AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 2h 2025 Question Pdf

Get the official AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 2 Higher Tier (8462/2H) question paper from the **13 June 2025 morning exam** — the exact paper used across UK exam centres. This paper is worth **100 marks** and covers rates of reaction, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, polymers, the atmosphere, and equilibrium.

The paper begins with practical chemistry and calculations. *Question 1 (pages 2–3)* investigates dissolved solids in seawater using evaporation and weighing techniques. Students calculate the mean concentration of dissolved solids in g/dm³ using data from four seawater samples and explain why samples contain different masses of dissolved solids.

Hydrocarbons and fractional distillation are explored in *Question 2 (pages 4–6)*. Students identify the process used to separate crude oil fractions, interpret boiling point ranges from Table 2, balance the complete combustion equation for propane (C₃H₈), and identify hydrocarbons from molecular models.

*Question 3 (pages 8–9)* compares aluminium and wood for making doors. Students evaluate material choice using data on cost, strength, corrosion resistance, recycling, and sustainability. The section also includes questions on aluminium oxide protection and formulations such as paint composition.

Atmospheric chemistry appears in *Question 4 (pages 10–12)*. Students explain how nitrogen and carbon dioxide levels changed in the Earth’s early atmosphere, plot a line graph using historical atmospheric data, and describe how oxygen levels increased over time due to photosynthesis.

Organic chemistry and alkenes are covered in *Question 5 (pages 13–15)*. Topics include estimating boiling points of unsaturated hydrocarbons, hydration of ethene to produce ethanol, testing chlorine, identifying addition products of C₄H₈ with chlorine, and calculating gas volume for propene (C₃H₆) at room temperature and pressure.

Chemical analysis is assessed in *Question 6 (pages 16–18)*. Students identify ions using sodium hydroxide tests, flame tests, silver nitrate tests, and carbonate tests involving carbon dioxide and limewater. The section also compares the reaction rates of nitric acid and ethanoic acid with carbonate solutions.

Polymers and condensation reactions are explored in *Question 7 (pages 19–21)*. Students identify monomers from displayed structures, name polyester and protein polymers, complete the displayed structure of glycine, and explain the structure of thermosetting polymers such as poly(tetrafluoroethene).

Rates of reaction and catalysis are investigated in *Question 8 (pages 22–25)* using the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Students explain mass loss due to oxygen gas escaping, compare catalysts using reaction profiles, calculate reaction rate from a graph at 60 seconds, and explain the effect of temperature on particle collisions and activation energy.

The final section, *Question 9 (pages 26–29)*, focuses on ammonia production and equilibrium. Students explain why high temperatures are used in steam reforming, calculate the approximate volume of air needed to obtain 50 dm³ of nitrogen, describe ammonia separation in the Haber process, and evaluate why nitrogen is considered more sustainable than hydrogen in ammonia production.

Use this paper to practise under real exam conditions, improve calculation and graphing skills, and strengthen extended-response techniques for higher-tier chemistry questions. Pair it with the AQA 8462/2H June 2025 mark scheme for complete exam preparation.

This document is designed for GCSE Chemistry students preparing for the 2026 exam series, particularly Year 11 students studying the AQA 8462 Higher Tier specification, as well as resit candidates and independent learners.

It is also ideal for teachers, tutors, and revision providers who need authentic exam material for mocks, timed assessments, and exam-technique practice. It supports revision across organic chemistry, rates of reaction, polymers, equilibrium, and atmospheric chemistry.