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AQA GCSE Chemistry

Topic questions Organic chemistry Properties of hydrocarbons

Properties of hydrocarbons

11 questions · 118 marks · about 2 hours

Properties of hydrocarbons questions

AQA 8462 Properties of hydrocarbons 11 questions

Paper 2 June 2025 Foundation tier, Question 9 9 marks

Also involves The three states of matter

This question is about hydrocarbon fuels.

Figure 7 represents the process used to separate hydrocarbon fuels from crude oil.

Figure for question 9
9.1

Name the process represented by Figure 7.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9.1
9.2

Changes of state take place during the process in Figure 7.

Name the change of state taking place in:

maths symbol the heater

maths symbol the column.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9.2
9.3

Different fuels are obtained from crude oil at the points on Figure 7 labelled A to E.

Table 4 shows the boiling point ranges of different fuels obtained from the process in Figure 7.

Figure for question 9

Which fuel is obtained at B in the column?

Use Figure 7 and Table 4.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9.3
9.4

Fuels with higher boiling point ranges contain larger molecules.

What is the order of increasing flammability of the fuels?

Use Table 4.

Tick () one box.

Figure for question 9
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9.4
9.5

Liquified petroleum gases are a mixture of several different hydrocarbons.

Figure 8 shows a model of one of these hydrocarbons.

Figure for question 9

Write the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon represented by the model in Figure 8

[1]
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9.6

Name the hydrocarbon represented by the model in Figure 8.

[1]
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9.7

Petroleum gases also contain a hydrocarbon with the formula C3H8

Balance the equation for the complete combustion of C3H8

Question 9, shown as an image
[2]
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Paper 2 June 2025 Higher tier, Question 2 9 marks

This question is about hydrocarbon fuels.

Figure 1 represents the process used to separate hydrocarbon fuels from crude oil.

Figure for question 2
2.1

Name the process represented by Figure 1.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2.1
2.2

Changes of state take place during the process in Figure 1.

Name the change of state taking place in:

maths symbol the heater

maths symbol the column.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2.2
2.3

Different fuels are obtained from crude oil at the points on Figure 1 labelled A to E.

Table 2 shows the boiling point ranges of different fuels obtained from the process in Figure 1.

Figure for question 2

Which fuel is obtained at B in the column?

Use Figure 1 and Table 2.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2.3
2.4

Fuels with higher boiling point ranges contain larger molecules.

What is the order of increasing flammability of the fuels?

Use Table 2.

Tick (βœ“) one box.

Figure for question 2
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2.4
2.5

Liquified petroleum gases are a mixture of several different hydrocarbons.

Figure 2 shows a model of one of these hydrocarbons.

Figure for question 2

Write the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon represented by the model in Figure 2

[1]
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2.6

Name the hydrocarbon represented by the model in Figure 2.

[1]
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2.7

Petroleum gases also contain a hydrocarbon with the formula C3H8

Balance the equation for the complete combustion of C3H8

Question 2, shown as an image
[2]
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Paper 2 June 2025 Higher tier, Question 5 12 marks

Also involves Relative formula mass Β· Moles and amount of substance Β· Volumes of gases

This question is about unsaturated hydrocarbons.

5.1

Table 6 shows the boiling points of some unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Figure for question 5

Estimate the boiling point X in Table 6.

[1]
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5.2

C2H4 reacts with water vapour (steam).

Name the compound produced when C2H4 reacts with water vapour.

[1]
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5.3

C4H8 reacts with chlorine (Cl2).

Describe the test for chlorine.

Give the result of the test.

[2]
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5.4

Which is the displayed formula of the organic compound produced when C4H8 reacts with chlorine?

Tick (βœ“) one box.

Figure for question 5
[1]
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5.5

Name the unsaturated hydrocarbon with the formula C3H6

[1]
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5.6

Why does C3H6 tend to burn in air with a smoky flame?

[1]
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5.7

C3H6 is a gas at room temperature and pressure.

Calculate the volume of 2.1 g of C3H6 at room temperature and pressure.

Give your answer in cm3.

The volume of one mole of any gas at room temperature and pressure is 24 dm3.

Relative atomic masses (Ar): H = 1 C = 12

Question 5, shown as an image
[5]
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Paper 2 June 2024 Higher tier, Question 8 13 marks

Also involves Amounts of substance in equations

This question is about monomers and polymers.

Compound A has an alkene functional group and an ester functional group.

Figure 8 represents a molecule of compound A.

Figure for question 8
8.1

Draw a circle around the alkene functional group on Figure 8.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8.1
8.2

Describe what will be seen when compound A is shaken with bromine water.

[2]
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8.3

Figure 9 is a repeat of Figure 8.

