The Periodic Table — IGCSE Physical Science (0652) questions by topic
The Periodic Table questions ask candidates to give the electron-based reason Group I metals are more reactive than Group II metals, deduce group properties from statements about electron shells, and identify elements from their symbols, such as which is a soft, diatomic gas or a solid at room temperature. Identify, state, explain, deduce and describe are the command words, with explain wanting the electron structure reasoning, not just the observed fact.
This page holds 6 real questions from 2023 papers, worth 1 to 10 marks. Because reactivity explanations depend on precise electron-based reasoning, submitting your written answers for instant marking helps you check whether you've explained the underlying cause rather than simply restating the trend, which is exactly what examiners flag as a lost mark.
What examiners look for
- A recurring mistake is referring to a splint test or a limestone test instead of limewater, and writing sodium chlorine where a different term was needed.
- Examiners also note candidates repeating the question wording, such as saying it takes part in proton transfer, choosing helium because it is a gas without recognising the term diatomic gas, and giving air rather than oxygen as a second requirement.
- Strong answers identified that sodium has one outer electron to lose while magnesium has two, giving the reason for its greater reactivity.
- Reports praise candidates who gave a correctly balanced equation once they had identified hydrogen gas, and who correctly determined the order of reactivity.
October–November 2023, Paper 21
Elements in the Periodic Table are arranged in groups. Which statements about the groups are correct? 1 The group number of an element is equal to the number of occupied electron…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 22
Elements in the Periodic Table are arranged in groups. Which statements about the groups are correct? 1 The group number of an element is equal to the number of occupied electron…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 31
The symbols for some elements are shown: Al Be Cl Cu He Na P S Use the symbols of the elements to answer the questions that follow. Each symbol may be used once, more than once or…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 32
The symbols for some elements are shown: Al Be Cl Cu He Na P S Use the symbols of the elements to answer the questions that follow. Each symbol may be used once, more than once or…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 41
Sodium is in Group I and magnesium is in Group II of the Periodic Table. Explain why sodium is more reactive than magnesium.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 42
Sodium is in Group I and magnesium is in Group II of the Periodic Table. Explain why sodium is more reactive than magnesium.
Answer this question and get it marked →