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Key Facts: Madrid PAU Chemistry Exam

90 Minutes

Exam duration

PAU Madrid Commission

EUR 93.02

Base PAU Access Phase registration fee

BOCM Madrid 2026

0–10 Scale

Grading scale (Min 4.0 required in Access Phase)

LOMLOE / Madrid PAU Regulations

5 Core Blocks

Curriculum blocks assessed

2º Bachillerato LOMLOE Chemistry Syllabus

100 Questions

Practice question bank size

OpenExamPrep

Madrid PAU Chemistry 2026 is a 90-minute university entrance exam assessing 2º Bachillerato Chemistry across 5 core curriculum blocks.

Sample Madrid PAU Chemistry Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Madrid 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, ml, ms) is valid for an electron occupying a 3d orbital?
A.(3, 2, -1, +1/2)
B.(3, 1, -2, +1/2)
C.(3, 3, 0, -1/2)
D.(2, 2, +1, +1/2)
Explanation: For a 3d orbital, the principal quantum number is n = 3 and the angular momentum quantum number is l = 2 (where l = 0 for s, 1 for p, 2 for d). The magnetic quantum number ml can take integer values from -l to +l (i.e., -2, -1, 0, +1, +2), and ms can be +1/2 or -1/2. Therefore, (3, 2, -1, +1/2) is completely valid.
2What is the ground-state electron configuration of a neutral copper atom (Cu, Z = 29)?
A.[Ar] 4s¹ 3d¹⁰
B.[Ar] 4s² 3d⁹
C.[Ar] 4s⁰ 3d¹¹
D.[Ar] 4s² 3d¹⁰
Explanation: Copper is a well-known exception to the Aufbau principle. To achieve the enhanced stability of a fully filled d subshell (3d¹⁰), one electron is promoted from the 4s orbital to the 3d subshell, yielding [Ar] 4s¹ 3d¹⁰.
3Which of the following Period 3 elements possesses the highest first ionization energy (I₁)?
A.Chlorine (Cl)
B.Phosphorus (P)
C.Magnesium (Mg)
D.Sodium (Na)
Explanation: First ionization energy generally increases across a period from left to right due to increasing effective nuclear charge (Zeff) and decreasing atomic radius. Among the given Period 3 elements, chlorine (Cl, Group 17) is furthest to the right and has the highest I₁.
4Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of an electron (me = 9.11 × 10⁻³¹ kg) moving at a velocity of 2.00 × 10⁶ m/s. (Planck constant h = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
A.0.364 nm
B.3.64 nm
C.0.182 nm
D.1.21 nm
Explanation: According to the de Broglie relation λ = h / (m·v), substituting the given values yields λ = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ / (9.11 × 10⁻³¹ × 2.00 × 10⁶) = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ / (1.822 × 10⁻²⁴) = 3.636 × 10⁻¹⁰ m = 0.364 nm.
5What is the energy of a single photon of violet light with a wavelength of 400 nm? (c = 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s, h = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
A.4.97 × 10⁻¹⁹ J
B.2.48 × 10⁻¹⁹ J
C.7.95 × 10⁻¹⁹ J
D.1.66 × 10⁻²⁷ J
Explanation: Photon energy is calculated using E = h·c / λ. Converting λ = 400 nm = 4.00 × 10⁻⁷ m gives E = (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ × 3.00 × 10⁸) / (4.00 × 10⁻⁷) = 1.9878 × 10⁻²⁵ / (4.00 × 10⁻⁷) = 4.97 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.
6In the photoelectric effect, photoelectrons are ejected from a metal surface only when the incident light frequency is above a threshold frequency ν₀. What does h·ν₀ represent?
A.The work function (Φ) of the metal
B.The maximum kinetic energy of ejected electrons
C.The ionization energy of a free gaseous atom
D.The stopping potential of the photoelectric cell
Explanation: The quantity h·ν₀ represents the minimum energy required to liberate a bound electron from the metal surface, which is defined as the work function (Φ) of the metal.
7Among the isoelectronic species S²⁻, Cl⁻, K⁺, and Ca²⁺, which has the smallest ionic radius?
A.Ca²⁺
B.K⁺
C.Cl⁻
D.S²⁻
Explanation: All four species possess 18 electrons (isoelectronic with argon). As nuclear charge (Z) increases (S=16, Cl=17, K=19, Ca=20), the electrostatic attraction between the nucleus and the electron cloud increases, pulling the electrons closer and reducing the ionic radius. Thus, Ca²⁺ (Z = 20) has the smallest radius.
8Using a Born-Haber cycle for NaCl(s), calculate its lattice energy (U_lat) given: ΔHf°[NaCl(s)] = -411 kJ/mol, ΔHsub[Na(s)] = +108 kJ/mol, 1/2 D[Cl₂(g)] = +122 kJ/mol, IE₁[Na(g)] = +496 kJ/mol, and EA[Cl(g)] = -349 kJ/mol.
A.-788 kJ/mol
B.-654 kJ/mol
C.-411 kJ/mol
D.-936 kJ/mol
Explanation: Applying Hess's law to the Born-Haber cycle: ΔHf° = ΔHsub + 1/2 D + IE₁ + EA + U_lat. Substituting numbers: -411 = 108 + 122 + 496 - 349 + U_lat => -411 = 377 + U_lat => U_lat = -411 - 377 = -788 kJ/mol.
9What is the molecular geometry of sulfur tetrafluoride (SF₄) according to VSEPR theory?
A.See-saw (distorted tetrahedral)
B.Square planar
C.Tetrahedral
D.Trigonal bipyramidal
Explanation: Sulfur in SF₄ has 6 valence electrons, forming 4 single bonds with fluorine and retaining 1 lone pair. This gives 5 electron pairs (AX₄E notation), arranging electron pairs in a trigonal bipyramid. The lone pair occupies an equatorial position to minimize repulsions, producing a see-saw molecular shape.
10Xenon tetrafluoride (XeF₄) possesses 6 electron domains around the central xenon atom. What are its molecular geometry and molecular polarity?
A.Square planar and nonpolar
B.Square pyramidal and polar
C.Octahedral and polar
D.Tetrahedral and nonpolar
Explanation: XeF₄ has 4 Xe-F bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs on Xe (AX₄E₂ notation). The two lone pairs occupy trans positions in an octahedral arrangement to minimize repulsion, yielding a square planar molecular geometry. The four Xe-F bond dipoles cancel out symmetrically, making the molecule nonpolar.

