AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 1 (Sample) 2023
Understanding atomic structure and bonding is the foundation for everything that happens in chemistry, and this paper tests the core skills you'll need to predict how substances behave and react. You'll work through questions on electron configurations, the periodic table, types of chemical bonding, and how structure determines properties — all the classic topics that examiners love to revisit. This sample is designed for Year 11 students preparing for AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 1, and it mirrors the style, difficulty, and time pressure of the real exam. By the end, you'll have practised the exact reasoning patterns that mark the difference between a grade 5 and a grade 8: spotting when to use electron-counting, recognising bonding from melting point data, and understanding why structure matters so much more than memorising names.
Questions in this quiz
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- Question 1
An atom has 8 protons, 8 neutrons, and 8 electrons. Which of the following correctly shows its electron configuration?
- Question 2
Which element would have the smallest atomic radius in the third period of the periodic table?
- Question 3
Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) has a melting point of 1710 °C, while carbon dioxide (CO₂) has a melting point of −78 °C. Which statement explains this difference?
- Question 4
An ionic compound forms between magnesium and chlorine. Magnesium has 2 valence electrons and chlorine has 7. What is the formula of the compound?
- Question 5
In an ionic lattice, the ions are held together by electrostatic forces. True or False?
- Question 6
Calculate the relative formula mass (Mr) of calcium carbonate, CaCO₃. (Atomic masses: Ca = 40, C = 12, O = 16)
- Question 7
An exothermic reaction releases energy to the surroundings. True or False?
- Question 8
A sample contains 0.5 mol of carbon dioxide (CO₂). What is its mass in grams? (Atomic masses: C = 12, O = 16)
- Question 9
Which of the following substances is a good conductor of electricity in the solid state?
- Question 10
An element has an atomic number of 11. In which period and group of the periodic table would it be found?
- Question 11
Why do ionic compounds such as sodium chloride have high melting points?
- Question 12
Which type of bonding involves the sharing of electrons between atoms?
- Question 13
A reaction has an activation energy of 50 kJ/mol. If the reaction is catalysed, what happens to the activation energy?
- Question 14
How many moles of atoms are present in 4.4 grams of carbon? (Atomic mass of C = 12)