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Exam Review

Key Facts: Andalusia PAU Chemistry Exam

90 min

Exam Time Limit

Distrito Único Andaluz

0–10

Grading Scale

Junta de Andalucía

4.0

Min. Access Phase Score

Comisión Interuniversitaria

EUR 58.70

Base Registration Fee

Junta de Andalucía

8 Core Units

Curriculum Content Areas

2º Bachillerato Chemistry Syllabus

The Andalusia PAU Chemistry exam (Química) is administered by the Distrito Único Andaluz and Comisión Interuniversitaria de Andalucía for students completing 2nd Bachillerato. The exam lasts 90 minutes and is graded on a 0–10 scale (minimum 4.0 required in the Access Phase). Note that local questions on this platform are an English-language MCQ study adaptation created to help students master the underlying 2nd Bachillerato curriculum.

Sample Andalusia PAU Chemistry Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Andalusia PAU Chemistry exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which set of quantum numbers (n, l, m_l, m_s) is permissible for an electron in a 3p atomic orbital?
A.n = 3, l = 1, m_l = -1, m_s = +1/2
B.n = 3, l = 2, m_l = 0, m_s = -1/2
C.n = 3, l = 0, m_l = 1, m_s = +1/2
D.n = 2, l = 1, m_l = -1, m_s = +1/2
Explanation: For a 3p orbital, the principal quantum number is n = 3 and the azimuthal quantum number is l = 1. The magnetic quantum number m_l can take values from -l to +l (-1, 0, +1), and the spin quantum number m_s can be +1/2 or -1/2. The set (n=3, l=1, m_l=-1, m_s=+1/2) satisfies all these quantum mechanical restrictions.
2What is the ground-state electron configuration of the Fe²⁺ ion (atomic number Z = 26)?
A.[Ar] 3d⁶
B.[Ar] 4s² 3d⁴
C.[Ar] 4s¹ 3d⁵
D.[Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹
Explanation: Neutral iron (Z = 26) has the ground-state configuration [Ar] 4s² 3d⁶. When transition metals form cations, electrons are removed first from the outermost s orbital (4s) before the 3d orbitals. Removing 2 electrons from neutral iron yields [Ar] 3d⁶.
3Which of the following elements has the highest first ionization energy?
A.Fluorine (F)
B.Oxygen (O)
C.Chlorine (Cl)
D.Nitrogen (N)
Explanation: First ionization energy increases across a period from left to right (due to increasing effective nuclear charge) and decreases down a group (due to increased atomic radius and shielding). Fluorine is at the top right of the main-group elements (excluding noble gases) and has the highest first ionization energy among the options.
4Why does nitrogen (Z = 7) have a higher first ionization energy than oxygen (Z = 8), despite oxygen being to the right of nitrogen in Period 2?
A.Nitrogen has a half-filled 2p subshell (2p³), which confers extra exchange stability.
B.Oxygen has a smaller nuclear charge than nitrogen.
C.Nitrogen has a larger atomic radius than oxygen, making electron removal easier.
D.Oxygen experiences no electron-electron repulsion in its 2p orbitals.
Explanation: Nitrogen's valence electron configuration is 2s² 2p³, possessing a half-filled 2p subshell with maximum spin multiplicity (Hund's rule), which is extra stable. In oxygen (2s² 2p⁴), the fourth 2p electron is paired in one 2p orbital, experiencing inter-electronic repulsion that makes its removal easier than expected.
5Arrange the following species in order of INCREASING ionic/atomic radius: K⁺, Ar, Cl⁻, S²⁻.
A.K⁺ < Ar < Cl⁻ < S²⁻
B.S²⁻ < Cl⁻ < Ar < K⁺
C.Ar < K⁺ < Cl⁻ < S²⁻
D.K⁺ < Cl⁻ < Ar < S²⁻
Explanation: These four species are isoelectronic, each possessing 18 electrons ([Ar] configuration). For isoelectronic species, radius decreases as nuclear charge (atomic number Z) increases. K⁺ (Z=19) has the most protons and smallest radius, followed by neutral Ar (Z=18), Cl⁻ (Z=17), and S²⁻ (Z=16) with the fewest protons and largest radius.
6According to the de Broglie hypothesis, what is the wavelength of an electron (mass = 9.11 × 10⁻³¹ kg) moving at a velocity of 2.0 × 10⁶ m/s? (h = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
A.3.64 × 10⁻¹⁰ m
B.3.64 × 10⁻⁷ m
C.1.82 × 10⁻¹⁰ m
D.5.46 × 10⁻⁹ m
Explanation: The de Broglie wavelength is calculated using λ = h / (m · v). Substituting values: λ = (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s) / [(9.11 × 10⁻³¹ kg) × (2.0 × 10⁶ m/s)] = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ / (1.822 × 10⁻²⁴) = 3.64 × 10⁻¹⁰ m (or 0.364 nm).
7Which rule or principle states that no two electrons in the same atom can have identical values for all four quantum numbers?
A.Pauli Exclusion Principle
B.Hund's Rule of Maximum Multiplicity
C.Aufbau Principle
D.Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
Explanation: The Pauli Exclusion Principle dictates that an orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons, and those two electrons must have opposite spins (m_s = +1/2 and -1/2), ensuring their set of four quantum numbers is unique.
8The work function of potassium metal is 2.30 eV (1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J). What is the threshold frequency of light required to cause the photoelectric effect in potassium? (h = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
A.5.56 × 10¹⁴ Hz
B.3.47 × 10¹⁴ Hz
C.8.84 × 10¹⁴ Hz
D.1.23 × 10¹⁵ Hz
Explanation: First convert the work function Φ to Joules: Φ = 2.30 × 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J = 3.6846 × 10⁻¹⁹ J. The threshold frequency ν₀ is calculated by Φ = h · ν₀, so ν₀ = (3.6846 × 10⁻¹⁹ J) / (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s) = 5.56 × 10¹⁴ Hz.
9Which electronic transition in a hydrogen atom emits a photon with the shortest wavelength?
A.n = 3 → n = 1
B.n = 2 → n = 1
C.n = 4 → n = 2
D.n = 5 → n = 3
Explanation: According to the Rydberg formula ΔE = E_final - E_initial = h·c/λ, photon energy is inversely proportional to wavelength. Emission to n = 1 (Lyman series) involves the largest energy gaps. Among transitions to n = 1, n = 3 → n = 1 involves a larger energy difference (ΔE = 13.6 × (1 - 1/9) = 12.09 eV) than n = 2 → n = 1 (10.2 eV), producing the shortest wavelength photon.
10What maximum number of electrons can occupy the subshell specified by quantum numbers n = 4, l = 2?
A.10
B.6
C.14
D.2
Explanation: Quantum number l = 2 designates a d subshell. The number of orbitals in any subshell is given by (2l + 1) = 2(2) + 1 = 5 orbitals. Since each orbital holds up to 2 electrons with opposite spins, the maximum capacity is 5 × 2 = 10 electrons.

