Unit 3: Structure 3: Classification of Matter
Topic 3.1: The Periodic Table — Classification of Elements Questions
Practice 20 exam-style questions for IB Chemistry Topic 3.1. Review the question stems below, then unlock the full Question Bank to access markschemes, model answers, and AI grading.
1State1 mark
2026
State why most transition metal complexes are coloured.
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A solution of a transition metal complex appears green. Deduce the colour of light it absorbs most strongly.
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Draw a graph showing how the melting points of the period 3 elements vary across the period.
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State the characteristic by which the periodic table is divided into the s, p, d and f blocks, and identify the block that contains the transition metals.
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State what is meant by the first ionisation energy of an element.
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Deduce the oxidation state of chromium in the complex ion [Cr(H2O)4Cl2]+.
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Describe and explain the trend in first ionisation energy down group 1.
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Explain why the first ionisation energy of aluminium is lower than that of magnesium, breaking the general trend across period 3.
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Define first ionisation energy and write an equation, including state symbols, for the first ionisation of lithium.
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State what the period number and the group number of a main-group element tell you about its electron arrangement.
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Explain why elements in the same group of the periodic table have similar chemical properties.
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State where metals, non-metals and metalloids are found in the periodic table, and name one metalloid.
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Compare the first ionisation energies of sodium and magnesium.
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Draw a graph of first ionisation energy against atomic number for the elements from lithium to neon.
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Outline why a zinc(II) complex is colourless.
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Describe and explain the trend in reactivity down group 1 of the periodic table.
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Describe and explain the trend in reactivity down group 17, the halogens.
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State the trend in the oxides of period 3 from sodium to sulfur in terms of acid-base character, and give the formula of one oxide from each end of that trend.
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Explain why sodium reacts more vigorously with water than magnesium does.
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Describe and explain the trend in atomic radius across period 3 from sodium to chlorine.
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