A-LevelChemistryChemical energeticsOct/Nov 2025Paper 1 Q101 Mark

One commercially available 'heat pad' contains iron, activated carbon and water. The 'heat pad' is activated by air. This causes the pad to get hotter. Which statement describes the chemical reaction occurring in the 'heat pad' when it is exposed to air?

Q: What topic does this question test?

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

AThe reaction is endothermic and iron gains electrons.

BThe reaction is endothermic and iron loses electrons.

CThe reaction is exothermic and iron gains electrons.

DThe reaction is exothermic and iron loses electrons.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: The reaction is exothermic and iron loses electrons.

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

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Oct/Nov 2025 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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