OCR SUMMER 2026
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Chemistry A (Gateway Science)
J248/03 (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
H
• the Data Sheet for GCSE (9–1) Chemistry A (inside
this document)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
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 90.
• 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 23 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
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, 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 property is characteristic of a non-metal?
A It is malleable
B It conducts electricity when solid
C It forms acidic oxides
D It has a high melting point
Your answer [1]
2. A magnesium ion is Mg²⁺ and a nitrate ion is NO₃⁻. What is the formula of magnesium nitrate?
A MgNO₃
B Mg(NO₃)₂
C Mg₂NO₃
D Mg₂(NO₃)₃
Your answer [1]
3. The relative atomic mass of sodium (Na) is 23. The Avogadro constant is 6.02 × 10²³. What is the
mass of one atom of sodium?
A 3.82 × 10⁻²³ g
B 1.38 × 10²⁴ g
C 2.61 × 10⁻²³ g
D 6.02 × 10²³ g
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
4. An element has the electronic configuration 2.8.6. Which group and period is it in?
A Group 6, Period 3
B Group 3, Period 6
C Group 6, Period 2
D Group 8, Period 3
Your answer [1]
5. Which statement about fullerene (C₆₀) is correct?
A It has a giant covalent structure
B It is made of carbon atoms each forming 4 bonds
C It can be used to deliver drugs in the body due to its cage-like structure
D It conducts electricity because it has ionic bonds
Your answer [1]
6. A student wants to separate a mixture of salt and sand. Which is the correct order of steps?
1. Filter the mixture
2. Add water and stir
3. Evaporate the filtrate
4. Collect the residue from the filter paper
A 1, 2, 3, 4
B 2, 1, 4, 3
C 2, 4, 1, 3
D 1, 4, 2, 3
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Chemistry A (Gateway Science)
J248/03 (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
H
• the Data Sheet for GCSE (9–1) Chemistry A (inside
this document)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
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 90.
• 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 23 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 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 property is characteristic of a non-metal?
A It is malleable
B It conducts electricity when solid
C It forms acidic oxides
D It has a high melting point
Your answer [1]
2. A magnesium ion is Mg²⁺ and a nitrate ion is NO₃⁻. What is the formula of magnesium nitrate?
A MgNO₃
B Mg(NO₃)₂
C Mg₂NO₃
D Mg₂(NO₃)₃
Your answer [1]
3. The relative atomic mass of sodium (Na) is 23. The Avogadro constant is 6.02 × 10²³. What is the
mass of one atom of sodium?
A 3.82 × 10⁻²³ g
B 1.38 × 10²⁴ g
C 2.61 × 10⁻²³ g
D 6.02 × 10²³ g
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
4. An element has the electronic configuration 2.8.6. Which group and period is it in?
A Group 6, Period 3
B Group 3, Period 6
C Group 6, Period 2
D Group 8, Period 3
Your answer [1]
5. Which statement about fullerene (C₆₀) is correct?
A It has a giant covalent structure
B It is made of carbon atoms each forming 4 bonds
C It can be used to deliver drugs in the body due to its cage-like structure
D It conducts electricity because it has ionic bonds
Your answer [1]
6. A student wants to separate a mixture of salt and sand. Which is the correct order of steps?
1. Filter the mixture
2. Add water and stir
3. Evaporate the filtrate
4. Collect the residue from the filter paper
A 1, 2, 3, 4
B 2, 1, 4, 3
C 2, 4, 1, 3
D 1, 4, 2, 3
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com