IGCSE · Chemistry 0620 · The Periodic Table

Group VII: IGCSE Chemistry questions with answers

Free Group VII questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of The Periodic Table. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Group VII practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Aqueous iodine is added to aqueous potassium bromide.
Does a reaction take place, and what is the colour of the final mixture?

reaction?colour of mixture
Anobrown
Byesbrown
Cyescolourless
Dnoorange
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which term is described by this statement?
“The Group VII elements, diatomic non-metals whose reactivity decreases down the group.”

  1. A halogen displacement
  2. B cryolite
  3. C hydrated substance
  4. D halogens
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 3Structured · 4 marksA* challenge

Chlorine water is added to aqueous potassium bromide.

(a)

Describe the colour change.

[1]
(b)

Write the ionic equation for the reaction.

[2]
(c)

Explain why iodine does not react with aqueous potassium bromide.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)colourless to orange
(pale yellow-green / colourless) to orange / yellow-brown (allow brown) B1
1
(b)Cl₂ + 2Br⁻ → 2Cl⁻ + Br₂
correct species B1
balanced B1
2
(c)iodine less reactive than bromine
iodine is less reactive than bromine, so cannot displace it B1
1
Question 4Structured · 5 marks

Chlorine is used to treat water.

(a)

Explain why chlorine is added to drinking water.

[1]
(b)

Describe the test for chlorine gas.

[2]
(c)

Predict the state and colour of astatine at room temperature.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)kills bacteria
to kill bacteria/microorganisms B1
1
(b)damp litmus bleached
damp blue litmus turns red then is bleached (white) B2
2
(c)black solid
solid B1
black B1
2
Question 5Structured · 4 marks

Chlorine, bromine and iodine are halogens.

(a)

Describe the colours and states of chlorine, bromine and iodine at room temperature.

[3]
(b)

Describe the trend in reactivity down Group VII.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)pale green gas; red-brown liquid; grey-black solid
chlorine: pale yellow-green gas B1
bromine: red-brown liquid B1
iodine: grey-black solid B1
3
(b)decreases
reactivity decreases down the group B1
1
Question 6Structured · 4 marksA* challenge

Halogens react with metals to form halides.

(a)

Write a balanced equation for the reaction of sodium with chlorine.

[2]
(b)

Explain, in terms of electrons, why reactivity decreases down Group VII.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)2Na + Cl₂ → 2NaCl
correct formulae B1
balanced B1
2
(b)outer shell further, harder to gain electron
the outer shell is further from the nucleus/more shielding B1
so an electron is attracted/gained less easily 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