1. 1
   A materials scientist tests a sample of an unknown element by measuring its electrical conductivity and by reacting a sample of its oxide with water to test whether the resulting solution is acidic or alkaline.

   (a)

   The unknown element conducts electricity well and forms a basic oxide. How should it be classified?

   [1 mark]

   • AMetal
   • BNon-metal
   • CNoble gas
   • DIt cannot be classified from this information

   (b)

   Where in the Periodic Table would this element most likely be found?

   [1 mark]

   • ATowards the right-hand side, excluding Group 0
   • BTowards the left-hand side
   • CIn Group 0 only
   • DIt could be anywhere, position gives no information

   (c)

   Explain how the results of the electrical conductivity test and the oxide test allow the scientist to classify the element as a metal.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 1: 4 marks

2. 2
   A manufacturer fills incandescent light bulbs with argon gas to surround the hot tungsten filament, because argon does not react with the filament even at high temperatures, unlike the oxygen in air.

   (a)

   Which group of the Periodic Table does argon belong to?

   [1 mark]

   • AGroup 1
   • BGroup 7
   • CGroup 0
   • DGroup 4

   (b)

   How many electrons does an atom of argon have in its outer shell?

   [1 mark]

   • A1
   • B2
   • C7
   • D8

   (c)

   Explain, in terms of electronic configuration, why argon does not react with the hot tungsten filament.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 2: 4 marks

3. 3
   A student is studying the position of potassium in the Periodic Table. Potassium has atomic number 19 and is located in Period 4, Group 1, in the same group as sodium and lithium.

   (a)

   Potassium has an atomic number of 19 and is found in Period 4, Group 1 of the Periodic Table. Deduce its electronic configuration, showing the number of electrons in each shell.

   [3 marks]

   (b)

   Explain why potassium's electronic configuration places it in Period 4 and Group 1, and explain why potassium, sodium and lithium have similar chemical properties even though they are different elements.

   [4 marks]

   Total for question 3: 7 marks

4. 4
   A researcher is carrying out an investigation into trends in electronic configuration and chemical reactivity across the first 20 elements of the Periodic Table, comparing elements in the same group and elements in Group 0.

   (a)

   A researcher is investigating trends in electronic configuration across the first 20 elements of the Periodic Table. Describe how the Periodic Table is arranged, and explain how the electronic configuration of any of the first 20 elements can be deduced from its position in the table.

   [6 marks]

   (b)

   Using electronic configuration, explain why elements in the same group of the Periodic Table have similar chemical properties, and explain why the noble gases in Group 0 are very unreactive.

   [6 marks]

   Total for question 4: 12 marks

End of questions