AQA · GCSE Chemistry 8462

AQA GCSE Chemistry: Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter — Practice Questions & Answers

How particles are arranged and held together explains the states of matter and why ionic, covalent, and metallic substances behave so differently.

1242 practice questions available for this topic — here are 10 with full answers and explanations.

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Practice questions with answers

1 Multiple choice · Easy

Which type of bonding occurs between a metal and a non-metal, involving the transfer of electrons?

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WhyIonic bonding involves the transfer of electrons from a metal atom to a non-metal atom, forming oppositely charged ions that attract.
2 Multiple choice · Easy

What happens to the arrangement of particles when a solid melts into a liquid?

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WhyIn a solid the particles are in fixed positions; in a liquid they are close together but can move past one another, so they are no longer in a fixed arrangement.
3 Multiple choice · Easy

Which of these substances is a giant covalent structure?

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WhyDiamond is a giant covalent structure where every carbon atom is bonded to four others in a continuous lattice. The others are simple molecules or a metal.
4 Multiple choice · Easy

Why can metals conduct electricity?

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WhyMetals have delocalised electrons that are free to move through the structure and carry charge.
5 Multiple choice · Easy

What is the state symbol used for a substance dissolved in water?

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WhyThe state symbol (aq) means aqueous, that is dissolved in water. (s) is solid, (l) is liquid, (g) is gas.
6 Fill in the blank · Easy

A bond formed when two non-metal atoms share a pair of electrons is called a bond.

Answer: covalent

WhyCovalent bonds form between non-metal atoms when they share pairs of electrons.
7 Multiple choice · Medium

Sodium chloride (NaCl) does not conduct electricity when solid but does when molten. Why?

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WhyIn the solid the ions are held in fixed positions, but when molten the ions are free to move and carry charge.
8 Multiple choice · Medium

Which statement best explains why simple molecular substances such as CO2 have low melting points?

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WhyMelting only requires the weak intermolecular forces between molecules to be overcome, not the strong covalent bonds within molecules.
9 Multiple choice · Medium

An alloy is harder than a pure metal because:

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WhyDifferent sized atoms in an alloy distort the regular layers, making it harder for them to slide over each other.
10 Multiple choice · Medium

Which formula represents the ionic compound magnesium chloride?

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WhyMagnesium forms Mg2+ and chloride forms Cl-, so two chloride ions balance one magnesium ion, giving MgCl2.

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Key terms in Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter

Chemical bond: A strong force of attraction that holds atoms together within a compound or element.
Ionic bonding: The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions formed when atoms transfer electrons.
Covalent bonding: A bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons between them.
Metallic bonding: The attraction between positive metal ions and a sea of delocalised electrons shared across the structure.
Ion: An atom or group of atoms that has gained or lost electrons to become electrically charged.
Cation: A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.
Anion: A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.
Electron transfer: The movement of electrons from one atom to another that produces ions during ionic bonding.

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