BREAKING
Student sits three sciences, gets two grades, wants a recountβ˜…Cover teacher explains biology using only physics equationsβ˜…Nation in shock as student wears goggles on actual eyesβ˜…
  1. Home
  2. GCSE
  3. Combined Science
  4. OCR
  5. Reactions of acids

OCR GCSE Combined Science

Topic questions Chemical changes Reactions of acids

Reactions of acids

22 questions · 167 marks · about 3 hours

Reactions of acids questions

OCR J250 Reactions of acids 22 questions

Chemistry Paper 3 June 2025 Foundation tier, Question 15, also on the Higher paper 12 marks

A student investigates the reaction of magnesium carbonate and dilute sulfuric acid.

(a)

The student wants to measure the pH of the dilute sulfuric acid.

(a)(i)

Suggest the pH of dilute sulfuric acid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Name an indicator that the student could use to measure the pH of dilute sulfuric acid.

State the colour of the indicator after it has been added to the dilute sulfuric acid.

Name of indicator........

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

Name a piece of equipment the student could use to measure the pH more accurately.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(a)(iii)
(b)

When magnesium carbonate reacts with dilute sulfuric acid, it forms a salt, water and carbon dioxide.

What is the name of the salt?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(b)
(c)

The student adds an excess of magnesium carbonate to dilute sulfuric acid until no more of it reacts.

magnesium carbonate(s) + sulfuric acid(aq) fraction salt(aq) + water(l) + carbon dioxide(g)

Magnesium carbonate is a white powder that is insoluble in water.

A colourless solution of the salt is formed.

Describe two observations the student would see as the reaction is happening.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(c)
(d)

The student separates the salt from the solution formed at the end of the reaction.

Step 1: They remove the excess magnesium carbonate.

Step 2: They remove the water from the salt solution.

State the names of the separation techniques used in Step 1 and Step 2.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(d)
(e)

The student measures the mass of the salt obtained when different masses of magnesium carbonate are added to the same volume of dilute sulfuric acid.

The table shows their results.

Mass of magnesium carbonate (g)Mass of the salt (g)
1.01.4
2.02.9
3.04.3
4.05.7
5.07.1
6.07.1
7.07.1
(e)(i)

Describe the relationship between the mass of magnesium carbonate and the mass of the salt.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(e)(i)
(e)(ii)

A student thinks that when 6.0 g of magnesium carbonate has been added it is in excess.

Explain why the student is correct.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(e)(ii)

Chemistry Paper 9 June 2025 Higher tier, Question 11, also on the Foundation paper 12 marks

A student investigates the reaction of magnesium carbonate and dilute sulfuric acid.

(a)

The student wants to measure the pH of the dilute sulfuric acid.

(a)(i)

Suggest the pH of dilute sulfuric acid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Name an indicator that the student could use to measure the pH of dilute sulfuric acid.

State the colour of the indicator after it has been added to the dilute sulfuric acid.

Name of indicator........

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

Name a piece of equipment the student could use to measure the pH more accurately.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(a)(iii)
(b)

When magnesium carbonate reacts with dilute sulfuric acid, it forms a salt, water and carbon dioxide.

What is the name of the salt?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(b)
(c)

The student adds an excess of magnesium carbonate to dilute sulfuric acid until no more of it reacts.

magnesium carbonate(s) + sulfuric acid(aq) fraction salt(aq) + water(l) + carbon dioxide(g)

Magnesium carbonate is a white powder that is insoluble in water.

A colourless solution of the salt is formed.

Describe two observations the student would see as the reaction is happening.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(c)
(d)

The student separates the salt from the solution formed at the end of the reaction.

Step 1: They remove the excess magnesium carbonate.

Step 2: They remove the water from the salt solution.

State the names of the separation techniques used in Step 1 and Step 2.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(d)
(e)

The student measures the mass of the salt obtained when different masses of magnesium carbonate are added to the same volume of dilute sulfuric acid.

The table shows their results.

Mass of magnesium carbonate (g)Mass of the salt (g)
1.01.4
2.02.9
3.04.3
4.05.7
5.07.1
6.07.1
7.07.1
(e)(i)

Describe the relationship between the mass of magnesium carbonate and the mass of the salt.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(e)(i)
(e)(ii)

A student thinks that when 6.0 g of magnesium carbonate has been added it is in excess.

Explain why the student is correct.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(e)(ii)

Chemistry Paper 9 June 2025 Higher tier, Question 15 13 marks

Sodium hydroxide, NaOH, and calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, are ionic compounds that dissolve in water to form alkaline solutions.

(a)

Why are solutions of sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide called alkalis?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(a)
(b)

Explain why the formula of sodium hydroxide is NaOH but the formula of calcium hydroxide is Ca(OH)2.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(b)
(c)

The electrolysis of a sodium hydroxide solution produces hydrogen at the cathode rather than sodium.

