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Reactions of transition metal elements: Edexcel A‑Level Chemistry questions

Every Edexcel A-Level Chemistry exam question on 15B Reactions of transition metal elements, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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2,028 questions

  1. Q6(c)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    3 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 6(c): Write two ionic equations which demonstrate the amphoteric nature of chromium(III) hydroxide [Cr(OH)3(H2O)3]. Include state symbols. (3)

  2. Q6(d)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 mark15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 6(d): Name the type of reaction that occurs when chromium(III) hydroxide reacts with excess aqueous ammonia. (1)

  3. Q6(f)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    2 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 6(f)(i): Write the overall equation for the reaction of chromium(III) hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide in alkaline conditions to form chromate(VI) ions. State symbols ar

  4. Q8

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    6 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 8: * 8 Compare and contrast the mechanisms of the catalysts in the table. Illustrate your answer with equations that demonstrate the redox reactions involved. (6)

  5. Q7(b)

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    2 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 7(b): Write two equations that show the conversion of SO2 and O2 into SO3 by using V2O5 as the catalyst. State symbols are not required. (2)

  6. Q7(c)

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 7(c): Which row of the table shows the correct colour of the solution and oxidation number of vanadium in the aqueous ions shown? (1) Oxidation number Aqueous ion Col

  7. Q7(c)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 7(c)(ii): Explain why the aqueous solution of this complex ion has an acidic pH by considering the interaction between the metal ion and the ligands. (2)

  8. Q8

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    6 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 8: * 8 Transition metals and their compounds can act as catalysts in many reactions such as the ones shown: • platinum, Pt, in the catalytic converters of vehicles

  9. Q5(b)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    5 marks14 Redox II15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 5(b): Excess zinc is added to an acidified solution of sodium dichromate(VI). Some electrode data are given in the table. Electrode system E d / V Cr2+(aq) + 2e–  Cr

  10. Q3(b)

    November 2021 · Paper 1

    3 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 1, question 3(b): A catalytic converter decreases the emissions of gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide, from an internal combustion engine. Describe the stages i

  11. Q5(a)(i)

    November 2021 · Paper 3

    2 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements4C Analysis of inorganic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 3, question 5(a)(i): Complete the table by writing the names or formulae of the species. (2) Test Observation Inference Test 1 The cation in X is Add aqueous sodium hydroxide A gree

  12. Q5(a)(ii)

    November 2021 · Paper 3

    2 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 3, question 5(a)(ii): Write the ionic equation for the reaction between the cation in X and aqueous sodium hydroxide in Test 1. Include state symbols. (2)

  13. Q5(a)(iii)

    November 2021 · Paper 3

    1 mark15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 3, question 5(a)(iii): Give a reason why the green precipitate turns brown on the top after a few minutes. (1)

  14. Q5(b)(i)

    November 2021 · Paper 3

    2 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements4C Analysis of inorganic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 3, question 5(b)(i): Complete the table by writing the names or formulae of the species. (2) Test Observation Inference Test 3 The cation in Y is Add dilute aqueous ammonia to A pal

  15. Q5(b)(ii)

    November 2021 · Paper 3

    1 mark15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 3, question 5(b)(ii): Give the formula of the complex ion present in the deep blue solution at the end of Test 3. (1)

  16. Q3(d)(ii)

    October 2020 · Paper 1

    2 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    October 2020 Paper 1, question 3(d)(ii): State the initial and final colours you would see as the chlorine bubbles through the aqueous vanadium(II) chloride, VCl2(aq). (2)

  17. Q8(e)(iii)

    October 2020 · Paper 1

    4 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements14 Redox II
    The whole paper ↗
    October 2020 Paper 1, question 8(e)(iii): A textbook suggested the conical flask should be heated during the titration, − ions and the C2O4 2− ions is slow. as the reaction between the MnO4 Use these el

  18. Q8(a)

    October 2020 · Paper 3

    2 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    October 2020 Paper 3, question 8(a): Describe the observations when aqueous sodium hydroxide is added drop by drop until in excess to a solution of chromium(III) ions. (2)

  19. Q8(b)(i)

    October 2020 · Paper 3

    2 marks15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    October 2020 Paper 3, question 8(b)(i): Deduce the oxidation half-equation for this reaction, which takes place in alkaline conditions. State symbols are not required. (2)

