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Periodicity: OCR A‑Level Chemistry A questions

Every OCR A-Level Chemistry A exam question on 3.1.1 Periodicity, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,820 questions

  1. Q16(a)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 16(a)(i): Complete the graph to show approximate melting points for P, S, Cl and Ar. [2]

  2. Q16(a)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    3 marks3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 16(a)(ii): Explain why silicon has a higher melting point than aluminium. Use ideas about structure and bonding in your answer. [3]

  3. Q16(b)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 16(b)(i): Write an equation to represent the first ionisation energy of sulfur. Include state symbols. [1]

  4. Q16(b)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    2 marks3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 16(b)(ii): The table shows that there is a general increase in first ionisation energies across Period 3, but that this trend is not followed by phosphorus to sulfur. Expl

  5. Q9

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 9: Which equation describes the second ionisation energy of magnesium? Mg2+(g) + 2e– A Mg(g) Mg2+(g) + 2e– B Mg(s) Mg+(g) Mg2+(g) + e– C Mg2+(g) + e– Mg+(g) D Your

  6. Q21(c)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    3 marks3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 21(c): Magnesium has a giant metallic structure. • Draw a labelled diagram to show the bonding and structure in magnesium. Include the correct charges on the metal par

  7. Q2(a)(i)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 2

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 2, question 2(a)(i): Write an equation to represent the second ionisation energy of calcium. Include state symbols. [1]

  8. Q15

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 15: Which statement(s) about elements in the periodic table is/are correct? 1 The position of an element is determined by its relative atomic mass. 2 The elements i

  9. Q20(c)

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    6 marks3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 20(c): This question is about elements in the periodic table. (c)* The table shows the melting points of some of the elements in Period 3 of the periodic table. Elemen

  10. Q6

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 6: Which statement about the periodic table is not correct? A Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties. B The elements are ordered by increasing

  11. Q2(a)(ii)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 2, question 2(a)(ii): Use your answers to (a)(i) to explain why electron configuration is an example of a periodic trend. [2]

  12. Q2(c)(i)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 2, question 2(c)(i): Complete the graph by adding points for the missing values of B and Mg. [2]

  13. Q2(c)(ii)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 2, question 2(c)(ii): Write an equation, including state symbols, to represent the second ionisation energy of B. [2]

  14. Q6

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 6: Which element has the largest third ionisation energy? A Li B F C Ne D Na Your answer [1]

  15. Q16(b)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    4 marks3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 16(b): The first and second ionisation energies of magnesium, Mg, and strontium, Sr, in Group 2 are given in the table below. First ionisation energy Second ionisation

  16. Q1(b)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 1(b): The element in Period 2 with the successive ionisation energies shown below. Ionisation number 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th Ionisation energy 1000 2251 3361

  17. Q1(c)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 1(c): An element that is a solid at RTP with a simple molecular lattice structure. [1]

  18. Q1(e)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 1(e): The element in Period 3 that exists in the solid state as a network of atoms bonded by strong covalent bonds. [1]

  19. Q6

    June 2023 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.1.1 Periodicity
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 AS Paper 1, question 6: Successive ionisation energies, in kJ mol–1, of an element in Period 3 of the periodic table are 6 shown below. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 578 1817 274

