OCR A-Level Chemistry AS Breadth in chemistry (01), June 2019: Question 1

1 mark · Easy difficulty · Multiple Choice

Identify the incorrect statement about the periodic table among the given options concerning groups, periods, atomic numbers, and halogen reactivity.

Practise this question

Question

Multiple-choice question 1 asking which statement about the periodic table is not correct, with four options A to D. Option A states elements are arranged in groups with similar chemical properties, B states elements are arranged in periods with repeating trends, C states elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, and D states elements in the halogen group increase in reactivity down the group. An answer box is provided at the bottom.
Question text

1 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 periods with repeating trends in properties.

C The elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number.

D The elements in the halogen group increase in reactivity down the group.

Your answer [1]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1 showing the correct answer is D, with 1 mark allocated under AO1.1.

AO

Question Answer Marks Guidance

element

1 D 1 AO1.1

How to answer it

Periodic Table Structure and Trends

OCR AS Level Chemistry • Multiple Choice

What this question tests

This question tests your foundational knowledge of the structure of the Periodic Table (AO1.1), specifically distinguishing between correct definitions of groups, periods, atomic number arrangement, and group-specific trends such as halogen reactivity.

Question 1: Periodic Table Statements

Exam Question Breakdown

✅ Correct Answer: D

Statement D claims that halogens increase in reactivity down the group. This is not correct, making it the right choice since the question asks for the incorrect statement.

💡 Key Knowledge: Halogen Trends

  • Reactivity in Group 7 (halogens) decreases down the group (Fluorine is most reactive, Iodine is least reactive).
  • As you go down Group 7, atomic radius increases and shielding increases, making it harder to attract an incoming electron into the outer shell.

🧠 Exam Technique

  • Always highlight negative constraints like not correct in the stem so you don't accidentally pick a true statement.
  • Check every option systematically even if you spot an incorrect one early.

❌ Common Errors

  • Confusing Group 7 (halogens) trends with Group 1 (alkali metals) trends—Group 1 reactivity does increase down the group.
  • Rreading too quickly and selecting a statement that is scientifically correct instead of looking for the false statement.
Mark Scheme Allocation: 1 mark awarded for selecting D. (AO1.1 - Demonstration of knowledge and understanding).

Topics

Module 3: Periodic table and energy · 3.1 The periodic table

Question and mark scheme from the OCR A-Level Chemistry examination, AS Breadth in chemistry (01), June 2019. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.