Transition metals: AQA A‑Level Chemistry questions

Every AQA A-Level Chemistry exam question on 3.2.5 Transition metals, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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2,301 questions

Q03.1
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q03.2
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q03.4
June 2025 · Paper 1
6 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q03.5
June 2025 · Paper 1
2 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q03.9
June 2025 · Paper 1
2 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q05.5
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
Mark scheme (PDF)
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Q07.1
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q07.3
June 2025 · Paper 1
2 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q17
June 2025 · Paper 3
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q21
June 2025 · Paper 3
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q22
June 2025 · Paper 3
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q23
June 2025 · Paper 3
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q32
June 2025 · Paper 3
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q03.1
June 2024 · Paper 1
2 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q03.2
June 2024 · Paper 1
2 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q03.3
June 2024 · Paper 1
6 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q05.1
June 2024 · Paper 3
6 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q05.2
June 2024 · Paper 3
3 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q01.1
June 2023 · Paper 1
1 mark3.2.5 Transition metals
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Q01.6
June 2023 · Paper 1
3 marks3.2.5 Transition metals
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All 101 questions on Transition metals, as a list

June 2025, Paper 1, Q03.1 (1 mark): Deduce the number of unpaired electrons in a Cu2+ ion. [1 mark]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q03.2 (1 mark): Describe how water acts as a ligand in the formation of [Cu(H2O)6]2+ [1 mark]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q03.4 (6 marks): When a solution containing [Cu(H2O)6]2+ ions reacts with an excess of concentrated hydrochloric acid, a ligand exchange reaction occurs. [Cu(H2O)6]2+(aq) + 4 Cl
June 2025, Paper 1, Q03.5 (2 marks): An excess of water, followed by an excess of concentrated aqueous ammonia, is added to a solution containing [CuCl4]2– ions. State what is observed. Give an equ
June 2025, Paper 1, Q03.9 (2 marks): Draw the structure of two stereoisomers of the complex ion in M2[Cu(C2O4)2(H2O)2] and include the charge on each structure. [2 marks] Structure 1 Structure 2
June 2025, Paper 1, Q05.5 (1 mark): Iodide ions reduce copper(II) ions in aqueous solution to form a precipitate of copper(I) iodide. Give an equation for this redox reaction. [1 mark]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q07.1 (1 mark): State the block in the Periodic Table that contains vanadium. [1 mark]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q07.3 (2 marks): Vanadium(V) oxide is a catalyst in the Contact process. 2 SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2 SO3(g) Give two equations to show how vanadium(V) oxide acts as a catalyst in this
June 2025, Paper 3, Q17 (1 mark): Which type(s) of stereoisomerism is/are shown by the complex ion [Cr(H2NCH2CH2NH2)3]3+? [1 mark] A none B cis-trans only C optical only D cis-trans and optical
June 2025, Paper 3, Q21 (1 mark): Which electron configuration represents an element that can have a maximum oxidation state of +5 in its compounds? [1 mark] A 1s2 2s2 2p1 B 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5
June 2025, Paper 3, Q22 (1 mark): Which statement is correct? [1 mark] A Tollens’ reagent contains linear [Ag(NH3)2]+ ions. B Tollens’ reagent contains octahedral [Ag(NH3)6]+ ions. C Fehling’s s
June 2025, Paper 3, Q23 (1 mark): Which reaction produces an octahedral complex ion? [1 mark] A The addition of excess aqueous ammonia to a solution containing [Co(H2O)6]2+ ions. B The addition