Explain why.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(c)
(d)

When carbon dioxide is bubbled through a calcium hydroxide solution it turns cloudy white.

This is the equation for the reaction.

Question 15, shown as an image
(d)(i)

Which chemical in the equation turns the solution cloudy white?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(d)(i)
(d)(ii)

What is the alternative name for the calcium hydroxide solution?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(d)(ii)
(d)(iii)

The calcium hydroxide solution contains 0.038 g of calcium hydroxide.

Calculate the maximum mass of carbon dioxide that can react with the calcium hydroxide solution.

Give your answer to 2 significant figures.

Relative atomic mass (Ar): H = 1.0 C = 12.0 O = 16.0 Ca = 40.1

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(d)(iii)

Chemistry Paper 9 June 2024 Higher tier, Question 13 6 marks

13* A student has samples of three solids labelled A, B and C.

They think:

β€’ A is calcium carbonate

β€’ B is sodium carbonate

β€’ C is sodium chloride.

They know the following information.

Figure for question 13

Describe simple test tube experiments the student could do using water and dilute hydrochloric acid to show the solids have been labelled correctly.

Describe any observations that the student would see in these experiments and how they help show the labels are correct.

[6]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13

Chemistry Paper 9 June 2024 Higher tier, Question 14 11 marks

Figure for question 14
(a)

Write the formula of the molecules in the box for R to show a balanced reaction.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(a)
(b)

Write the name and the formula of the compound in solution S.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(b)
(c)

Name the type of reaction which happens between solutions P and Q.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(c)
(d)

Which of the solutions in the diagram shows a strong acid?

Tick (βœ“) one box.

Question 14, shown as an image

Give two reasons for your answer.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(d)
(e)

A student dissolves 2 g of a strong acid in 250 cm3 of water. (e)

Calculate the concentration of the solution formed in g / dm3.

Concentration of the solution =........ g / dm3

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(e)

Chemistry Paper 3 June 2023 Foundation tier, Question 3 1 mark

Which is an example of a neutralisation reaction?

A A metal reacting with an acid

B A non-metal reacting with oxygen

C A salt dissolving in water

D An acid reacting with an alkali

Question 3, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3

Chemistry Paper 3 June 2023 Foundation tier, Question 14 14 marks

Zinc, Zn, reacts with sulfuric acid, H2SO4, to form the salt, ZnSO4, and hydrogen.

(a)

Write the balanced symbol equation for the reaction of zinc with sulfuric acid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(a)
(b)

Name the salt, ZnSO4, made from zinc and sulfuric acid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(b)
(c)

To make sure all the sulfuric acid reacts, an excess of zinc is used.

Describe how universal indicator could be used to show that all the sulfuric acid has reacted.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(c)
(d)(i)

Calculate the relative formula mass of ZnSO4.

Relative atomic mass (Ar): O = 16.0 S = 32.1 Zn = 65.4

Relative formula mass of ZnSO4 =........

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(d)(i)
(d)(ii)

The percentage mass of an element in a compound can be calculated using the formula

Question 14, shown as an image

Calculate the percentage mass of zinc in ZnSO4.

Give your answer to 1 decimal place.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(d)(ii)
(e)

The reaction between zinc and sulfuric acid is exothermic.

(e)(i)

Explain what is meant by an exothermic reaction.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(e)(i)
(e)(ii)

The diagram shows the reaction profile for the reaction.

Figure for question 14

Label the activation energy on the diagram.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(e)(ii)
(e)(iii)

Explain the term activation energy.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(e)(iii)
(f)

The table shows the temperature changes in four reactions.

The reaction between zinc and sulfuric acid is slightly exothermic.

Which shows the reaction between zinc and dilute sulfuric acid?

Give a reason for your answer.

ReactionStart temperature (Β°C)End temperature (Β°C)
A2019
B2064
C2022
D2020
[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(f)

Chemistry Paper 4 June 2023 Foundation tier, Question 16, also on the Higher paper 12 marks

Figure for question 16
(a)

The student has difficulty filling the measuring cylinder with water.

They change the measuring cylinder for a different piece of apparatus which allows them to measure the volume of hydrogen more accurately.

Name the piece of apparatus they use and complete the diagram below to show this apparatus.

Name of piece of apparatus........

Figure for question 16
[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(a)
(b)

Complete the balanced symbol equation for the reaction.

Question 16, shown as an image
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(b)
(c)
Figure for question 16
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(c)
(d)

The student repeats the experiment. The only difference is they use a higher concentration of acid.

Draw a line on the graph to show the results of this experiment.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(d)
(e)

If the experiment is repeated at a higher temperature, the rate of reaction increases.

