AQA A-level Chemistry – Practice
Examination Paper 2 June 2026 | Detailed
Solutions + High-Yield Topics Review | A+
Success System
Paper 2 – June 2026 (Practice)
Level: A-level (Year 13)
Time allowed: 2 hours
Total marks: 91 marks
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Answer all questions.
• You must show all your working for calculations.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets.
• Use a calculator where appropriate.
• Give your answers to an appropriate number of significant figures.
Data
• Gas constant, R = 8.31 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹
• Avogadro constant = 6.02 × 10²³ mol⁻¹
Section A
,Q1 Atomic Structure and Periodicity (5 marks)
(a) Define the term first ionisation energy. (2)
The energy required to remove one electron from each atom in one mole of
gaseous atoms to form one mole of gaseous 1+ ions.
(b) Explain why the first ionisation energy decreases from Mg to Al. (2)
Electron removed from higher energy 3p orbital in Al; increased shielding;
weaker attraction to nucleus.
(c) Deduce which has the higher first ionisation energy: S or Cl. (1)
Cl
Q2 Bonding and Structure (5 marks)
(a) Define electronegativity. (1)
The ability of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.
(b) Explain why NH₃ has a trigonal pyramidal shape. (2)
3 bonding pairs + 1 lone pair; electron pair repulsion; lone pair repels more
strongly reducing bond angle.
(c) Explain why graphite conducts electricity but diamond does not. (2)
Graphite has delocalised electrons; diamond has no free electrons.
Q3 Energetics (6 marks)
Given:
ΔHf°(CO₂) = –394 kJ mol⁻¹
ΔHf°(H₂O) = –286 kJ mol⁻¹
ΔHf°(CH₄) = –75 kJ mol⁻¹
(a) Write an equation for the combustion of methane. (1)
CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
, (b) Calculate ΔH° for combustion of methane. (4)
ΔH = [(-394) + 2(-286)] – [(-75)]
= (-394 –572) + 75
= -891 kJ mol⁻¹
Answer: –891 kJ mol⁻¹
(c) State the sign of ΔH for an exothermic reaction. (1)
Negative
Q4 Kinetics (5 marks)
A reaction has rate equation:
Rate = k[A]²[B]
(a) State the order with respect to A and B. (2)
A = second order; B = first order
(b) Deduce overall order. (1)
Third order
(c) Explain effect of increasing temperature on rate. (2)
More particles exceed activation energy; increased successful collisions.
Q5 Equilibria (5 marks)
For: N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃
(a) Write expression for Kc. (2)
Kc = [NH₃]² / ([N₂][H₂]³)
(b) Predict effect of increasing pressure. (1)
Shifts right (fewer moles of gas).
(c) Explain effect of catalyst on equilibrium position. (2)
No effect; speeds up forward and reverse equally.
Examination Paper 2 June 2026 | Detailed
Solutions + High-Yield Topics Review | A+
Success System
Paper 2 – June 2026 (Practice)
Level: A-level (Year 13)
Time allowed: 2 hours
Total marks: 91 marks
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Answer all questions.
• You must show all your working for calculations.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets.
• Use a calculator where appropriate.
• Give your answers to an appropriate number of significant figures.
Data
• Gas constant, R = 8.31 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹
• Avogadro constant = 6.02 × 10²³ mol⁻¹
Section A
,Q1 Atomic Structure and Periodicity (5 marks)
(a) Define the term first ionisation energy. (2)
The energy required to remove one electron from each atom in one mole of
gaseous atoms to form one mole of gaseous 1+ ions.
(b) Explain why the first ionisation energy decreases from Mg to Al. (2)
Electron removed from higher energy 3p orbital in Al; increased shielding;
weaker attraction to nucleus.
(c) Deduce which has the higher first ionisation energy: S or Cl. (1)
Cl
Q2 Bonding and Structure (5 marks)
(a) Define electronegativity. (1)
The ability of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.
(b) Explain why NH₃ has a trigonal pyramidal shape. (2)
3 bonding pairs + 1 lone pair; electron pair repulsion; lone pair repels more
strongly reducing bond angle.
(c) Explain why graphite conducts electricity but diamond does not. (2)
Graphite has delocalised electrons; diamond has no free electrons.
Q3 Energetics (6 marks)
Given:
ΔHf°(CO₂) = –394 kJ mol⁻¹
ΔHf°(H₂O) = –286 kJ mol⁻¹
ΔHf°(CH₄) = –75 kJ mol⁻¹
(a) Write an equation for the combustion of methane. (1)
CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
, (b) Calculate ΔH° for combustion of methane. (4)
ΔH = [(-394) + 2(-286)] – [(-75)]
= (-394 –572) + 75
= -891 kJ mol⁻¹
Answer: –891 kJ mol⁻¹
(c) State the sign of ΔH for an exothermic reaction. (1)
Negative
Q4 Kinetics (5 marks)
A reaction has rate equation:
Rate = k[A]²[B]
(a) State the order with respect to A and B. (2)
A = second order; B = first order
(b) Deduce overall order. (1)
Third order
(c) Explain effect of increasing temperature on rate. (2)
More particles exceed activation energy; increased successful collisions.
Q5 Equilibria (5 marks)
For: N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃
(a) Write expression for Kc. (2)
Kc = [NH₃]² / ([N₂][H₂]³)
(b) Predict effect of increasing pressure. (1)
Shifts right (fewer moles of gas).
(c) Explain effect of catalyst on equilibrium position. (2)
No effect; speeds up forward and reverse equally.