Figure for question 8

Draw a circle around the ester functional group on Figure 9.

[1]
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8.4

Compound A has the formula C4H6O2

Compound A is flammable.

Write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of compound A.

Figure for question 8
[3]
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8.5

Many molecules of compound A join together to form polymer B.

Complete the displayed formula equation which represents this reaction.

Figure for question 8
[2]
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8.6

What type of polymer is polymer B ?

Tick (βœ“) one box.

Figure for question 8
[1]
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8.7

Polymer B is a polymer which melts when heated.

What word is used to describe polymers which melt when heated?

[1]
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8.8

Explain why some polymers do not melt when heated.

[2]
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Paper 2 June 2022 Foundation tier, Question 2 12 marks

This question is about hydrocarbons in crude oil.

2.1

Table 2 shows information about three fractions obtained from crude oil.

Figure for question 2

Figure 1 shows the fractionating column used to separate fractions A, B and C.

Figure for question 2

The temperature of the fractionating column is:

β€’ 30 Β°C at the top

β€’ 400 Β°C at the bottom.

Complete Figure 1 to show where fractions A, B and C are collected.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2.1
2.2

Table 3 shows information about three fractions obtained from crude oil.

Figure for question 2

Complete the sentences. Choose answers from the box.

Figure for question 2
Question 2, shown as an image
Question 2, shown as an image
[2]
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2.3

Table 4 shows the percentage of two fractions obtained from two different sources of crude oil.

Figure for question 2

Complete Figure 2. You should:

β€’ complete the y-axis scale

β€’ plot the percentage of the heavy fuel oil fraction obtained from source K.

Use Table 4.

Figure for question 2
[2]
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2.4

Kerosene is in higher demand than heavy fuel oil. Suggest why crude oil from source J is in higher demand than crude oil from source K. Use Table 4.

[1]
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2.5

Large hydrocarbon molecules can be cracked to produce smaller hydrocarbon molecules including alkanes.

Which two of the following can be used to crack large hydrocarbon molecules? Tick (βœ“) two boxes.

Figure for question 2
[2]
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2.6

Alkanes have the general formula CnH2n+2 Complete the formula of the alkane molecule containing 11 carbon atoms.

Question 2, shown as an image
[1]
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2.7

C2H6 is an alkane. Which type of bond is found in a C2H6 molecule? Tick (βœ“) one box.

Figure for question 2
[1]
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2.8

Which two substances are produced when alkanes completely combust? Tick (βœ“) two boxes.

Figure for question 2
[2]
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Paper 2 June 2022 Higher tier, Question 4 16 marks

This question is about the fractions obtained from crude oil.

4.1

Crude oil is separated into fractions by fractional distillation. The fractions obtained from crude oil include:

β€’ lubricating oil

β€’ naphtha

β€’ petroleum gases.

Table 3 shows the boiling point range of these fractions.

Figure for question 4

Explain how these fractions are obtained from crude oil by fractional distillation.

[4]
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4.2

Fractions from crude oil can be processed to produce feedstock for the petrochemical industry. Which two are useful materials produced from this feedstock? Tick (βœ“) two boxes.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4.2
4.3
Figure for question 4

Another fraction obtained from crude oil is petrol.

Petrol contains a hydrocarbon with the formula C9H20 Complete the equation for the complete combustion of C9H20 You should balance the equation.

Question 4, shown as an image
[2]
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4.4

Petrol obtained from crude oil contains sulfur impurities. Explain why sulfur impurities are removed before petrol is burned in car engines.

[2]
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4.5

Table 4 shows information about two more fractions obtained from crude oil.

Figure for question 4

A student predicted that heavy fuel oil is more viscous than kerosene. The student’s prediction was correct.

Justify the student’s prediction.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4.5
4.6

The heavy fuel oil fraction can be processed to produce smaller hydrocarbon molecules.

Name the process which produces smaller hydrocarbon molecules from heavy fuel oil. Give the conditions used in this process.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4.6
4.7

Hydrocarbon molecules containing seven and eight carbon atoms can be produced when heavy fuel oil is processed. Which pair of hydrocarbon molecules would both turn bromine water colourless? Tick (βœ“) one box.

Figure for question 4
[1]
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Paper 2 November 2021 Foundation tier, Question 9 8 marks

This question is about alkanes.

Table 6 shows information about some alkanes.

Figure for question 9
9.1

Plot the data from Table 6 on Figure 7.

Figure for question 9
[2]
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9.2

Predict the boiling point X of the alkane with seven carbon atoms in a molecule.

Use Table 6 and Figure 7.

[1]
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9.3

Figure 7 is not suitable to show the boiling point of the alkane with three carbon atoms in a molecule.

Suggest one reason why.