  20. Q8(b)(ii)

    October 2020 · Paper 3

    1 mark15B Reactions of transition metal elements
    The whole paper ↗
    October 2020 Paper 3, question 8(b)(ii): If the solution of chromate(VI) ions is then acidified, the colour of the solution changes to orange as dichromate(VI) ions form. Write the equation for this ch
All 45 questions on Reactions of transition metal elements, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 1, Q6(c) (3 marks): Write two ionic equations which demonstrate the amphoteric nature of chromium(III) hydroxide [Cr(OH)3(H2O)3]. Include state symbols. (3)
  2. June 2025, Paper 1, Q6(d) (1 mark): Name the type of reaction that occurs when chromium(III) hydroxide reacts with excess aqueous ammonia. (1)
  3. June 2025, Paper 1, Q6(f)(i) (2 marks): Write the overall equation for the reaction of chromium(III) hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide in alkaline conditions to form chromate(VI) ions. State symbols ar
  4. June 2025, Paper 1, Q8 (6 marks): * 8 Compare and contrast the mechanisms of the catalysts in the table. Illustrate your answer with equations that demonstrate the redox reactions involved. (6)
  5. June 2024, Paper 1, Q7(b) (2 marks): Write two equations that show the conversion of SO2 and O2 into SO3 by using V2O5 as the catalyst. State symbols are not required. (2)
  6. June 2024, Paper 1, Q7(c) (1 mark): Which row of the table shows the correct colour of the solution and oxidation number of vanadium in the aqueous ions shown? (1) Oxidation number Aqueous ion Col
  7. June 2023, Paper 1, Q7(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the aqueous solution of this complex ion has an acidic pH by considering the interaction between the metal ion and the ligands. (2)
  8. June 2023, Paper 1, Q8 (6 marks): * 8 Transition metals and their compounds can act as catalysts in many reactions such as the ones shown: • platinum, Pt, in the catalytic converters of vehicles
  9. June 2023, Paper 3, Q5(b) (5 marks): Excess zinc is added to an acidified solution of sodium dichromate(VI). Some electrode data are given in the table. Electrode system E d / V Cr2+(aq) + 2e–  Cr
  10. November 2021, Paper 1, Q3(b) (3 marks): A catalytic converter decreases the emissions of gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide, from an internal combustion engine. Describe the stages i
  11. November 2021, Paper 3, Q5(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete the table by writing the names or formulae of the species. (2) Test Observation Inference Test 1 The cation in X is Add aqueous sodium hydroxide A gree
  12. November 2021, Paper 3, Q5(a)(ii) (2 marks): Write the ionic equation for the reaction between the cation in X and aqueous sodium hydroxide in Test 1. Include state symbols. (2)
  13. November 2021, Paper 3, Q5(a)(iii) (1 mark): Give a reason why the green precipitate turns brown on the top after a few minutes. (1)
  14. November 2021, Paper 3, Q5(b)(i) (2 marks): Complete the table by writing the names or formulae of the species. (2) Test Observation Inference Test 3 The cation in Y is Add dilute aqueous ammonia to A pal
  15. November 2021, Paper 3, Q5(b)(ii) (1 mark): Give the formula of the complex ion present in the deep blue solution at the end of Test 3. (1)
  16. October 2020, Paper 1, Q3(d)(ii) (2 marks): State the initial and final colours you would see as the chlorine bubbles through the aqueous vanadium(II) chloride, VCl2(aq). (2)
  17. October 2020, Paper 1, Q8(e)(iii) (4 marks): A textbook suggested the conical flask should be heated during the titration, − ions and the C2O4 2− ions is slow. as the reaction between the MnO4 Use these el
  18. October 2020, Paper 3, Q8(a) (2 marks): Describe the observations when aqueous sodium hydroxide is added drop by drop until in excess to a solution of chromium(III) ions. (2)
  19. October 2020, Paper 3, Q8(b)(i) (2 marks): Deduce the oxidation half-equation for this reaction, which takes place in alkaline conditions. State symbols are not required. (2)
  20. October 2020, Paper 3, Q8(b)(ii) (1 mark): If the solution of chromate(VI) ions is then acidified, the colour of the solution changes to orange as dichromate(VI) ions form. Write the equation for this ch
  21. June 2019, Paper 1, Q5(a)(i) (1 mark): Give a reason why the reaction between iodide ions and peroxodisulfate ions has a high activation energy and is therefore very slow without a catalyst. (1)
