GCSE Chemistry - Acids and Alkalis - Exam-style Questions

By Anonymous (not verified), 22 April, 2026

Complete the following table: pH of solution: Colour of universal indicator: Description: 1 (ii) strong acid (i) green (iv) 14 (iii) (v) (5 marks) (Marks available: 5) Answer Answer outline and marking scheme for question: 1 (i) 7 (ii) red (iii) blue/purple (iv) neutral (v) strong alkali (Total = 5 marks) The following equation shows the reaction that takes place between an acid and an alkali: a) Name this type of reaction. (1 mark) b) Write a word equation that shows the reaction between nitric acid and potassium hydroxide. (1 mark) c) Write a symbol equation for the same reaction. (1 mark) (Marks available: 3) Answer Answer outline and marking scheme for question: 2 a) Neutralisation. (1 mark) b) nitric acid + potassium hydroxide → potassium nitrate + water (Mark is gained for writing potassium nitrate as the salt). (1 mark) c) HNO3(aq) + KOH(aq) → KNO3(aq) + H20(aq) (1 mark) (Total = 3 marks) Complete the following equations: a) calcium carbonate + nitric acid = (1 mark) b) sodium carbonate + sulphuric acid = (1 mark) c) Ethanoic acid + sodium hydroxide = (1 mark) (Marks available: 3) Answer Answer outline and marking scheme for question: 3 a) = calcium nitrate + carbon dioxide + water (1 mark) b) = sodium sulphate + water + carbon dioxide (1 mark) c) = sodium ethanoate + water (1 mark) (Total = 3 marks) Some salts are made in industry for use as fertilizers in farming. Complete the table showing acid and alkali used to make these salts Salt: Acid: Alkali: Ammonium nitrate Potassium phosphate (4 marks) (Marks available: 4) Answer Answer outline and marking scheme for question: 4 Salt: Acid: Alkali: Ammonium nitrate Nitric acid Ammonium hydroxide (1 mark) (1 mark) Potassium phosphate Potassium hydroxide Phosphoric acid (1 mark) (1 mark) (Total = 4 marks)