Acids & bases: IGCSE Chemistry questions with answers
Free Acids & bases questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of Acids, bases & salts. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Dilute hydrochloric acid and aqueous sodium hydroxide are tested. 1 Hydrochloric acid reacts with a carbonate to give hydrogen. 2 Neutralisation produces a salt and water. 3 Hydrochloric acid turns methyl orange red. Which statements are correct?
A 1, 2 and 3
B 2 and 3 only
C 2 only
D 3 only
Show answer
Answer: B
Question 2Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge
Two acids, hydrochloric acid and ethanoic acid, have the same concentration. Excess magnesium ribbon is added to equal volumes of each. How does the hydrochloric acid compare with the ethanoic acid?
pH
initial rate of reaction
total volume of hydrogen
A
lower
faster
the same
B
higher
faster
the same
C
lower
faster
greater
D
lower
the same
the same
Show answer
Answer: A
Question 3Multiple choice · 1 mark
Which term is described by this statement? “The reaction between an acid and a base to produce a salt and water.”
A hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell
B sacrificial protection
C acid
D neutralisation
Show answer
Answer: D
Question 4Structured · 2 marks
The pH scale measures acidity.
(a)
Describe how the concentration of H⁺ ions relates to pH.
[1]
(b)
Suggest why universal indicator is better than litmus for comparing two acids.
[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
higher [H⁺], lower pH
the higher the concentration of H⁺, the lower the pH B1
1
(b)
shows pH value / strength
it shows the pH (how acidic), not just acid or alkali B1
1
Question 5Structured · 4 marks
Universal indicator is added to solutions of different pH.
(a)
State the colour of universal indicator in a strongly acidic solution and in a neutral solution.
[2]
(b)
Write the ionic equation for neutralisation.
[1]
(c)
Name the salt formed when sulfuric acid reacts with potassium hydroxide.
[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
red; green
strong acid: red B1 neutral: green B1
2
(b)
H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O
H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l) B1
1
(c)
potassium sulfate
potassium sulfate B1
1
Question 6Structured · 5 marksA* challenge
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid and ethanoic acid is a weak acid.
(a)
Define an acid in terms of protons.
[1]
(b)
Explain the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid.
[2]
(c)
Suggest how you could show that ethanoic acid is weaker than hydrochloric acid of the same concentration.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
proton donor
a proton (H⁺) donor B1
1
(b)
fully vs partially ionised
a strong acid is fully ionised in water B1 a weak acid is only partially ionised B1
2
(c)
higher pH / slower with magnesium
measure the pH: ethanoic acid has a higher pH B1 or it reacts more slowly with magnesium/carbonate B1
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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in