  22. June 2019, Paper 1, Q5(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain, with the aid of two equations, how the iron(II) ions catalyse this reaction. State symbols are not required. (3)
  23. June 2019, Paper 1, Q5(b) (2 marks): The oxidation of sulfate(IV) ions to sulfate(VI) ions is catalysed by cobalt(II) ions in acidic solution. The role of cobalt(II) ions is similar to that of iron
  24. June 2019, Paper 1, Q5(c) (1 mark): The rate of oxidation of ethanedioate ions by manganate(VII) ions starts slowly and then rapidly increases. 2– o 2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 10CO2 – + 16H+ + 5C2O4 2MnO4 Wha
  25. June 2019, Paper 1, Q5(d) (1 mark): The trend in the strength of gaseous adsorption by three transition elements is tungsten ! platinum ! silver Silver is not suitable as a replacement for platinu
  26. June 2019, Paper 2, Q7(b)(iv) (3 marks): The heterogeneous catalyst palladium was suggested for use in this reaction. Explain how impurities in the gaseous reactants could make the catalyst less effect
  27. June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(a)(i) (6 marks): Complete the statements in the inference column by writing the names or formulae of the species. (6) Test Observation Inference Test 1 The gas evolved was Aqueo
  28. June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(c) (1 mark): State the type of reaction occurring in Test 2. (1)
  29. June 2019, Paper 3, Q6(c)(iv) (3 marks): Describe the stages in the catalytic decomposition of ammonia by tungsten. (3)
  30. June 2018, Paper 1, Q4(f) (3 marks): Manganate(VII) ions, MnO4 2− + 16H+ → 2Mn2+ + 10CO2 + 8H2O 2MnO4 − + 5C2O4 The reaction starts slowly, the rate of reaction then increases, before it decreases
  31. June 2018, Paper 2, Q2(a) (1 mark): Gaseous reactants attach to the catalytic surface by the process of (1) A absorption B activation C adsorption D desorption
  32. June 2018, Paper 2, Q2(b) (2 marks): Catalytic converters of car exhaust systems have internal honeycomb structures as shown. Explain why the honeycomb structure is used in a car exhaust system. (2
  33. June 2018, Paper 3, Q5(a) (1 mark): Give the oxidation state of vanadium in the compound NH4VO3. (1)
  34. June 2018, Paper 3, Q5(b) (7 marks): Excess zinc powder is added to an acidified solution of the compound NH4VO3. Using the data in the table, explain the sequence of reactions that takes place. In
  35. June 2018, Paper 3, Q5(c) (2 marks): Explain how vanadium(V) oxide acts as a catalyst in one step of the contact process. The equation for this step is 2SO2(g) + O2(g)  2SO3(g) (2)
  36. June 2018, Paper 3, Q5(d) (6 marks): Describe the reactions of separate portions of aqueous copper(II) ions with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, with excess aqueous ammonia solution and with con
  37. June 2017, Paper 1, Q4(d) (2 marks): Iodide ions, I–, react with peroxodisulfate(VI) ions, S2O8 2– 2I–(aq) + S2O8 2–(aq) r I2(aq) + 2SO4 2–(aq) This reaction is catalysed by iron(II) ions, Fe2+(aq)
  38. June 2017, Paper 2, Q5(a)(i) (1 mark): Write the equation for the reaction between these two polluting gases that takes place on the surface of a catalytic converter. State symbols are not required.
  39. June 2017, Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (3 marks): Describe the stages by which the reaction in (a)(i) occurs in a catalytic converter. (3)
  40. June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): Write an ionic equation for the reaction of solid chromium(III) hydroxide with dilute hydrochloric acid, showing the formula of the complex ion formed. Include
  41. June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Describe the changes you would see when the reaction in (a)(i) is carried out. (2)
  42. June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(a)(iii) (2 marks): Write an ionic equation for the reaction of solid chromium(III) hydroxide with dilute sodium hydroxide solution, showing the formula of the complex ion formed.
  43. June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(a)(iv) (1 mark): State the final appearance of the reaction mixture in (a)(iii). (1)
  44. June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(b)(i) (2 marks): Describe what you would see during this experiment. (2)
  45. June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): The reaction between aqueous copper(II) sulfate and excess aqueous ammonia is an example of a ligand substitution reaction. Write an equation for the ligand sub

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