Explain why. Use ideas about particles and collisions.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(e)

Chemistry Paper 9 June 2023 Higher tier, Question 4 1 mark

Copper carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form copper chloride, water and a gas.

What is the formula of the gas?

A C

B CO

C CO2

D CO3

Question 4, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4

Chemistry Paper 9 June 2023 Higher tier, Question 15 12 marks

(a)

Describe the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(a)
(b)

Hydrochloric acid, HC l (aq), is an example of a strong acid.

The graph shows the pH of a dilute hydrochloric acid solution at different concentrations.

Figure for question 15

Concentration of dilute hydrochloric acid solution (mol/dm3)

(b)(i)

Write the formula of the ion that gives the dilute hydrochloric acid solution the pH shown on the graph.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The pH of the dilute hydrochloric acid solution can be measured using either universal indicator or a pH meter.

Explain which method would be better to use for measuring the pH shown on the graph.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(b)(ii)
(c)

Describe how the pH changes with the concentration of dilute hydrochloric acid solution on the graph.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(c)
(d)

As the concentration of the dilute hydrochloric acid solution increases by a factor of ten, the pH of the solution decreases by one.

Use data from the graph to show that this statement is true.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(d)
(e)

Calculate the mass of hydrochloric acid, HCl, in 100 cm3 of solution that gives a pH 1.5. (e)

Use data from the graph.

Give your answer to 2 significant figures.

Relative molecular mass (Mr): HCl = 36.5

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 15(e)

Chemistry Paper 10 June 2023 Higher tier, Question 11, also on the Foundation paper 12 marks

Figure for question 11
(a)

The student has difficulty filling the measuring cylinder with water.

They change the measuring cylinder for a different piece of apparatus which allows them to measure the volume of hydrogen more accurately.

Name the piece of apparatus they use and complete the diagram below to show this apparatus.

Name of piece of apparatus........

Figure for question 11
[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(a)
(b)

Complete the balanced symbol equation for the reaction.

Question 11, shown as an image
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(b)
(c)
Figure for question 11
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(c)
(d)

The student repeats the experiment. The only difference is they use a higher concentration of acid.

Draw a line on the graph to show the results of this experiment.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(d)
(e)

If the experiment is repeated at a higher temperature, the rate of reaction increases.

Explain why. Use ideas about particles and collisions.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(e)

Chemistry Paper 3 November 2021 Foundation tier, Question 12 5 marks

Copper can form many different compounds.

The table shows the formulae of five different compounds of copper.

CompoundFormula
ACuCl2
BCu2O
CCuCO3
DCu2S
ECuSO4
(a)

Which compound, A, B, C, D or E, is made from copper, carbon and oxygen?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(a)
(b)

Which compound, A, B, C, D or E, is made when copper is oxidised as copper reacts with oxygen?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(b)
(c)

Which compound, A, B, C, D or E, reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to make carbon dioxide?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(c)
(d)

Calculate the relative formula mass of compound D.

The relative atomic mass, Ar, of Cu is 63.5 and of S is 32.1

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(d)

Chemistry Paper 3 November 2021 Foundation tier, Question 13 8 marks

A student investigates how the pH of dilute hydrochloric acid changes as sodium hydroxide solution is added to it.

Fig. 13.1 shows the equipment the student uses.

Figure for question 13

The student:

β€’ Adds 10 cm3 dilute hydrochloric acid to X.

β€’ Adds 0.5 cm3 of the sodium hydroxide solution to the dilute hydrochloric acid.

β€’ Swirls the mixture and measures its pH with a pH probe.

β€’ Repeats adding 0.5 cm3 of the sodium hydroxide solution each time until 10 cm3 of the sodium hydroxide solution has been added.

(a)

What is the name of the piece of equipment labelled X ?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(a)
(b)
Figure for question 13
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(b)
(c)

The student plots a graph of some of their results.

Look at the table. It shows the rest of the student’s results.

Figure for question 13

Plot the results on the graph and draw a line of best fit.

Figure for question 13

Volume of sodium hydroxide solution (cm3)

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(c)
(d)

The dilute hydrochloric acid is exactly neutralised when the pH of the mixture is 7.

Use the graph to work out the volume of sodium hydroxide solution needed to exactly neutralise the dilute hydrochloric acid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(d)
(e)
Figure for question 13
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(e)

Chemistry Paper 9 November 2020 Higher tier, Question 14 10 marks

A student investigates how to make a sample of a pure salt.

His method is shown in Fig. 14.1.

React an excess of copper oxide with 50 cm3 dilute hydrochloric acid. Stage 1

Figure for question 14

Stage 2 Heat the solution from Stage 1.

Figure for question 14
(a)

Copper oxide is an insoluble compound that neutralises dilute hydrochloric acid.