  20. Q2(c)(i)

    June 2023 · AS Paper 2

    4 marks3.1.1 Periodicity2.2.2 Bonding and structure
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 2(c)(i): Complete the table above to show the type of lattice structure of each substance. [4]
All 63 questions on Periodicity, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 1, Q16(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete the graph to show approximate melting points for P, S, Cl and Ar. [2]
  2. June 2025, Paper 1, Q16(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain why silicon has a higher melting point than aluminium. Use ideas about structure and bonding in your answer. [3]
  3. June 2025, Paper 1, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): Write an equation to represent the first ionisation energy of sulfur. Include state symbols. [1]
  4. June 2025, Paper 1, Q16(b)(ii) (2 marks): The table shows that there is a general increase in first ionisation energies across Period 3, but that this trend is not followed by phosphorus to sulfur. Expl
  5. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): Which equation describes the second ionisation energy of magnesium? Mg2+(g) + 2e– A Mg(g) Mg2+(g) + 2e– B Mg(s) Mg+(g) Mg2+(g) + e– C Mg2+(g) + e– Mg+(g) D Your
  6. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q21(c) (3 marks): Magnesium has a giant metallic structure. • Draw a labelled diagram to show the bonding and structure in magnesium. Include the correct charges on the metal par
  7. June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q2(a)(i) (1 mark): Write an equation to represent the second ionisation energy of calcium. Include state symbols. [1]
  8. June 2024, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Which statement(s) about elements in the periodic table is/are correct? 1 The position of an element is determined by its relative atomic mass. 2 The elements i
  9. June 2024, Paper 1, Q20(c) (6 marks): This question is about elements in the periodic table. (c)* The table shows the melting points of some of the elements in Period 3 of the periodic table. Elemen
  10. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Which statement about the periodic table is not correct? A Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties. B The elements are ordered by increasing
  11. June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q2(a)(ii) (2 marks): Use your answers to (a)(i) to explain why electron configuration is an example of a periodic trend. [2]
  12. June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q2(c)(i) (2 marks): Complete the graph by adding points for the missing values of B and Mg. [2]
  13. June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q2(c)(ii) (2 marks): Write an equation, including state symbols, to represent the second ionisation energy of B. [2]
  14. June 2023, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Which element has the largest third ionisation energy? A Li B F C Ne D Na Your answer [1]
  15. June 2023, Paper 1, Q16(b) (4 marks): The first and second ionisation energies of magnesium, Mg, and strontium, Sr, in Group 2 are given in the table below. First ionisation energy Second ionisation
  16. June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(b) (1 mark): The element in Period 2 with the successive ionisation energies shown below. Ionisation number 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th Ionisation energy 1000 2251 3361
  17. June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(c) (1 mark): An element that is a solid at RTP with a simple molecular lattice structure. [1]
  18. June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(e) (1 mark): The element in Period 3 that exists in the solid state as a network of atoms bonded by strong covalent bonds. [1]
  19. June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Successive ionisation energies, in kJ mol–1, of an element in Period 3 of the periodic table are 6 shown below. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 578 1817 274
  20. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(c)(i) (4 marks): Complete the table above to show the type of lattice structure of each substance. [4]
  21. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(c)(ii) (4 marks): Explain the following: • MgS has a higher melting point than PCl 3. • Al has a greater electrical conductivity than Si. Melting points Conductivities [4]
  22. June 2022, Paper 1, Q18(a) (2 marks): Complete the graph for C, N, O, F and Ne. [2]
  23. June 2022, Paper 1, Q18(b) (1 mark): Estimate the energy required to form one Li+(g) ion from one Li(g) atom. Give your answer in kJ, in standard form, and to two significant figures. energy = kJ [
  24. June 2022, Paper 1, Q18(c) (4 marks): Explain why the first ionisation energies of He and Be are both higher than the first ionisation energy of Li. Explanation for He: Explanation for Be: [4]
  25. June 2022, Paper 1, Q18(d) (2 marks): Explain why the first ionisation energy of Be is higher than the first ionisation energy of B. [2]
  26. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which substance has a giant covalent lattice structure in its solid state? A potassium B silicon C sodium chloride D water Your answer [1]
  27. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Which element has the lowest melting point? A S B P C Cl D Ar Your answer [1]
  28. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): The first four ionisation energies of a Period 3 element X are shown in the table. Ionisation energy / kJ mol–1 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 738 1451 7733 10 541 Element X i
  29. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q23(c) (4 marks): Describe the structure and bonding and electrical conductivity of calcium in the solid state. You may wish to include a labelled diagram in your answer. [4]
  30. November 2021, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): Which row shows elements in order of increasing first ionisation energy? A Ca < Si < P < N B N < P < Si < Ca C Ca < N < P <Si D C < Si < P < Ca Your answer [1]
  31. November 2021, Paper 1, Q16(a) (3 marks): Magnesium has metallic bonding and is a good conductor of electricity. Describe, with the aid of a labelled diagram, the metallic bonding in magnesium and expla