June 2025, Paper 3, Q32 (1 mark): Which structure is correct for transplatin? [1 mark] A B C D
June 2024, Paper 1, Q03.1 (2 marks): Draw the structure of X. Include the charge. [2 marks]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q03.2 (2 marks): The formation of X is an example of the chelate effect. Explain the meaning of the chelate effect. [2 marks]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q03.3 (6 marks): Outline how Fe2+ ions catalyse the reaction between S2O82– ions and I– ions in aqueous solution. In your answer you should include • a sketch graph to show how
June 2024, Paper 3, Q05.1 (6 marks): Some complexes containing transition metal ions are coloured. • Explain why some complexes containing transition metal ions are coloured. • List the factors tha
June 2024, Paper 3, Q05.2 (3 marks): Figure 5 shows the visible spectrum of [Cu(H2O)6]2+ Figure 5 Use the wavelength at the peak of the curve in Figure 5 to calculate the change in energy, in J, of
June 2023, Paper 1, Q01.1 (1 mark): State the meaning of the term transition metal complex. [1 mark] Cr(PF3)6 is a complex of chromium that contains molecules of PF3
June 2023, Paper 1, Q01.6 (3 marks): The compound [Cr(NH3)4Cl2]Cl contains a complex ion that shows isomerism. Draw the two isomers of the complex ion. State the type of isomerism shown. [3 marks]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q01.7 (1 mark): Complete the equation to show the formation of one complex that contains chromium in its +3 oxidation state. [1 mark] CrCl3 + 5 H2O →
June 2023, Paper 1, Q07.4 (1 mark): State why the concentration of aluminium sulfate solution can not be determined by colorimetry. [1 mark]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q07.7 (2 marks): Figure 3 shows the structure of the EDTA4 – ion. Figure 3 Atoms of two different elements in EDTA4– can form co-ordinate bonds with an aluminium ion. On Figure
June 2023, Paper 1, Q07.8 (7 marks): Hydrated aluminium sulfate, Al2(SO4)3.xH2O, is soluble in water. The relative formula mass and value of x can be found from a titration experiment. Aqueous [Al(
June 2023, Paper 3, Q23 (1 mark): Which statement about the shapes of ions is not correct? [1 mark] A [CoCl4]2– is square planar. B NH4+ is tetrahedral. C [Co(H2NCH2CH2NH2)3]2+ is octahedral. D
June 2023, Paper 3, Q24 (1 mark): Which compound can decolourise acidified potassium manganate(VII) solution? [1 mark] A AgNO3 B CuSO4 C FeSO4 D Fe2(SO4)3
June 2023, Paper 3, Q27 (1 mark): Which process does not involve a heterogeneous catalyst? [1 mark] A catalytic cracking of alkanes B Contact process C decomposition of ozone D Haber process
June 2023, Paper 3, Q36 (1 mark): Cisplatin has the formula [Pt(NH3)2Cl2] Cisplatin is an anti-cancer drug that prevents replication of DNA. When cisplatin bonds to DNA, which is the correct lig
June 2022, Paper 1, Q03.2 (1 mark): State why an indicator is not added in this titration. [1 mark]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q07.1 (2 marks): Explain why aqueous solutions containing [CuCl4] 2– ions are yellow. [2 marks]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q07.2 (2 marks): When a d electron moves from the ground state to the excited state in a copper complex, the energy change is 3.98 x 10–19 J The Planck constant, h = 6.63 × 10−3
June 2022, Paper 1, Q07.3 (3 marks): State three ways in which a transition metal complex can be changed to alter its colour. [3 marks] 1 2 3
June 2022, Paper 1, Q07.4 (1 mark): Name the shape of the [CuCl4] 2– ion. [1 mark]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q07.5 (1 mark): Give an ionic equation for the conversion of [CuCl4] 2– to complex ion P. [1 mark]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q07.6 (2 marks): State the colour of the solution containing the complex ion Q. Give an ionic equation for the conversion of [CuCl4] 2– to Q. [2 marks] Colour Equation
June 2022, Paper 1, Q07.7 (1 mark): Identify complex ion R. [1 mark]
June 2022, Paper 3, Q05.2 (6 marks): A student determines the concentration of ethanedioate ions in an acidified solution by titration with potassium manganate(VII) solution. 2 MnO4– + 5 C2O42– + 1
