Skip to content
Try on iPad

Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table: OCR A‑Level Chemistry B questions

Every OCR A-Level Chemistry B exam question on DM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table (specification points DM(g)–(m)), 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

Find questions2,049
Calculations

2,049 questions

  1. Q4

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 4: Which statement about transition metals is correct? Copper(II) ions form an octahedral complex with chloride ions. A B Most manganese compounds have Mn in the o

  2. Q7

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 7: Which row shows the correct electron configurations of Cr and Cr3+? 7 Cr3+ Cr [Ar] 3d4 4s2 [Ar] 3d3 A [Ar] 3d4 4s2 [Ar] 3d1 4s2 B [Ar] 3d5 4s1 [Ar] 3d3 C [Ar] 3

  3. Q2(c)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    3 marksDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 2(c): The students add an aqueous solution of ammonia to a solution of FeSO4. A precipitate forms. Give the colour of the precipitate and write an ionic equation for

  4. Q5(a)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    6 marksDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 5(a): This question refers to the Advance Notice Article Battery Tech Report: ‘Lithium-Ion vs Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFB)’ that is included as an Insert to t

  5. Q5(e)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    2 marksDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 5(e)(i): Explain why they are coloured, selecting terms from the following list as required: absorption complementary emission transmission [2]

  6. Q5(e)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    2 marksDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 5(e)(ii): Explain why the colours are different. [2]

  7. Q33(d)(iii)

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    2 marksDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 33(d)(iii): The catalyst used in the reaction in Equation 33.1 is a solid mixture of platinum and rhodium. Explain why this solid is able to behave as a catalyst. [2]

  8. Q2(d)(i)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 2(d)(i): The complex contains two gluconate ions. What type of ligand is the gluconate ion? [1]

  9. Q2(d)(ii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 2(d)(ii): Name the type of bonds between the O atoms and Fe2+ ions in the structure. [1]

  10. Q2(a)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    2 marksDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 2(a)(i): Complete the diagram below to show the electronic configuration of a Cu2+ ion. 4p 3d 4s 3p 3s energy 2p 2s 1s [2]

  11. Q2(a)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 2(a)(ii): Explain why copper is classed as a transition metal. [1]

  12. Q2(b)

    June 2023 · Paper 3

    6 marksDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 3, question 2(b): Copper is a d-block metal and forms many complexes. (b)* The Cu2+ ion forms several complex ions with different ligands. A group of students performs a simple m

  13. Q9

    June 2022 · Paper 1

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 1, question 9: Which row is correct? Cu2+(aq) + NaOH(aq) Cu2+(aq) + NH3(aq) A Blue precipitate soluble in excess NaOH(aq) Blue precipitate insoluble in excess NH3(aq) B Blue p

  14. Q1(d)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(d)(ii): The electron configuration of a calcium ion is 1s22s22p63s23p6. How does the electron configuration of the cation in Fe2O3 differ from this? [1]

  15. Q1(d)(iii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(d)(iii): Explain why iron can form two stable cations. [1]

  16. Q1(e)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 1(e)(i): Fe2O3 is soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid. Excess sodium hydroxide is added to this solution. Name the precipitate formed and describe its colour. name

  17. Q4(c)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 4(c)(i): Explain the term ligand. [1]

  18. Q4(d)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    4 marksDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 4(d): d-block elements form a variety of differently coloured complex ions. Explain, in terms of electronic structure, why these complex ions are coloured and why dif

  19. Q7

    November 2021 · Paper 1

    1 markDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 1, question 7: Fe2+(aq) reacts with a mixture of S2O8 2– ions and I– ions in the following way: 7 2–(aq) + 2Fe2+(aq) 2Fe3+(aq) + 2SO4 2–(aq) S2O8 then 2Fe3+(aq) + 2I–(aq) 2Fe2

