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.
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?
A 1, 2 and 3
B 1 and 2 only
C 1 only
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.”
A compound
B addition polymerisation
C mixture
D blast furnace
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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?
A 1 and 2 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 1 only
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
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(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
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(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
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(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
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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