June 2022, Paper 3, Q05.3 (3 marks): The reaction between peroxodisulfate ions and iodide ions in aqueous solution can be catalysed by Co2+ ions. S2O82– + 2 I– → 2 SO42– + I2 Table 6 gives relevant
June 2022, Paper 3, Q19 (1 mark): Which pair of reagents reacts to form a tetrahedral complex? [1 mark] A CoCl2(aq) and concentrated NH3(aq) B CuSO4(aq) and concentrated NH3(aq) C CuSO4(aq) and
June 2022, Paper 3, Q20 (1 mark): Cobalt(II) chloride solution changes colour when an excess of concentrated hydrochloric acid is added. What type of reaction takes place? [1 mark] A hydrolysis
June 2022, Paper 3, Q21 (1 mark): The reaction between vanadium(IV) ions and manganate(VII) ions in acidic solution can be represented by the equation 5 V4+ + MnO4− + 8 H+ → 5 V5+ + Mn2+ + 4 H2O
November 2021, Paper 1, Q04.1 (6 marks): Discuss the role of iron as a heterogeneous catalyst in the Haber process. 3 H2 + N2 ⇌ 2 NH3 Your answer should include: • the meaning of the term heterogeneous
November 2021, Paper 1, Q04.2 (4 marks): Fe2+ ions catalyse the reaction between peroxodisulfate(VI) ions and iodide ions in aqueous solution. S2O82–(aq) + 2 I–(aq) → 2 SO42–(aq) + I2(aq) Explain why t
November 2021, Paper 1, Q04.3 (1 mark): Give a reason why Zn2+ ions do not catalyse the reaction in Question 04.2. [1 mark]
November 2021, Paper 3, Q01.6 (1 mark): State the colour change seen at the end point of each titration. [1 mark]
November 2021, Paper 3, Q01.8 (6 marks): When Na2C2O4(aq) is added to a solution containing [Fe(H2O)6]3+ ions, a reaction occurs in which all six water ligands are replaced by ethanedioate ions. Explai
November 2021, Paper 3, Q07 (1 mark): Which does not involve the absorption of ultraviolet radiation or visible light? [1 mark] A The blue appearance of copper(II) sulfate solution in daylight. B Th
November 2020, Paper 3, Q01.4 (2 marks): Petrol vehicles have a catalytic converter which decreases emissions of oxides of nitrogen. Platinum in the catalytic converter acts as a heterogeneous catalyst
November 2020, Paper 3, Q02.3 (2 marks): In the Contact process, sulfur(IV) oxide is converted into sulfur(VI) oxide using vanadium(V) oxide as a catalyst. Give two equations to show how the vanadium(V
November 2020, Paper 3, Q03.1 (3 marks): Explain why complexes formed from transition metal ions are coloured. [3 marks]
November 2020, Paper 3, Q03.2 (3 marks): Calculate the energy, in J, gained by each excited electron in the absorption at 490 nm Speed of light, c = 3.00 x 108 m s–1 Planck constant, h = 6.63 x 10–34 J
November 2020, Paper 3, Q03.3 (3 marks): Describe how a calibration graph is produced and used to find the concentration of the iron(III) complex. [3 marks]
November 2020, Paper 3, Q03.4 (2 marks): The concentration of iron(III) in the solution is 4.66 x 10–3 mol dm–3 Calculate the mass, in mg, of iron in the tablet used to make the 250 cm3 of solution. [2
November 2020, Paper 3, Q04.1 (1 mark): Cisplatin works by causing the death of rapidly dividing cells. Name the process that is prevented by cisplatin during cell division. [1 mark]
November 2020, Paper 3, Q04.2 (2 marks): Give the equation for this reaction. [2 marks]
November 2020, Paper 3, Q04.3 (2 marks): When the complex ion B reacts with DNA, the water molecule is replaced as a bond forms between platinum and a nitrogen atom in a guanine nucleotide. The remaini
November 2020, Paper 3, Q17 (1 mark): Which shows the electron configuration of an atom of a transition metal? [1 mark] A [Ar] 4s23d0 B [Ar] 4s23d8 C [Ar] 4s23d10 D [Ar] 4s23d104p1
November 2020, Paper 3, Q18 (1 mark): Which will not act as a ligand in the formation of a complex ion? [1 mark] A CH4 B CO C H2O D NH3
November 2020, Paper 3, Q19 (1 mark): Which shows the correct oxidation state and co-ordination number of cobalt in [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2? [1 mark] oxidation state co-ordination number A +2 5 B +2 6 C +3
November 2020, Paper 3, Q20 (1 mark): Which statement is not correct? [1 mark] A CuCl42– is square planar. B NH4+ is tetrahedral. C [Co(H2NCH2CH2NH2)3]2+ is octahedral. D [Fe(H2O)6]2+ is octahedral.
