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A-LevelChemistryChemical periodicityOct/Nov 2025Paper 4 Q28 Marks

(a) Iron can form stable ions in the +2 and +3 oxidation states. Explain why transition elements have variable oxidation states. [1] (b) Aqueous solutions of iron(II) salts contain the complex ion [Fe(H2O)6]2+. Define complex ion. [1] (c) [Fe(H2O)6]2+ can be converted into [Fe(H2O)4(OH)2]. (i) Suggest a suitable reagent for this conversion. State the type of reaction. reagent type of reaction [1] (ii) [Fe(H2O)4(OH)2] is a green precipitate that turns brown on standing in air. Table 2.1 shows electrode potentials for some electrode reactions. Table 2.1 electrode reaction E° / V Fe(H2O)3(OH)3 + H2O + e⁻ ⇌ Fe(H2O)4(OH)2 + OH⁻ -0.56 O2 + 2H2O + 4e⁻ ⇌ 4OH⁻ +0.40 Use the information in Table 2.1 to explain why [Fe(H2O)4(OH)2] turns brown on standing in air. Include an equation for this reaction. [3] (d) The complex [Co(NH3)6]2+ reacts with hydrogen peroxide as shown. reaction 1 2[Co(NH3)6]2+ + H2O2 → 2[Co(NH3)6]3+ + 2OH- Ecell = +1.67V Calculate ∆G°, in kJ mol⁻¹, for reaction 1. AG = .............................................. kJ mol⁻¹ [2]

📋 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 structured question tests Chemical periodicity in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 8 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Oct/Nov 2025 examination, Paper 4 Variant 3.

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