mark each for any three.
(b) C₈H₁₈
B1 2 × 8 + 2 = 18.
(c) CₙH₂ₙ
B1.
Q15Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
(a)State what is meant by structural isomers.[2]
(b)Write the structural formulae of the two structural isomers with the molecular formula C₄H₁₀.[2]
(c)Write the structural formulae of but-1-ene and but-2-ene.[2]
Show answer
(a) Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
B1 same molecular formula; B1 different structures.
(b) CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ (butane) and CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃ (methylpropane)
Several sugar mills in Pakistan also produce ethanol from molasses.
(a)Ethanol can be made by fermentation of sugar from sugar cane molasses. State the conditions needed.[3]
(b)Write the equation for the fermentation of glucose.[1]
(c)Name the other industrial method of making ethanol.[1]
Show answer
(a) Yeast; temperature about 25–35 °C; absence of oxygen (anaerobic); aqueous solution.
1 mark each for any three.
(b) C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂
B1.
(c) Catalytic addition of steam to ethene (hydration of ethene).
B1.
Q19Alcohols · Core · Paper 2 style · 4 marks
(a)Give two uses of ethanol.[2]
(b)Write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of ethanol.[2]
Show answer
(a) As a solvent; as a fuel.
B1 each.
(b) C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 3H₂O
B1 formulae; B1 balanced.
Q20Alcohols · Standard · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
(a)Compare making ethanol by fermentation with making it by the catalytic addition of steam to ethene. Give two advantages of each method.[4]
(b)Suggest why a country with a large sugar industry and little petroleum might choose fermentation.[1]
Show answer
(a) Fermentation: uses renewable raw materials (sugar crops); low temperature and normal pressure so less energy. Hydration of ethene: fast reaction; continuous process; produces pure ethanol (no need for separation); high yield.
B1 each of two fermentation advantages; B1 each of two hydration advantages.
(b) Sugar (molasses) is readily available and cheap, while ethene comes from petroleum, which would have to be imported.
B1.
Q21Alcohols · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 4 marks
(a)Calculate the maximum mass of ethanol from 90 g of glucose. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1, O = 16)[2]
(b)Calculate the volume of carbon dioxide produced at room temperature and pressure. (Molar gas volume = 24 dm³)[1]
(c)Ethanol can be oxidised to ethanoic acid by warming with acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII). State the colour change.[1]
(a)Which test shows that a hydrocarbon is unsaturated?[1]
Show answer
(a) A Aqueous bromine changes from orange to colourless.
C=C bonds undergo addition with bromine, decolourising it. B tests for carbon dioxide, which forms when any hydrocarbon burns, so it does not show unsaturation.
Q23Alkenes · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
(a)Give the product and conditions for each reaction of ethene:(i) with hydrogen(ii) with steam(iii) with bromine[5]
(b)Name the type of reaction in all three cases.[1]
Show answer
(a) (i) ethane; nickel catalyst, about 150 °C (ii) ethanol; phosphoric acid catalyst, about 300 °C and 6000 kPa (iii) 1,2-dibromoethane; room temperature
(i) B1 ethane, B1 nickel catalyst + heat; (ii) B1 ethanol, B1 H₃PO₄ catalyst with high temperature and pressure; (iii) B1 1,2-dibromoethane (C₂H₄Br₂).
(b) addition
B1.
Q24Alkenes · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
(a)Write the equation for the reaction of propene with bromine, using structural formulae, and name the product.[2]
(b)Calculate the mass of bromine that reacts with 2.1 g of propene. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1, Br = 80)[3]
(c)Explain why propane does not react with bromine in the dark.[1]
(c) Propane is saturated (no C=C), so it cannot undergo addition.
B1.
Q25Fuels, petroleum & cracking · Core · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
Petroleum (crude oil) is processed at refineries such as those near Karachi.
(a)Name the process used to separate petroleum into fractions and state the physical property on which it depends.[2]
(b)Give one use for each fraction: (i) refinery gas (ii) kerosene (iii) bitumen.[3]
(c)Describe how chain length and viscosity change from the top of the column to the bottom.[1]
Show answer
(a) Fractional distillation; boiling point.
B1 each.
(b) (i) fuel for heating and cooking (ii) jet fuel (iii) surfacing roads and roofs
B1 each.
(c) Both increase towards the bottom.
B1.
Q26Fuels, petroleum & cracking · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
(a)State the conditions used for cracking.[2]
(b)Complete the equation: C₁₀H₂₂ → C₇H₁₆ + ____. Name the product you have added.[2]
(c)Give two reasons why cracking is carried out.[2]
Show answer
(a) high temperature; a catalyst
B1 each.
(b) C₃H₆; propene
B1 formula; B1 name.
(c) Demand for shorter-chain fractions such as petrol is greater than supply; it produces alkenes for making polymers and other chemicals; it can produce hydrogen.
1 mark each for any two.
Q27Fuels, petroleum & cracking · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
Percentage supply from distillation and percentage demand for petroleum fractions at one refinery:fraction: supply %, demand %refinery gas: 4, 8gasoline: 11, 22naphtha: 9, 5kerosene: 13, 8diesel oil: 20, 23fuel oil and bitumen: 43, 34
(a)Which fractions are produced in greater amounts than are needed?[2]
(b)Calculate the shortfall of gasoline as a percentage of the total.[1]
(c)Explain how cracking helps to match supply with demand.[1]
(d)A long-chain alkane C₁₆H₃₄ is cracked to give one molecule of octane and ethene only. Write the balanced equation.[2]
Show answer
(a) naphtha, kerosene, fuel oil and bitumen
2 marks for all four; 1 mark for two or three.
(b) 11 %
B1 22 − 11.
(c) Cracking breaks long-chain molecules from surplus fractions (e.g. fuel oil) into shorter, more useful ones such as gasoline.
B1.
(d) C₁₆H₃₄ → C₈H₁₈ + 4C₂H₄
B1 products; B1 balanced (4 ethene).
Q28Alkanes · Core · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
(a)Alkanes are described as saturated hydrocarbons. Explain what saturated and hydrocarbon mean.[2]
(b)LPG cylinders used for cooking contain propane. Write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of propane, C₃H₈.[2]
(c)Alkanes are generally unreactive. Give one type of reaction that they do undergo.[1]
Show answer
(a) Saturated: contains only single covalent bonds (C–C). Hydrocarbon: a compound of hydrogen and carbon only.
B1 each.
(b) C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O
B1 formulae; B1 balanced.
(c) Combustion / substitution with chlorine in UV light.
B1.
Q29Alkanes · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
(a)Methane reacts with chlorine. State the condition needed.[1]
(b)Write the equation for the reaction that forms one organic product with one chlorine atom, and name that product.[2]
(c)Name the type of reaction and explain the name.[2]
(d)Suggest the formula of the organic product formed if the reaction continues with more chlorine.[1]
Show answer
(a) ultraviolet (UV) light
B1.
(b) CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl; chloromethane
B1 equation; B1 name.
(c) Substitution: a hydrogen atom in methane is replaced by a chlorine atom.
B1 substitution; B1 explanation.
(d) CH₂Cl₂ (or CHCl₃ / CCl₄)
B1.
Q30Alkanes · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
(a)Butane burns completely: 2C₄H₁₀ + 13O₂ → 8CO₂ + 10H₂O. Calculate the volume of oxygen needed to burn 30 cm³ of butane, and the volume of carbon dioxide formed. (All volumes at room temperature and pressure.)[3]
(b)In a poorly ventilated room butane burns incompletely. Name the toxic gas formed and explain why it is dangerous.[2]