November 2020, Paper 3, Q21 (1 mark): Which compound decolourises acidified potassium manganate(VII) solution? [1 mark] A Al2(SO4)3 B CuSO4 C FeSO4 D Fe2(SO4)3
November 2020, Paper 3, Q31 (1 mark): What is the minimum volume, in cm3, of 0.02 mol dm–3 KMnO4 solution needed to oxidise 0.01 mol of VO2+? 5 VO2+ + MnO4– + H2O → 5 VO2+ + Mn2+ + 2 H+ [1 mark] A 1
June 2019, Paper 1, Q04.5 (6 marks): Transition metal complexes have different shapes and many show isomerism. Describe the different shapes of complexes and show how they lead to different types o
June 2019, Paper 1, Q06.1 (6 marks): Calculate the percentage of copper by mass in the alloy. Give your answer to the appropriate number of significant figures. [6 marks] % copper
June 2019, Paper 1, Q06.2 (2 marks): Suggest two ways that the student could reduce the percentage uncertainty in the measurement of the volume of sodium thiosulfate solution, using the same appara
June 2019, Paper 1, Q06.3 (1 mark): State the role of iodine in the reaction with sodium thiosulfate. [1 mark]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q06.4 (1 mark): Give the full electron configuration of a copper(II) ion. [1 mark]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q06.5 (2 marks): Copper(I) iodide is a white solid. Explain why copper(I) iodide is white. [2 marks]
June 2019, Paper 3, Q05.4 (1 mark): State the colour change seen at the end point of the titration. [1 mark]
June 2019, Paper 3, Q18 (1 mark): What is observed when concentrated hydrochloric acid is added to an aqueous solution of CuSO4 until no further change occurs? [1 mark] A A colourless gas is evo
June 2018, Paper 1, Q03.4 (3 marks): Platinum acts as a heterogeneous catalyst in the reaction between ammonia and oxygen. It provides an alternative reaction route with a lower activation energy.
June 2018, Paper 1, Q09.2 (1 mark): Give the oxidation state of vanadium in [VO(H2O)5]2+ [1 mark]
June 2018, Paper 1, Q09.3 (2 marks): The [V(H2O)4Cl2]+ ion exists as two isomers. One isomer is shown. Draw the structure of the other isomer and state the type of isomerism. [2 marks] Type of isom
June 2018, Paper 1, Q09.4 (1 mark): Heating NH4VO3 produces vanadium(V) oxide, water and one other product. Give an equation for the reaction. [1 mark]
June 2018, Paper 1, Q09.5 (1 mark): Vanadium(V) oxide is the catalyst used in the manufacture of sulfur trioxide. Give two equations to show how the catalyst is used and regenerated. [1 mark]
June 2018, Paper 3, Q26 (1 mark): Which statement is correct about this reaction? [Co(NH3)6]2+ + 3H2NCH2CH2NH2  [Co(H2NCH2CH2NH2)3]2+ + 6NH3 [1 mark] A The co-ordination number of cobalt decrea
June 2018, Paper 3, Q27 (1 mark): Which complex exists as optical isomers? [1 mark] A [Ag(NH3)2]+ B [Co(C2O4)3]4– C [Cu(EDTA)]2– D [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+
June 2018, Paper 3, Q29 (1 mark): Which ion cannot catalyse the reaction between iodide (I–) and peroxodisulfate (S2O8 2–)? Use the data below to help you answer this question. [1 mark] Half-equ
June 2017, Paper 1, Q07.1 (1 mark): State the type of bonding between the oxygen and hydrogen in this compound [1 mark
June 2017, Paper 1, Q07.2 (1 mark): State why the chloride ions in this compound are not considered to be ligands [1 mark
