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A-LevelChemistryAtomic structureMay/June 2023Paper 1 Q11 Mark

When chlorine gas is analysed in a mass spectrometer 35Cl+ ions are detected. Which row is correct?

A17 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁴
B17 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶
C18 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁴
D18 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: 18 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁴

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Chemistry Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Atomic structure in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry May/June 2023 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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