GCSE (9–1) COMBINED SCIENCE A (GATEWAY SCIENCE) — June 2025 PAST PAPER:
Chemistry (Foundation Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J250/04]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A (Gateway Science) Chemistry (Foundation Tier)
Paper (OCR J250/04) offers a fully merged resource integrating the entire examination paper
with its official mark scheme. This combined structure clearly demonstrates how each
question is assessed, outlining examiner expectations and the criteria required for achieving
higher-tier marks within the Foundation band. This component evaluates students’
understanding of key chemistry topics, including atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table,
chemical reactions, acids and alkalis, quantitative chemistry, energy changes, and
environmental chemistry. Candidates must apply scientific knowledge, interpret data, analyse
practical scenarios, and demonstrate an understanding of experimental methods and safety
considerations. By presenting each question directly alongside its marking guidance, the
resource strengthens core scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and procedural
understanding. It supports accurate, well-structured responses and provides focused
preparation for the 2026 OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) Chemistry
(Foundation Tier) examination.
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which part of the Periodic Table contains the least reactive non-metals?
D
C
A
B
Your answer [1]
2 Which gas in the atmosphere causes acid rain?
A Carbon monoxide
B Hydrogen
C Oxygen
D Sulfur dioxide
Your answer [1]
3 When is electrolysis used to extract a metal from its ore?
A The metal dissolves in water.
B The metal has a high melting point.
C The metal is in high demand.
D The metal is very reactive.
Your answer [1]
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, 3
4 The diagram shows the stages in a life-cycle assessment.
Disposal Raw materials
Use Manufacture
X
What is stage X?
A Consumer research
B Design of the product
C Processing of the raw materials
D Transportation of the product
Your answer [1]
5 Part of the reactivity series is shown below.
Aluminium most reactive
Carbon
Tin
Lead least reactive
Which metal(s) are produced when their metal oxides are heated with carbon?
A Aluminium only
B Aluminium and lead
C Tin and lead
D Tin only
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 When marble chips react with an acid, they produce a colourless solution and a gas.
Which method is used to determine the rate of reaction?
A A disappearing cross experiment
B Gas chromatography
C Measuring the mass loss using a balance
D Measuring the volume of solution produced
Your answer [1]
7 Which Group 7 element is a red-brown liquid at room temperature?
A Fluorine
B Chlorine
C Bromine
D Iodine
Your answer [1]
8 Desalination is the removal of salt from seawater to produce drinking water.
The seawater is heated and the water vapour condensed and collected.
Which separation technique is used to produce drinking water in desalination?
A Chromatography
B Crystallisation
C Distillation
D Filtration
Your answer [1]
©5
Chemistry (Foundation Tier) Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J250/04]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A (Gateway Science) Chemistry (Foundation Tier)
Paper (OCR J250/04) offers a fully merged resource integrating the entire examination paper
with its official mark scheme. This combined structure clearly demonstrates how each
question is assessed, outlining examiner expectations and the criteria required for achieving
higher-tier marks within the Foundation band. This component evaluates students’
understanding of key chemistry topics, including atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table,
chemical reactions, acids and alkalis, quantitative chemistry, energy changes, and
environmental chemistry. Candidates must apply scientific knowledge, interpret data, analyse
practical scenarios, and demonstrate an understanding of experimental methods and safety
considerations. By presenting each question directly alongside its marking guidance, the
resource strengthens core scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and procedural
understanding. It supports accurate, well-structured responses and provides focused
preparation for the 2026 OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) Chemistry
(Foundation Tier) examination.
Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which part of the Periodic Table contains the least reactive non-metals?
D
C
A
B
Your answer [1]
2 Which gas in the atmosphere causes acid rain?
A Carbon monoxide
B Hydrogen
C Oxygen
D Sulfur dioxide
Your answer [1]
3 When is electrolysis used to extract a metal from its ore?
A The metal dissolves in water.
B The metal has a high melting point.
C The metal is in high demand.
D The metal is very reactive.
Your answer [1]
©5
, 3
4 The diagram shows the stages in a life-cycle assessment.
Disposal Raw materials
Use Manufacture
X
What is stage X?
A Consumer research
B Design of the product
C Processing of the raw materials
D Transportation of the product
Your answer [1]
5 Part of the reactivity series is shown below.
Aluminium most reactive
Carbon
Tin
Lead least reactive
Which metal(s) are produced when their metal oxides are heated with carbon?
A Aluminium only
B Aluminium and lead
C Tin and lead
D Tin only
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 When marble chips react with an acid, they produce a colourless solution and a gas.
Which method is used to determine the rate of reaction?
A A disappearing cross experiment
B Gas chromatography
C Measuring the mass loss using a balance
D Measuring the volume of solution produced
Your answer [1]
7 Which Group 7 element is a red-brown liquid at room temperature?
A Fluorine
B Chlorine
C Bromine
D Iodine
Your answer [1]
8 Desalination is the removal of salt from seawater to produce drinking water.
The seawater is heated and the water vapour condensed and collected.
Which separation technique is used to produce drinking water in desalination?
A Chromatography
B Crystallisation
C Distillation
D Filtration
Your answer [1]
©5