June 2017, Paper 1, Q07.3 (2 marks): An excess of ammonia was added to a sample of solution A to form solution B Write an ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when solution A is converted in
June 2017, Paper 1, Q07.4 (1 mark): Aqueous sodium carbonate was added to another sample of solution A to form a blue-green solid C. Identify the blue-green solid C. [1 mark
June 2017, Paper 1, Q07.5 (2 marks): Reagent D was added to another sample of solution A to form a yellow-green solution. Identify reagent D and write an ionic equation for the reaction that occurs
June 2017, Paper 1, Q07.6 (2 marks): Explain why colorimetry cannot be used to determine the concentration of solutions containing [CuCl2]− In your answer refer to the electron configuration of the
June 2017, Paper 1, Q11.2 (2 marks): Ethanedioate ions react with aqueous iron(III) ions in a ligand substitution reaction. Write an equation for this reaction. Suggest why the value of the enthalp
June 2017, Paper 1, Q11.3 (3 marks): Draw the displayed formula of the iron complex produced in the reaction in Question 11.2 Indicate the value of the O—Fe—O bond angle. State the type of isomeris
June 2017, Paper 1, Q11.4 (1 mark): Ethanedioate ions are poisonous because they react with iron ions in the body. Ethanedioate ions are present in foods such as broccoli and spinach. Suggest one
June 2017, Paper 3, Q07 (1 mark): Which is not a correct statement? [1 mark] A Transition metals form coloured ions and complexes B Transition metals display variable oxidation states C A ligand
June 2017, Paper 3, Q15 (1 mark): Cisplatin is an anti-cancer drug. Which structure represents a stereoisomer of cisplatin? [1 mark] A B C D
June 2017, Paper 3, Q17 (1 mark): V2O5 can be used as a catalyst in the Contact Process. Which is a step in the Contact Process in which the vanadium is oxidised? [1 mark] A SO2 + V2O5 → SO3 + 2
June 2017, Paper 3, Q31 (1 mark): A solution absorbs light with wavelengths corresponding to red, yellow and green light. Which ion is most likely to be in the solution? [1 mark] A Cr2O7 2−(aq)
Specimen, Paper 1, Q01.3 (1 mark): Suggest one reason why electron pair repulsion theory cannot be used to predict the shape of the [CoCl4] 2– ion. [1 mark] 0 1 . 3
Specimen, Paper 1, Q01.4 (2 marks): Shape Bond angle
Specimen, Paper 1, Q07.4 (2 marks): 0
Specimen, Paper 1, Q08.1 (2 marks): A co-ordinate bond is formed when a transition metal ion reacts with a ligand. Explain how this co-ordinate bond is formed. [2 mark 0 8 . 1
Specimen, Paper 1, Q08.3 (1 mark): When the complex ion [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2] 2+ reacts with 1,2-diaminoethane, the ammonia molecules but not the water molecules are replaced. Write an equation for th
Specimen, Paper 1, Q08.4 (2 marks): Suggest why the enthalpy change for the reaction in Question 8.3 is approximately zero. [2 marks] 0 8 . 4
Specimen, Paper 1, Q08.5 (2 marks): Explain why the reaction in Question 8.3 occurs despite having an enthalpy change that is approximately zero. [2 marks] 0 8 . 5
Specimen, Paper 3, Q04.3 (4 marks): Original concentration = Equation Calculation mol dm 3
Specimen, Paper 3, Q21 (1 mark): 0
Specimen, Paper 3, Q23: The following equation represents the oxidation of vanadium(IV) ions by manganate(VII) ions in acid solution. 5V4+ + MnO4 – + 8H+ 5V5+ + Mn2+ + 4H2O What volume

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