  20. Q33(b)(i)

    November 2021 · Paper 1

    3 marksDM Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 1, question 33(b)(i): Explain the formation of the pale blue precipitate in terms of a property of ammonia, writing equations. Property of ammonia: Equations: [3]
All 41 questions on Inorganic chemistry and the periodic table, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): Which statement about transition metals is correct? Copper(II) ions form an octahedral complex with chloride ions. A B Most manganese compounds have Mn in the o
  2. June 2025, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): Which row shows the correct electron configurations of Cr and Cr3+? 7 Cr3+ Cr [Ar] 3d4 4s2 [Ar] 3d3 A [Ar] 3d4 4s2 [Ar] 3d1 4s2 B [Ar] 3d5 4s1 [Ar] 3d3 C [Ar] 3
  3. June 2025, Paper 2, Q2(c) (3 marks): The students add an aqueous solution of ammonia to a solution of FeSO4. A precipitate forms. Give the colour of the precipitate and write an ionic equation for
  4. June 2025, Paper 2, Q5(a) (6 marks): This question refers to the Advance Notice Article Battery Tech Report: ‘Lithium-Ion vs Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFB)’ that is included as an Insert to t
  5. June 2025, Paper 2, Q5(e)(i) (2 marks): Explain why they are coloured, selecting terms from the following list as required: absorption complementary emission transmission [2]
  6. June 2025, Paper 2, Q5(e)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the colours are different. [2]
  7. June 2024, Paper 1, Q33(d)(iii) (2 marks): The catalyst used in the reaction in Equation 33.1 is a solid mixture of platinum and rhodium. Explain why this solid is able to behave as a catalyst. [2]
  8. June 2024, Paper 2, Q2(d)(i) (1 mark): The complex contains two gluconate ions. What type of ligand is the gluconate ion? [1]
  9. June 2024, Paper 2, Q2(d)(ii) (1 mark): Name the type of bonds between the O atoms and Fe2+ ions in the structure. [1]
  10. June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete the diagram below to show the electronic configuration of a Cu2+ ion. 4p 3d 4s 3p 3s energy 2p 2s 1s [2]
  11. June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(a)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why copper is classed as a transition metal. [1]
  12. June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(b) (6 marks): Copper is a d-block metal and forms many complexes. (b)* The Cu2+ ion forms several complex ions with different ligands. A group of students performs a simple m
  13. June 2022, Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): Which row is correct? Cu2+(aq) + NaOH(aq) Cu2+(aq) + NH3(aq) A Blue precipitate soluble in excess NaOH(aq) Blue precipitate insoluble in excess NH3(aq) B Blue p
  14. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(d)(ii) (1 mark): The electron configuration of a calcium ion is 1s22s22p63s23p6. How does the electron configuration of the cation in Fe2O3 differ from this? [1]
  15. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(d)(iii) (1 mark): Explain why iron can form two stable cations. [1]
  16. June 2022, Paper 2, Q1(e)(i) (1 mark): Fe2O3 is soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid. Excess sodium hydroxide is added to this solution. Name the precipitate formed and describe its colour. name
  17. June 2022, Paper 3, Q4(c)(i) (1 mark): Explain the term ligand. [1]
  18. June 2022, Paper 3, Q4(d) (4 marks): d-block elements form a variety of differently coloured complex ions. Explain, in terms of electronic structure, why these complex ions are coloured and why dif
  19. November 2021, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): Fe2+(aq) reacts with a mixture of S2O8 2– ions and I– ions in the following way: 7 2–(aq) + 2Fe2+(aq) 2Fe3+(aq) + 2SO4 2–(aq) S2O8 then 2Fe3+(aq) + 2I–(aq) 2Fe2
  20. November 2021, Paper 1, Q33(b)(i) (3 marks): Explain the formation of the pale blue precipitate in terms of a property of ammonia, writing equations. Property of ammonia: Equations: [3]
  21. November 2021, Paper 1, Q33(c)(i) (1 mark): What type of ligand is 1,2-diaminoethane? [1]
  22. November 2021, Paper 1, Q33(d) (4 marks): Some students want to find the formula of the complex ion formed between 1,2-diaminoethane (H2NC2H4NH2) and Cu2+ ions. The students have a solution of 1,2-diami
  23. November 2021, Paper 2, Q2(d) (3 marks): The students add aqueous sodium hydroxide to a fresh aqueous solution of an iron(II) salt. A precipitate of iron(II) hydroxide forms that gradually turns to iro
  24. November 2020, Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which ion would have a coloured chloride? A Cu+ B Sc3+ C Ti3+ D Zn2+ Your answer [1]
  25. November 2020, Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest the electronic configuration of the outermost sub-shell in a Pt2+ ion. [1]
  26. November 2020, Paper 2, Q5(a)(iii) (1 mark): Is platinum a transition metal? Give a reason. [1]
  27. November 2020, Paper 2, Q5(b) (2 marks): Some ligands are described as bidentate. Give the full structural formula of a bidentate ligand from a compound in the article. [2]
  28. November 2020, Paper 2, Q5(c)(iii) (2 marks): Name the type of bond at C in Fig. 5.1 and describe how it is formed. [2]
  29. June 2019, Paper 1, Q2 (1 mark): A solution of salt X gives a green precipitate with sodium hydroxide solution. What is X? A Iron(II) chloride B Iron(III) sulfate C Barium chloride D Barium sul
  30. June 2019, Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): Excess ammonia solution is added separately to Cu2+(aq) and Fe2+(aq). The solutions are left in the air. Which row of the table represents the colour changes se
  31. June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(d) (6 marks): This question refers to the Practical Insert that is provided as an insert to this paper. (d)* There are several d block metal ions, including complex ions, men
  32. June 2018, Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): What is correct for the complex [Fe(C2O4)3]3–? A The charge on each ligand is 2–. B The co-ordination number of the metal ion is 3. C The oxidation state of the
  33. June 2018, Paper 1, Q23 (1 mark): Which row gives the correct appearances of the products of the reactions? [Fe(H2O)6]3+(aq) and sodium [Cu(H2O)6]2+(aq) and excess hydroxide solution conc. ammon
  34. June 2018, Paper 1, Q35(d) (1 mark): Give the electron configuration of the Fe2+ ion. [1] 28 The chemists investigated making the bolts from a nickel-copper alloy that has high strength and resista
  35. June 2018, Paper 1, Q35(f)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why the colour changes as the EDTA4– is added and name the type of reaction taking place. [1]
  36. June 2018, Paper 1, Q35(f)(ii) (2 marks): In a separate experiment, 25.0 cm3 of a 0.250 mol dm–3 [Ni(H2O)6]2+ solution is found to react exactly with 41.7 cm3 of 0.150 mol dm–3 EDTA4– solution. Calculat
  37. June 2018, Paper 2, Q5(e)(ii) (1 mark): State which part of Scheele’s green is responsible for the green colour. [1]
  38. June 2017, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): Which ion is coloured? Zn2+ A Sc3+ B Ti3+ C Ti4+ D Your answer [1]
  39. June 2017, Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): Write the electron configuration of a Cr3+ ion, using sub-shells and atomic orbitals. [1]
  40. June 2017, Paper 2, Q4(c)(i) (1 mark): Name the ligands in the green complex. [1]
  41. June 2017, Paper 2, Q5(d) (2 marks): The article gives two equations for the ‘Fenton mechanism’. Give the overall equation represented by the two equations. Explain why the two equations alone do n

Questions, mark schemes and examiner’s reports are © OCR, from their published past papers. Plumi isn’t affiliated with any exam board. Want whole papers? Every OCR A-Level Chemistry B paper.

Rather write your answers by hand on iPad? Plumi marks them against the same mark schemes.