IGCSE · Chemistry 0620 · Atoms, elements & compounds

Elements, compounds & mixtures: IGCSE Chemistry questions with answers

Free Elements, compounds & mixtures questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of Atoms, elements & compounds. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Elements, compounds & mixtures practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Air, sea water, carbon dioxide and steel are compared.
1    The components of a mixture can be separated by physical methods.
2    Air is a mixture of elements and compounds.
3    Steel is a compound of iron and carbon.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 2 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 2 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which term is described by this statement?
“A substance containing two or more elements chemically combined.”

  1. A compound
  2. B addition polymerisation
  3. C mixture
  4. D blast furnace
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Air, sea water, carbon dioxide and steel are compared.
1    Steel is a compound of iron and carbon.
2    Carbon dioxide is a compound because its elements are chemically combined.
3    Sea water has a fixed boiling point because it is mostly water.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1 and 2 only
  2. B 2 and 3 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 2 only
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 4Structured · 5 marksA* challenge

Iron filings and sulfur powder are mixed and then heated strongly. A black solid forms.

(a)

Describe how iron could be separated from the mixture before heating.

[1]
(b)

Explain why the iron cannot be removed with a magnet after heating.

[2]
(c)

State two differences between a mixture and a compound.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)use a magnet
use a magnet B1
1
(b)compound formed, iron chemically combined
a chemical reaction has formed iron(II) sulfide, a compound B1
the iron is chemically combined so it is no longer magnetic B1
2
(c)fixed composition; separation; properties
Any 2 of: a compound has a fixed composition, a mixture does not; a compound can only be separated chemically; a compound has different properties from its elements B2
2
Question 5Structured · 3 marks

Distinguish between atoms, molecules and ions.

(a)

State what is meant by a molecule.

[1]
(b)

Give an example of a molecule of an element and a molecule of a compound.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)two or more atoms covalently bonded
two or more atoms chemically (covalently) bonded together B1
1
(b)O₂; H₂O
element: O₂/N₂/H₂/Cl₂ B1
compound: H₂O/CO₂/CH₄ B1
2
Question 6Structured · 5 marks

Substances can be classified as elements, compounds or mixtures.

(a)

Define an element.

[1]
(b)

Define a compound.

[2]
(c)

Explain why air is a mixture and not a compound.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)cannot be broken down chemically
a substance made of only one type of atom (that cannot be broken down into simpler substances) B1
1
(b)two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions
two or more elements B1
chemically combined (in fixed proportions) B1
2
(c)not chemically joined; variable composition
the gases in air are not chemically combined B1
its composition can vary / it can be separated by physical means B1
2

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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