About the Andalusia PAU Chemistry Exam

The Andalusia PAU Chemistry exam (Química 2º Bachillerato) evaluates secondary school graduates across Andalusia on core chemical principles including atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, chemical and acid-base equilibrium, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Please note: The official PAU exam features written numerical and theoretical questions in Spanish; the 100 questions provided here are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation designed for self-assessment and core concept mastery.

Exam sponsor: Distrito Único Andaluz / Comisión Interuniversitaria de Andalucía. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

90-minute written examination (traditionally open-ended numerical and conceptual problems; local questions are an English-language MCQ study adaptation)

Time Limit

90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Passing Score

Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 58.70 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (or ~14.70 € per subject in voluntary admission phase) set by Junta de Andalucía.

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: High (~85-95% PAU overall pass rate in Andalusia). This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

15%

Atomic Structure and Periodic Table

Bohr model, quantum numbers (n, l, m, s), atomic orbital shapes, electron configurations, Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion, Hund's rule, periodic properties (atomic and ionic radii, first ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity), and periodic trends.

15%

Chemical Bonding and Structure

Ionic bond formation, lattice energy, Born-Haber thermochemical cycles, covalent bond properties, Lewis electron dot structures, formal charges, resonance, VSEPR molecular geometry, valence bond theory, hybrid orbitals (sp, sp2, sp3), bond polarity, metallic bond models, and intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, London dispersion).

