Tuesday 2 June 2026 – Morning
A Level Chemistry A
H432/01 Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
GCE
*
• the Data Sheet for Chemistry A
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
Chemistry A
H432/01: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry
* H 4 3 2 0 1 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes. A Level
Centre number Candidate number
Mark Scheme for June 2026
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 100.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Cambridge 2026 [601/5255/2] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (CJ/CB) 363592/7 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Cambridge is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. Cambridge qualifications include
1 A sample of gallium with a relative atomic mass of 69.7 has two isotopes. The mass spectrum AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
shows the percentage abundance of one of the isotopes. Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
% It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
Percentage and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
abundance
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.
m/z All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
What is the mass-to-charge ratio, m / z, of the other isotope of gallium? demonstrated.
A 67 Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
on the examination.
B 68
C 70 Cambridge 2026
D 71
Your answer [1]
2 The reaction for the complete combustion of butane is
2C4H10(g) + 13O2(g) 8CO2(g) + 10H2O(l)
What is the volume of oxygen, in cm3, needed for the complete combustion of 0.0100 mol of
butane at room temperature and pressure (RTP)?
A 156
B 312
C 369
D 1560
Your answer [1]
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H432/01 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
3 Which increase explains the trend in the boiling points down the halogen group? MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION FOR MARKING
A The strength of the covalent bonds RM ASSESSOR
B The strength of the hydrogen bonds 1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on-screen marking: RM Assessor Assessor Online Training;
Essential Guide to Marking.
C The strength of the induced dipole–dipole interactions (London forces)
2. Make sure that you have read and understood the mark scheme and the question paper for this unit. These are posted on the RM Cambridge
D The strength of the permanent dipole–dipole interactions Assessment Support Portal
Your answer [1] 3. Log-in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the number of required standardisation responses.
4 3.56 g of element X combines with O2 to form 4.52 g of an oxide, XO2. MARKING
Which element is X? 1. Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
A Si 2. Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
B Ge 3. The schedule of dates is very important. It is essential that you meet the RM Assessor 50% and 100% (traditional 40% Batch 1 and 100% Batch 2)
deadlines. If you experience problems, you must contact your Team Leader (Supervisor) without delay.
C Sn
D Pb 4. If you are in any doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader by telephone or the RM Assessor messaging system, or by email.
5. Crossed Out Responses
Your answer [1]
Where a candidate has crossed out a response and provided a clear alternative then the crossed out response is not marked. Where no alternative
response has been provided, examiners may give candidates the benefit of the doubt and mark the crossed out response where legible.
5 25.0 cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution is added to 25.0 cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid.
Rubric Error Responses – Optional Questions
The maximum temperature of the mixture formed is 27 °C. Where candidates have a choice of question across a whole paper or a whole section and have provided more answers than required, then all
responses are marked and the highest mark allowable within the rubric is given. Enter a mark for each question answered into RM assessor, which
The reaction releases 1045 J of energy.
will select the highest mark from those awarded. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate has penalised themselves by attempting more
What was the initial temperature of the dilute hydrochloric acid, in °C? questions than necessary in the time allowed.)
(Assume the specific heat capacity, c, of the mixture is the same as for water.) 2
A 17
B 22
C 32
D 37
Your answer [1]
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
, H432/01 Mark Scheme June 2026
4
6 An equilibrium equation between N2(g), H2(g) and NH3(g) is shown. Multiple Choice Question Responses
When a multiple choice question has only a single, correct response and a candidate provides two responses (even if one of these responses is
N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) correct), then no mark should be awarded (as it is not possible to determine which was the first response selected by the candidate).
When a question requires candidates to select more than one option/multiple options, then local marking arrangements need to ensure consistency of
The numerical value of Kp at 600 K for this equilibrium is 1.66 × 10–3. approach.
A different equilibrium equation between N2(g), H2(g) and NH3(g) is shown.
Contradictory Responses
1
N (g)
2 2
+ 1 12 H2(g) NH3(g) When a candidate provides contradictory responses, then no mark should be awarded, even if one of the answers is correct.
What is numerical value of Kp, at 600 K, for this equilibrium equation? Short Answer Questions (requiring only a list by way of a response, usually worth only one mark per response)
Where candidates are required to provide a set number of short answer responses then only the set number of responses should be marked. The
A 2.76 × 10–6 response space should be marked from left to right on each line and then line by line until the required number of responses have been
considered. The remaining responses should not then be marked. Examiners will have to apply judgement as to whether a ‘second response’ on a
B 8.30 × 10–4
line is a development of the ‘first response’, rather than a separate, discrete response. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate is attempting
C 3.32 × 10–3 to hedge their bets and therefore getting undue benefit rather than engaging with the question and giving the most relevant/correct responses.)
D 4.07 × 10–2 Short Answer Questions (requiring a more developed response, worth two or more marks)
If the candidates are required to provide a description of, say, three items or factors and four items or factors are provided, then mark on a similar
Your answer [1] basis – that is downwards (as it is unlikely in this situation that a candidate will provide more than one response in each section of the response
space.)
Longer Answer Questions (requiring a developed response)
Where candidates have provided two (or more) responses to a medium or high tariff question which only required a single (developed) response and
not crossed out the first response, then only the first response should be marked. Examiners will need to apply professional judgement as to whether
the second (or a subsequent) response is a ‘new start’ or simply a poorly expressed continuation of the first response.
3
Cambridge 2026
A Level Chemistry A
H432/01 Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry
Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes
You must have:
GCE
*
• the Data Sheet for Chemistry A
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
Chemistry A
H432/01: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry
* H 4 3 2 0 1 *
*
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes. A Level
Centre number Candidate number
Mark Scheme for June 2026
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 100.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Cambridge 2026 [601/5255/2] Cambridge is an exempt Charity
DC (CJ/CB) 363592/7 Turn over
Cambridge
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Cambridge is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. Cambridge qualifications include
1 A sample of gallium with a relative atomic mass of 69.7 has two isotopes. The mass spectrum AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills,
shows the percentage abundance of one of the isotopes. Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT,
business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills.
