A-LevelChemistryChemical periodicityOct/Nov 2023Paper 1 Q181 Mark

Which row gives the best description of the variations in the melting points and the first ionisation energies of the elements in Period 3 from sodium to argon?

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Chemical periodicity in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Amelting points: increase up to a peak at aluminium then decrease; first ionisation energies: generally decrease

Bmelting points: increase up to a peak at aluminium then decrease; first ionisation energies: generally increase

Cmelting points: increase up to a peak at silicon then decrease; first ionisation energies: generally decrease

Dmelting points: increase up to a peak at silicon then decrease; first ionisation energies: generally increase

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: melting points: increase up to a peak at silicon then decrease; first ionisation energies: generally increase

📋 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 Chemical periodicity in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

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

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