AQA GCSE Combined Science 2026/2027 –
Paper 2H Exam Practice
200+ Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales
IMPORTANT EXAM INFORMATION
The 2026 and 2027 AQA GCSE Combined Science exams will
include equation sheets provided as inserts. Students will not
need to memorise physics equations or chemistry formulae .
Paper 2H Content Coverage:
• 5.6 The rate and extent of chemical change (rate of
reaction, reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium)
• 5.7 Organic chemistry (crude oil, hydrocarbons, fractional
distillation)
• 5.8 Chemical analysis (purity, formulations,
chromatography)
• 5.9 Chemistry of the atmosphere (greenhouse gases, climate
change, atmospheric pollutants)
, • 5.10 Using resources (potable water, life cycle assessments,
recycling)
SECTION A: RATE OF REACTION & EQUILIBRIUM (5.6)
Question 1:
A student investigates the rate of reaction between magnesium
ribbon and hydrochloric acid. Which change would increase the
rate of reaction?
A) Using a larger piece of magnesium ribbon
B) Adding water to the acid
C) Using a higher concentration of acid
D) Cooling the acid to 10°C
Answer: C) Using a higher concentration of acid
Rationale: Increasing the concentration of acid means there are
more acid particles in the same volume, increasing the frequency
of successful collisions between reactant particles and therefore
increasing the rate of reaction . Adding water dilutes the acid
(decreasing concentration), cooling reduces particle kinetic
, energy, and using a larger piece reduces surface area to volume
ratio—all of which decrease the rate .
Question 2:
In a reaction between sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid, a
precipitate of sulfur forms. The time taken for a cross to
disappear under the flask is measured. Which apparatus would
be used to measure the effect of temperature on rate?
A) A gas syringe
B) A balance
C) A thermometer and a water bath
D) A pH meter
Answer: C) A thermometer and a water bath
Rationale: To investigate temperature, reactants must be heated
to a specific temperature before mixing. A water bath maintains
constant temperature; a thermometer measures it. A gas syringe
measures gas volume, a balance measures mass, and a pH meter
measures acidity—none of which are used for temperature control
.
Paper 2H Exam Practice
200+ Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales
IMPORTANT EXAM INFORMATION
The 2026 and 2027 AQA GCSE Combined Science exams will
include equation sheets provided as inserts. Students will not
need to memorise physics equations or chemistry formulae .
Paper 2H Content Coverage:
• 5.6 The rate and extent of chemical change (rate of
reaction, reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium)
• 5.7 Organic chemistry (crude oil, hydrocarbons, fractional
distillation)
• 5.8 Chemical analysis (purity, formulations,
chromatography)
• 5.9 Chemistry of the atmosphere (greenhouse gases, climate
change, atmospheric pollutants)
, • 5.10 Using resources (potable water, life cycle assessments,
recycling)
SECTION A: RATE OF REACTION & EQUILIBRIUM (5.6)
Question 1:
A student investigates the rate of reaction between magnesium
ribbon and hydrochloric acid. Which change would increase the
rate of reaction?
A) Using a larger piece of magnesium ribbon
B) Adding water to the acid
C) Using a higher concentration of acid
D) Cooling the acid to 10°C
Answer: C) Using a higher concentration of acid
Rationale: Increasing the concentration of acid means there are
more acid particles in the same volume, increasing the frequency
of successful collisions between reactant particles and therefore
increasing the rate of reaction . Adding water dilutes the acid
(decreasing concentration), cooling reduces particle kinetic
, energy, and using a larger piece reduces surface area to volume
ratio—all of which decrease the rate .
Question 2:
In a reaction between sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid, a
precipitate of sulfur forms. The time taken for a cross to
disappear under the flask is measured. Which apparatus would
be used to measure the effect of temperature on rate?
A) A gas syringe
B) A balance
C) A thermometer and a water bath
D) A pH meter
Answer: C) A thermometer and a water bath
Rationale: To investigate temperature, reactants must be heated
to a specific temperature before mixing. A water bath maintains
constant temperature; a thermometer measures it. A gas syringe
measures gas volume, a balance measures mass, and a pH meter
measures acidity—none of which are used for temperature control
.