[1]
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9.4

What is the state at 20 Β°C of the alkane with four carbon atoms in a molecule?

Use Table 6.

[1]
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9.5

Table 6 is repeated below.

Figure for question 9

The alkane with nine carbon atoms in a molecule is called nonane.

Complete the formula of nonane.

Question 9, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9.5
9.6

Nonane will condense lower in a fractionating column during fractional distillation than the other alkanes in Table 6.

Explain why.

You should refer to the temperature gradient in the fractionating column.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9.6

Paper 2 November 2021 Higher tier, Question 2 8 marks

Also involves The three states of matter

This question is about alkanes. Table 1 shows information about some alkanes.

Figure for question 2
2.1

Plot the data from Table 1 on Figure 2.

Figure for question 2
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2.1
2.2

Predict the boiling point X of the alkane with seven carbon atoms in a molecule. Use Table 1 and Figure 2.

[1]
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2.3

Figure 2 is not suitable to show the boiling point of the alkane with three carbon atoms in a molecule. Suggest one reason why.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2.3
2.4

What is the state at 20 Β°C of the alkane with four carbon atoms in a molecule? Use Table 1.

[1]
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2.5

Table 1 is repeated below.

Figure for question 2

The alkane with nine carbon atoms in a molecule is called nonane.

Complete the formula of nonane.

Question 2, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2.5
2.6

Nonane will condense lower in a fractionating column during fractional distillation than the other alkanes in Table 1. Explain why. You should refer to the temperature gradient in the fractionating column.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2.6

Paper 2 June 2019 Foundation tier, Question 8 11 marks

This question is about crude oil and hydrocarbons.

Figure 6 shows a fractionating column used to separate crude oil into fractions.

Figure for question 8

Table 5 gives information about some of the fractions.

Figure for question 8
8.1

Suggest a suitable temperature for the furnace in Figure 6.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8.1
8.2

Explain why diesel oil collects above heavy fuel oil but below kerosene in the fractionating column.

Use Table 5.

[2]
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8.3

Suggest two reasons why bitumen is not used as a fuel.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8.3
8.4

Petrol contains mainly alkanes.

Which of the following compounds is an alkane?

Tick (βœ“) one box.

Figure for question 8
[1]
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8.5

Large hydrocarbon molecules in the diesel oil fraction are cracked to produce smaller hydrocarbon molecules.

Describe the conditions needed to crack hydrocarbon molecules from the diesel oil fraction.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 8.5
8.6

Explain why large hydrocarbon molecules in the diesel oil fraction are cracked to produce smaller hydrocarbon molecules.

[2]
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8.7

Complete the equation for the cracking of C15H32

Question 8, shown as an image
[1]
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Paper 2 June 2019 Higher tier, Question 1 11 marks

This question is about crude oil and hydrocarbons.

Figure 1 shows a fractionating column used to separate crude oil into fractions.

Figure for question 1

Table 1 gives information about some of the fractions.

Figure for question 1
1.1

Suggest a suitable temperature for the furnace in Figure 1.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1.1
1.2

Explain why diesel oil collects above heavy fuel oil but below kerosene in the fractionating column.

Use Table 1.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1.2
1.3

Suggest two reasons why bitumen is not used as a fuel.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1.3
1.4

Petrol contains mainly alkanes.

Which of the following compounds is an alkane?

Tick (βœ“) one box.

Figure for question 1
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1.4
1.5

Large hydrocarbon molecules in the diesel oil fraction are cracked to produce smaller hydrocarbon molecules.

Describe the conditions needed to crack hydrocarbon molecules from the diesel oil fraction.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1.5
1.6

Explain why large hydrocarbon molecules in the diesel oil fraction are cracked to produce smaller hydrocarbon molecules.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1.6
1.7

Complete the equation for the cracking of C15H32

Question 1, shown as an image
[1]
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Paper 2 June 2019 Higher tier, Question 5 9 marks

Also involves Amounts of substance in equations Β· Volumes of gases

This question is about combustion of fuels.

5.1

Some central heating boilers use wood as a fuel.

Suggest two reasons why wood is more sustainable than natural gas as a fuel for central heating boilers.

[2]
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5.2

Natural gas is mainly methane.

When methane burns it can produce both carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Explain the process by which carbon monoxide can be produced when methane is burned.

[2]
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5.3

Balance the equation for the combustion of methane to produce carbon monoxide.

Question 5, shown as an image
[1]
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5.4

Propane burns to form carbon dioxide and water.

The equation for the reaction is:

Question 5, shown as an image

3.60 dm3 carbon dioxide is produced when a sample of propane is burned in

Question 5, shown as an image

Calculate the volume of unreacted oxygen.

Give your answer in cm3

Question 5, shown as an image
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5.4

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