AQA GCSE Chemistry Chemistry Paper 1 (Higher), 2022: Question 1

13 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer

Identify periodic table sections for elements, compare Group 1 and transition metals, draw the electronic structure of aluminium, and describe metallic conduction and ionic bonding in magnesium oxide.

Practise this question

Question

An exam page containing seven sub-questions about metals and non-metals. Figure 1 shows a simplified outline of the periodic table divided into four sections labeled A, B, C, and D. Questions ask to identify the section for a non-metal element Q and a transition metal element R. Other questions ask for differences between Group 1 and transition elements, to complete the electronic structure of an aluminium atom in Figure 2, to describe how metals conduct electricity, to name the bonding between metals and non-metals, and to describe the reaction between magnesium and oxygen atoms.
Question text

01 This question is about metals and non-metals.

Figure 1 shows an outline of part of the periodic table.

Figure 1

01.1 Element Q is a dull solid with a melting point of 44 °C.

Element Q does not conduct electricity.

Which section of the periodic table in Figure 1 is most likely to contain element Q?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

A B C D

01.2 Element R forms ions of formula R2+ and R3+

Which section of the periodic table in Figure 1 is most likely to contain element R?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

A B C D

01.3 Give two differences between the physical properties of the elements in Group 1 and

those of the transition elements.

[2 marks]

01.4 Complete Figure 2 to show the electronic structure of an aluminium atom.

Use the periodic table.

[1 mark]

Figure 2

01.5 Aluminium is a metal.

Describe how metals conduct electricity.

Answer in terms of electrons.

[3 marks]

01.6 Name the type of bonding in compounds formed between metals and non-metals.

[1 mark]

01.7 Magnesium oxide is a compound formed from the metal magnesium and the

non-metal oxygen.

Describe what happens when a magnesium atom reacts with an oxygen atom.

You should refer to electrons in your answer.

[4 marks]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme The mark scheme for Question 1, showing the answers and marking points for parts 1.1 to 1.7. 1.1 is D. 1.2 is B. 1.3 lists physical property differences such as lower melting points, lower densities, less strong, and softer for Group 1. 1.4 shows the completed electronic diagram for aluminium with configuration 2, 8, 3. 1.5 awards marks for delocalised electrons carrying electrical charge and moving through the metal. 1.6 is ionic. 1.7 awards marks for magnesium losing two electrons, oxygen gaining two electrons, and forming magnesium and oxide ions.

Question 1

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

01.1 D 1 AO3

4.1.2.3

AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.2 B 1 AO3

4.1.3.2

AO /

Spec. Ref.

allow converse statements for

01.3 transition elements AO1

4.1.3.1

any two from: 2 4.1.3.2

(Group 1 elements)

• have lower melting / boiling

points

• have lower densities

• are less strong

• are softer allow (Group 1 elements are)

more malleable / ductile

allow (Group 1 elements) are

not useful as catalysts

ignore transition elements form

coloured compounds

ignore transition elements form

ions with different charges

ignore references to chemical

properties

AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.4 allow any combination of 1 AO2

x, , o, e(–) for electrons 4.1.1.7

AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.5 delocalised electrons allow free electrons 1 AO1

4.2.1.5

(the electrons) carry (electrical) ignore current / electricity for 1 4.2.2.8

charge charge

(the electrons move) through the ignore throughout for through 1

metal / aluminium / structure

AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.6 ionic 1 AO1

4.2.1.1

AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.7 magnesium (atom) loses 1 AO2

electrons 4.2.1.1

4.2.1.2

oxygen (atom) gains electrons 1

two electrons (are transferred) 1

magnesium ions and oxide ions allow Mg2+ (ions) and O2– (ions) 1

are formed are formed

allow magnesium forms positive

8 ions and oxygen forms negative

ions

allow (both) form a complete

outer shell

Total Question 1 13

How to answer it

Metals, Non-Metals, and Chemical Bonding

What this question tests

This exam question assesses your understanding of the periodic table's layout, the physical differences between Group 1 and transition metals, drawing atomic structures, explaining metallic electrical conductivity, and describing ionic bonding with electron transfer.

Parts 01.1 & 01.2: Classifying Elements in the Periodic Table

Periodic Table Geography

Correct Answers

  • 01.1: Box D [1 mark]
  • 01.2: Box B [1 mark]

Key Knowledge

  • Section A: Highly reactive metals (Groups 1 and 2).
  • Section B: Transition metals (form ions with different charges, e.g., Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺).
  • Section C: Metalloids (near the staircase line).
  • Section D: Non-metals (dull, low melting points, electrical insulators).

Part 01.3: Group 1 vs. Transition Elements

Physical Properties Comparison

Acceptable Answers (Choose any two)

Compared to transition metals, Group 1 elements:

  • Have lower melting / boiling points
  • Have lower densities (some even float on water!)
  • Are softer / easier to cut
  • Are less strong / weaker
[2 marks]

Exam Technique

You can write your answers from either perspective. For example, writing "Transition metals have higher melting points" is also fully correct. Just make sure you compare the same property clearly!

❌ Common Error: Mixing Physical and Chemical Properties

The question specifically asks for physical properties. Do not mention chemical properties such as reactivity, catalytic ability, or the formation of colored compounds. These will score zero marks.

Part 01.4: Electronic Structure of Aluminium

Atomic Structure Drawing

Correct Diagram Description

To get the mark, you must draw the electrons on the shells as follows:

  • Innermost shell: 2 electrons (drawn as crosses or dots)
  • Middle shell: 8 electrons
  • Outermost shell: 3 electrons

This gives a configuration of 2, 8, 3 (total of 13 electrons).

[1 mark]

How to find this using the Periodic Table

  1. Find Aluminium (Al) on your periodic table. Its atomic number is 13.
  2. This means an aluminium atom has 13 protons, and therefore 13 electrons.
  3. Fill the shells from inside out: the 1st shell holds max 2, the 2nd holds max 8, leaving 3 for the 3rd shell.

Part 01.5: How Metals Conduct Electricity

Metallic Bonding

Model Answer

Metals have delocalised electrons [1 mark] .

These electrons carry electrical charge [1 mark] ...

...as they move through the metal structure [1 mark] .

❌ Common Error: Incorrect Terminology

Students often lose marks here by using loose language. Avoid these traps:

  • Do NOT say "electrons carry electricity" or "carry current". They must carry charge.
  • Do NOT say "atoms move" or "ions move". In a solid metal, only the delocalised electrons are free to move.

Parts 01.6 & 01.7: Ionic Bonding in Magnesium Oxide

Ionic Bonding & Electron Transfer

01.6 Correct Answer

The type of bonding between a metal and a non-metal is ionic bonding.

[1 mark]

01.6 Quick Rule

• Metal + Non-metal = Ionic
• Non-metal + Non-metal = Covalent
• Metal only = Metallic

01.7 Step-by-Step Explanation of the Reaction [4 marks]

When describing ionic bonding reactions, always structure your answer in these 4 clear steps:

  1. Identify what happens to the metal: The magnesium atom loses electrons. [1 mark]
  2. Identify what happens to the non-metal: The oxygen atom gains electrons. [1 mark]
  3. State the exact number of electrons transferred: Two electrons are transferred from magnesium to oxygen. [1 mark]
  4. State the final products: Magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻) are formed (both now have full outer shells). [1 mark]

Topics

Chemistry · C1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table · C2: Bonding, Structure and the Properties of Matter

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Chemistry examination, Chemistry Paper 1 (Higher), 2022. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.