  32. November 2021, Paper 1, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): Write an equation to represent the fourth ionisation energy of magnesium. Include state symbols. [1]
  33. November 2021, Paper 1, Q16(b)(ii) (1 mark): Explain how the successive ionisation energies provide evidence that magnesium is in Group 2 of the periodic table. [1]
  34. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which sequence has elements in order of increasing first ionisation energy? A Na < Mg < Al B Mg < Al < Si C Al < Si < P D Si < P < S Your answer [1]
  35. November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q5(d)(i) (1 mark): Which block in the periodic table does nickel belong to? [1]
  36. November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q5(e) (2 marks): Element A is in period 3 of the periodic table (Na-Ar). The first six ionisation energies (I.E.) of element A are shown below. 1st I.E. 2nd I.E. 3rd I.E. 4th I.
  37. November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q3(a) (5 marks): The table shows the melting point and electrical conductivity of two elements in Period 4. Element Melting Point / °C Electrical conductivity Calcium 842 Good B
  38. June 2019, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): Which set of elements in the solid state contain a simple molecular lattice, a giant covalent lattice and a giant metallic lattice? A S, Si, Al B P, Si, C C S,
  39. June 2019, Paper 1, Q16(a) (1 mark): Explain which block in the Periodic Table sodium and magnesium belong to. [1]
  40. June 2019, Paper 1, Q16(e)(i) (2 marks): The first ionisation energy of sodium is more endothermic than that of potassium. Explain why. [2]
  41. June 2019, Paper 3, Q3(b) (4 marks): SiO2 and CO2 are oxides of other Group 14 (Group 4) elements. Solid SiO2 melts at 2156 °C. Solid CO2 melts at −56 °C. Suggest the type of lattice structure in s
  42. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which statement about the periodic table is not correct? A The elements are arranged in groups with similar chemical properties. B The elements are arranged in
  43. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (5 marks): The table below shows two physical properties of the element strontium. Melting point high Electrical conductivity very good Explain these physical properties o
  44. June 2018, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Which statement best explains why nitrogen has a larger first ionisation energy than oxygen? A N atoms have less repulsion between p-orbital electrons than O at
  45. June 2018, Paper 3, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): The element with the highest first ionisation energy. [1]
  46. June 2018, Paper 3, Q1(a)(iii) (1 mark): The element in Period 3 which has the successive ionisation energies shown below. Ionisation number 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Ionisation energy/kJ mol–1 738 1451 7733 105
  47. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): What determines the order of elements in the Periodic Table? A first ionisation energy B number of electrons in the outer shell C number of protons in the nucle
  48. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): The first five successive ionisation energies of an element Y are shown below. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 496 4563 6913 9544 13352 What is the formula of a chloride of
  49. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Which element has induced dipole–dipole interactions (London forces) in its solid lattice? A boron B magnesium C silicon D sulfur Your answer [1]
  50. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q21(c) (1 mark): Why are silicon, carbon, oxygen and chlorine all classified as p-block elements? [1]
  51. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (3 marks): The table below compares the properties of sodium sulfide, sodium and sulfur. Complete the table. Sodium sulfide Sodium Sulfur Melting point / °C 1180 98 113 Ty
  52. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which element has the highest melting point? A silicon B phosphorus C sulfur D chlorine Your answer [1]
  53. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q22(c)(i) (1 mark): Add a point to Fig. 22.1 for the first ionisation energy of the element with Z = 10. [1]
  54. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q22(c)(ii) (1 mark): Estimate the energy required to form one Na+(g) ion from one Na(g) atom. Give your answer in kJ, in standard form, and to two significant figures. energy = kJ [
  55. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q22(c)(iii) (3 marks): Explain why the first ionisation energies in Fig. 22.1 show a general increase across Period 3 (Na–Ar). [3]
  56. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q22(c)(iv) (2 marks): Explain why the general increase in first ionisation energies across Period 3 is not followed for Mg (Z = 12) to Al (Z = 13). [2]
  57. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): What is the shape around the carbon atoms in graphene? A linear B pyramidal C tetrahedral D trigonal planar Your answer [1]
  58. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): Electron configurations for atoms of different elements are shown below. Which electron configuration represents the element with the largest first ionisation e
  59. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Successive ionisation energies of four elements in Period 3 are shown below. Which letter could represent magnesium? Ionisation energy / kJ mol–1 1st 2nd 3rd 4t
  60. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): Write an equation, including state symbols, to represent the second ionisation energy of strontium. [1]
  61. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (3 marks): Explain why the first ionisation energy of strontium is less than the first ionisation energy of calcium. [3]
  62. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (3 marks): Phosphorus and chlorine have simple molecular structures. More information about phosphorus and chlorine is given in the table below. Molecular Element formula
  63. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (4 marks): Magnesium and silicon have different types of giant structures. Describe the bonding in magnesium and in silicon. Include the names of the particles and describ

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