Name the type of insoluble compound that neutralises an acid to form a salt and water.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(a)
(b)

Dilute hydrochloric acid is a hazardous chemical.

Describe one safety precaution the student should take when using dilute hydrochloric acid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(b)
(c)

Stage 1 uses an excess of copper oxide.

Give a reason why.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(c)
(d)
Figure for question 14
(d)(i)

Calculate the number of moles of copper oxide, CuO, in 0.500 g.

Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(d)(i)
(d)(ii)

Use your answer to (d)(i) and the balanced symbol equation to explain why the copper oxide is in excess.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(d)(ii)
(e)

Another student thinks that the method in Fig. 14.1 will not make pure copper chloride.

(e)(i)

Explain why this student is correct.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(e)(i)
(e)(ii)
Figure for question 14
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 14(e)(ii)

Chemistry Paper 9 November 2020 Higher tier, Question 16 8 marks

Phosphoric acid, H3PO4, is a strong acid.

A student investigates how the pH of a solution of dilute phosphoric acid changes when a solution of calcium hydroxide is slowly added to it from a burette.

Figure for question 16

The student then calculates the concentration of hydrogen ions as the pH changes.

Table 16.1 shows the results of her experiment.

Figure for question 16
(a)

Explain why phosphoric acid is described as a strong acid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(a)
(b)

Explain why the solution of phosphoric acid used is described as dilute.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(b)
(c)

Complete the balanced symbol equation for the reaction between phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide.

Question 16, shown as an image
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(c)
(d)
Figure for question 16
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(d)
(e)
Figure for question 16
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(e)

Chemistry Paper 3 June 2019 Foundation tier, Question 13 7 marks

A student tests three solutions A, B and C. He wants to identify which solution is acidic.

The student adds a metal carbonate to each solution.

Table 13.1 shows his results.

Figure for question 13
(a)(i)

Which solution, A, B or C, is acidic?

Tick (βœ“) one box.

Question 13, shown as an image
Question 13, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Suggest a pH value for the acidic solution.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

Write down two other tests the student could use to identify that the solution is acidic.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(a)(iii)
(b)

The student adds the acidic solution to a solution of sodium hydroxide. A neutralisation reaction takes place.

He records the pH of the mixture.

Table 13.2 shows his results.

Figure for question 13

Describe the relationship between the volume of acidic solution added and the pH of the mixture.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(b)
(c)

Sodium hydroxide is an alkali.

Which ion do solutions of alkalis contain?

Question 13, shown as an image

H+ Na+ OH– SO42–

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(c)
(d)

In a different neutralisation reaction sulfuric acid, H2SO4, reacts with sodium hydroxide, NaOH.

Complete the balanced symbol equation for this reaction.

Question 13, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 13(d)

Chemistry Paper 4 June 2019 Foundation tier, Question 16 9 marks

A student adds some magnesium to dilute hydrochloric acid (HC l).

Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and hydrogen gas is formed.

(a)

Write a balanced symbol equation for this reaction.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(a)
(b)
Figure for question 16
(b)(i)

Identify the independent variable in the investigation.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Identify two control variables in the investigation.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(b)(ii)
(c)
Figure for question 16 Figure for question 16
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(c)
(d)

The results at 0.75 mol / dm3 are repeated. (d)

This is a graph of the student’s results.

Figure for question 16

Concentration of acid (mol / dm3)

What conclusion can you make from these results?

Include ideas about particles in your answer.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(d)

Chemistry Paper 9 June 2019 Higher tier, Question 16 5 marks

Figure for question 16

The student measures how the pH of the solution changes as the acid is added.

Look at the graph of her results.

Figure for question 16
(a)

What volume of acid is needed to neutralise the alkali?

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(a)
(b)

The mixture becomes less alkaline as the acid is added.

Describe how the pH of the mixture changes as the acid is added.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(b)
(c)

Explain why the mixture becomes less alkaline as the acid is added.

Use ideas about hydrogen ions and pH in your answer.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 16(c)

Report a problem with a question on this page
What is wrong?

Goes to whoever maintains the question split. No account needed and nothing is published on this page.

Memes

Certified Combined Science memes. Peer-reviewed by nobody.

Laugh now. Cry in the exam hall later. Then come back and do a past paper.

Revise all three sciences
Just revise the fun one
Me the night before the chemistry paper
Knowing it's three sciences
Knowing which teacher does which
Remembering which equations are given
Remembering which science you're actually sitting today
Science enlightenment, combined

Mum πŸ’–

which science is it today? πŸ₯°

all of them somehow

go on genius!!! πŸ’ͺ

πŸ“± Screen time this week Β· YouTube6h 21m

None of them were revised

Combined Science starter pack

Goggles worn on foreheadBunsen on the yellow flamePractical write-up, half doneThis website
Three sciences, four items