GCSE CHEMISTRY A (GATEWAY SCIENCE) — Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER: Chemistry A
(Foundation Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J248/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Chemistry A (Gateway Science) May 2025 Foundation Tier Paper (OCR J248/01)
merges the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a clear and structured
revision resource. This paper assesses foundational chemical knowledge and understanding, including
atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, chemical reactions, rates of reaction, energy changes, and
practical investigation skills. Students are expected to apply knowledge to familiar and practical
scenarios, interpret data, analyse experimental outcomes, and communicate scientific explanations
clearly. By presenting each question alongside its marking guidance, this merged resource clarifies
examiner expectations, highlights the level of detail and reasoning required for higher marks, and helps
students construct accurate, well-structured responses. This integrated format supports effective revision,
strengthens exam technique, and prepares learners thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Chemistry A
(Gateway Science) Foundation Tier examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which state of matter is shown in the particle model diagram?
A Aqueous
B Gas
C Liquid
D Solid
Your answer [1]
2 What is the part of the atom labelled X?
X
A Electron
B Neutron
C Nucleus
D Proton
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 What is the typical radius of an atom?
A 1 × 10–10 m
B 1 × 10–1 m
C 1 × 101 m
D 1 × 1010 m
Your answer [1]
4 Which type of molecule is shown in the diagram?
H H
C C
H Cl n
A Alkane
B Alkene
C Monomer
D Polymer
Your answer [1]
5 What is meant by activation energy?
A The maximum amount of energy needed to end a reaction.
B The maximum amount of energy needed to start a reaction.
C The minimum amount of energy needed to end a reaction.
D The minimum amount of energy needed to start a reaction.
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 How did Mendeleev order the elements in his version of the Periodic Table?
A Decreasing atomic mass
B Decreasing atomic number
C Increasing atomic mass
D Increasing atomic number
Your answer [1]
7 Fluorine has a melting point of –220 °C and a boiling point of –188 °C.
What is the state of fluorine at 25 °C?
A Aqueous
B Gas
C Liquid
D Solid
Your answer [1]
8 An element has an electronic arrangement 2.8.1.
Which section of the Periodic Table is the element in?
C
A D
B
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
(Foundation Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J248/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Chemistry A (Gateway Science) May 2025 Foundation Tier Paper (OCR J248/01)
merges the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a clear and structured
revision resource. This paper assesses foundational chemical knowledge and understanding, including
atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, chemical reactions, rates of reaction, energy changes, and
practical investigation skills. Students are expected to apply knowledge to familiar and practical
scenarios, interpret data, analyse experimental outcomes, and communicate scientific explanations
clearly. By presenting each question alongside its marking guidance, this merged resource clarifies
examiner expectations, highlights the level of detail and reasoning required for higher marks, and helps
students construct accurate, well-structured responses. This integrated format supports effective revision,
strengthens exam technique, and prepares learners thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Chemistry A
(Gateway Science) Foundation Tier examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which state of matter is shown in the particle model diagram?
A Aqueous
B Gas
C Liquid
D Solid
Your answer [1]
2 What is the part of the atom labelled X?
X
A Electron
B Neutron
C Nucleus
D Proton
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
3 What is the typical radius of an atom?
A 1 × 10–10 m
B 1 × 10–1 m
C 1 × 101 m
D 1 × 1010 m
Your answer [1]
4 Which type of molecule is shown in the diagram?
H H
C C
H Cl n
A Alkane
B Alkene
C Monomer
D Polymer
Your answer [1]
5 What is meant by activation energy?
A The maximum amount of energy needed to end a reaction.
B The maximum amount of energy needed to start a reaction.
C The minimum amount of energy needed to end a reaction.
D The minimum amount of energy needed to start a reaction.
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 How did Mendeleev order the elements in his version of the Periodic Table?
A Decreasing atomic mass
B Decreasing atomic number
C Increasing atomic mass
D Increasing atomic number
Your answer [1]
7 Fluorine has a melting point of –220 °C and a boiling point of –188 °C.
What is the state of fluorine at 25 °C?
A Aqueous
B Gas
C Liquid
D Solid
Your answer [1]
8 An element has an electronic arrangement 2.8.1.
Which section of the Periodic Table is the element in?
C
A D
B
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