% It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the
needs of students and teachers. Cambridge is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus
made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the development of qualifications
Percentage and support, which keep pace with the changing needs of today’s society.
abundance
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
of the examination. It shows the basis on which marks were awarded by examiners. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions which took place at an examiners’ meeting before marking
commenced.
m/z All examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in
candidates’ scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills
What is the mass-to-charge ratio, m / z, of the other isotope of gallium? demonstrated.
A 67 Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
on the examination.
B 68
C 70 Cambridge 2026
D 71
Your answer [1]
2 The reaction for the complete combustion of butane is
2C4H10(g) + 13O2(g) 8CO2(g) + 10H2O(l)
What is the volume of oxygen, in cm3, needed for the complete combustion of 0.0100 mol of
butane at room temperature and pressure (RTP)?
A 156
B 312
C 369
D 1560
Your answer [1]
Cambridge 2026
Cambridge
, H432/01 Mark Scheme June 2026
3
3 Which increase explains the trend in the boiling points down the halogen group? MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION FOR MARKING
A The strength of the covalent bonds RM ASSESSOR
B The strength of the hydrogen bonds 1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on-screen marking: RM Assessor Assessor Online Training;
Essential Guide to Marking.
C The strength of the induced dipole–dipole interactions (London forces)
2. Make sure that you have read and understood the mark scheme and the question paper for this unit. These are posted on the RM Cambridge
D The strength of the permanent dipole–dipole interactions Assessment Support Portal
Your answer [1] 3. Log-in to RM Assessor and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the number of required standardisation responses.
4 3.56 g of element X combines with O2 to form 4.52 g of an oxide, XO2. MARKING
Which element is X? 1. Mark strictly to the mark scheme.
A Si 2. Marks awarded must relate directly to the marking criteria.
B Ge 3. The schedule of dates is very important. It is essential that you meet the RM Assessor 50% and 100% (traditional 40% Batch 1 and 100% Batch 2)
deadlines. If you experience problems, you must contact your Team Leader (Supervisor) without delay.
C Sn
D Pb 4. If you are in any doubt about applying the mark scheme, consult your Team Leader by telephone or the RM Assessor messaging system, or by email.
5. Crossed Out Responses
Your answer [1]
Where a candidate has crossed out a response and provided a clear alternative then the crossed out response is not marked. Where no alternative
response has been provided, examiners may give candidates the benefit of the doubt and mark the crossed out response where legible.
5 25.0 cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution is added to 25.0 cm3 of dilute hydrochloric acid.
Rubric Error Responses – Optional Questions
The maximum temperature of the mixture formed is 27 °C. Where candidates have a choice of question across a whole paper or a whole section and have provided more answers than required, then all
responses are marked and the highest mark allowable within the rubric is given. Enter a mark for each question answered into RM assessor, which
The reaction releases 1045 J of energy.
will select the highest mark from those awarded. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate has penalised themselves by attempting more
What was the initial temperature of the dilute hydrochloric acid, in °C? questions than necessary in the time allowed.)
(Assume the specific heat capacity, c, of the mixture is the same as for water.) 2
A 17
B 22
C 32
D 37
Your answer [1]
Cambridge 2026 Turn over
, H432/01 Mark Scheme June 2026
4
6 An equilibrium equation between N2(g), H2(g) and NH3(g) is shown. Multiple Choice Question Responses
When a multiple choice question has only a single, correct response and a candidate provides two responses (even if one of these responses is
N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) correct), then no mark should be awarded (as it is not possible to determine which was the first response selected by the candidate).
When a question requires candidates to select more than one option/multiple options, then local marking arrangements need to ensure consistency of
The numerical value of Kp at 600 K for this equilibrium is 1.66 × 10–3. approach.
A different equilibrium equation between N2(g), H2(g) and NH3(g) is shown.
Contradictory Responses
1
N (g)
2 2
+ 1 12 H2(g) NH3(g) When a candidate provides contradictory responses, then no mark should be awarded, even if one of the answers is correct.
What is numerical value of Kp, at 600 K, for this equilibrium equation? Short Answer Questions (requiring only a list by way of a response, usually worth only one mark per response)
Where candidates are required to provide a set number of short answer responses then only the set number of responses should be marked. The
A 2.76 × 10–6 response space should be marked from left to right on each line and then line by line until the required number of responses have been
considered. The remaining responses should not then be marked. Examiners will have to apply judgement as to whether a ‘second response’ on a
B 8.30 × 10–4
line is a development of the ‘first response’, rather than a separate, discrete response. (The underlying assumption is that the candidate is attempting
C 3.32 × 10–3 to hedge their bets and therefore getting undue benefit rather than engaging with the question and giving the most relevant/correct responses.)
D 4.07 × 10–2 Short Answer Questions (requiring a more developed response, worth two or more marks)
If the candidates are required to provide a description of, say, three items or factors and four items or factors are provided, then mark on a similar
Your answer [1] basis – that is downwards (as it is unlikely in this situation that a candidate will provide more than one response in each section of the response
space.)
Longer Answer Questions (requiring a developed response)
Where candidates have provided two (or more) responses to a medium or high tariff question which only required a single (developed) response and
not crossed out the first response, then only the first response should be marked. Examiners will need to apply professional judgement as to whether
the second (or a subsequent) response is a ‘new start’ or simply a poorly expressed continuation of the first response.
3
Cambridge 2026