15%

Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry

System and surroundings, state functions, first law of thermodynamics, enthalpy change (ΔH), standard enthalpies of formation, combustion, and neutralization, Hess's Law application, bond dissociation energies, second law, standard entropy (ΔS), Gibbs free energy equation (ΔG = ΔH - TΔS), and reaction spontaneity criteria.

10%

Chemical Kinetics

Reaction rate definitions, experimental rate laws, reaction orders (zero, first, second order), rate constant units, collision theory, transition state theory, reaction profile diagrams, activation energy (Ea), Arrhenius equation calculations, homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts.

15%

Chemical Equilibrium and Solubility

Reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium concept, law of mass action, equilibrium constants (Kc and Kp) and their relation (Kp = Kc(RT)^Δn), reaction quotient (Qc), degree of dissociation (α), Le Chatelier's principle (temperature, pressure, concentration shifts), heterogeneous equilibria, solubility product constant (Ks), molar solubility, and common ion effect.

15%

Acid-Base Equilibrium

Arrhenius and Brønsted-Lowry acid-base definitions, conjugate acid-base pairs, water autoionization constant (Kw), pH and pOH calculations, strong vs weak acids and bases, acid/base ionization constants (Ka, Kb), pKa and pKb, salt hydrolysis (acidic, basic, neutral salts), buffer solution action and Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, and acid-base volumetric titrations.

10%

Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry

Oxidation state determination, oxidation and reduction definitions, balancing redox reactions using the ion-electron method in acidic and basic solutions, stoichiometry of redox titrations, galvanic/voltaic cells (anode, cathode, salt bridge), standard reduction potentials (E°), cell potential (E°cell), spontaneity (ΔG° = -nFE°cell), Nernst equation, electrolytic cells, and Faraday's laws of electrolysis.

5%

Organic Chemistry

IUPAC nomenclature for hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics) and oxygenated/nitrogenated functional groups (alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, amides), structural isomerism (chain, position, functional), stereoisomerism (cis-trans geometric and optical enantiomers), and organic reaction types (substitution, addition, elimination, oxidation-reduction, condensation/esterification).

Preparing for the Andalusia PAU Chemistry Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).
  • Assessment: 90-minute written examination (traditionally open-ended numerical and conceptual problems; local questions are an English-language MCQ study adaptation)
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 58.70 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (or ~14.70 € per subject in voluntary admission phase) set by Junta de Andalucía. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Andalusia PAU Chemistry: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice balancing redox equations using the ion-electron method in both acidic and basic solutions until seamless.
2Master equilibrium expressions: solve Kc and Kp calculations, degree of dissociation (α), and solubility product (Ks) problems.
3Understand acid-base behavior: learn to derive pH for weak acids/bases, salt hydrolysis reactions, and buffer systems.
4Apply Hess's Law and free energy equations (ΔG = ΔH - TΔS) to determine thermodynamic spontaneity under standard and non-standard conditions.
5Memorize IUPAC organic nomenclature rules and practice predicting major products for addition, substitution, elimination, and esterification reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the official Andalusia PAU Chemistry exam?

The official Andalusia PAU Chemistry exam is a 90-minute written examination administered in Spanish, consisting of numerical calculation problems and theoretical questions. Note that the 100 questions available on this site are an English-language multiple-choice practice adaptation developed to help students test their knowledge of the official curriculum.

What is the passing score for Andalusia PAU Chemistry?

The exam is graded on a 0–10 scale. In the Access Phase (Fase de Acceso), a minimum score of 4.0 is required to average with the Bachillerato GPA (which counts for 60% of the final university access score, while PAU counts for 40%, requiring a total average of >= 5.0).

What is the fee for taking the PAU exam in Andalusia?

The base registration fee for the PAU Access Phase in Andalusia is set by the Junta de Andalucía at EUR 58.70 (or approximately EUR 14.70 per subject in the voluntary admission phase), with fee waivers or reductions for large families (familia numerosa) or specific categories.

Who sets the curriculum for the Andalusia PAU Chemistry test?

The curriculum and exam criteria are established by the Distrito Único Andaluz and the Comisión Interuniversitaria de Andalucía based on the 2nd Bachillerato official chemistry syllabus.

Why are the practice questions here in English and in multiple-choice format?

These questions serve as an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for international students, bilingual program candidates, and revision learners seeking to test core chemistry concepts tested on the Andalusian curriculum.