About the Madrid PAU Chemistry Exam

The Madrid PAU Chemistry examination (Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad 2026) is the official standardized assessment for 2º Bachillerato chemistry students in the Community of Madrid (administered through public universities UCM, UAM, UPM, UC3M, URJC, UAH). This practice bank offers 100 practice questions with step-by-step calculations and detailed feedback covering atomic structure, bonding, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, and organic reactions.

Exam sponsor: PAU Organising Commission of the Community of Madrid / Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Official 90-minute written examination evaluating 2º Bachillerato Chemistry topics: Atomic Structure, Periodic Table & Chemical Bonding (20%), Thermodynamics & Thermochemistry (20%), Chemical Kinetics & Equilibrium (25%), Acid-Base & Redox Reactions (20%), and Organic Chemistry & Polymers (15%).

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 93.02 base registration fee for compulsory Access Phase in Community of Madrid (or ~11.63 € per optional subject in voluntary phase).

Exam sponsor website

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.

20%

Atomic Structure, Periodic Table & Chemical Bonding

Quantum numbers, ground-state electron configurations, periodic trends, electromagnetic radiation, de Broglie wavelength, Born-Haber cycle, Lewis structures, formal charges, VSEPR molecular geometry, orbital hybridization, and intermolecular forces.

20%

Thermodynamics & Thermochemistry

Standard enthalpy of reaction, Hess's Law, standard enthalpy of formation and combustion, bond dissociation energies, standard entropy change, Gibbs free energy, and temperature dependence of reaction spontaneity.

25%

Chemical Kinetics & Equilibrium

Reaction rate equations, reaction order, Arrhenius equation and activation energy, homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibrium constants (Kc, Kp), degree of dissociation, Le Chatelier's principle, solubility product (Ksp), and common ion effect.

20%

Acid-Base & Redox Reactions

Brønsted-Lowry acid-base theory, pH and pOH calculations for strong and weak acids/bases, salt hydrolysis, Henderson-Hasselbalch buffer solutions, volumetric titrations, oxidation numbers, ion-electron balancing, galvanic cell potentials (E°cell), and Faraday's laws of electrolysis.

15%

Organic Chemistry & Polymers

IUPAC nomenclature of organic functional groups, structural and optical stereoisomerism, electrophilic addition (Markovnikov), elimination (Zaitsev), esterification, oxidation-reduction of organic compounds, and addition/condensation polymerization.

Preparing for the Madrid 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: Official 90-minute written examination evaluating 2º Bachillerato Chemistry topics: Atomic Structure, Periodic Table & Chemical Bonding (20%), Thermodynamics & Thermochemistry (20%), Chemical Kinetics & Equilibrium (25%), Acid-Base & Redox Reactions (20%), and Organic Chemistry & Polymers (15%).
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 93.02 base registration fee for compulsory Access Phase in Community of Madrid (or ~11.63 € per optional subject in voluntary phase). 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

Madrid PAU Chemistry: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice multi-step stoichiometric and thermodynamic calculations using Hess's Law and standard enthalpies of formation with correct signs.
2Master VSEPR geometry, bond angles, and hybridization assignments for molecules with lone pairs like NH3, H2O, and SF4.
3Solve equilibrium ICE tables routinely to compute Kc, Kp, and degree of dissociation alpha for gaseous systems.
4Memorize key acid-base formulas including weak acid/base Ka/Kb dissociation, salt hydrolysis pH, and Henderson-Hasselbalch buffer calculations.
5Review organic functional group priority in IUPAC naming and practice predicting Markovnikov addition and Zaitsev elimination products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fee for the PAU Chemistry exam in the Community of Madrid?

The base registration fee for the PAU compulsory Access Phase in the Community of Madrid is EUR 93.02 (or ~EUR 11.63 per optional subject in the voluntary weight-raising phase).

What passing score is required on the Madrid PAU Chemistry paper?

The exam is marked on a 0–10 scale. A minimum grade of 4.0 in the Access Phase is required to combine with the Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0). In the voluntary phase, marks from 5.0 up to 10.0 add weighted admission points (0.1 or 0.2 weighting factor).

How long is the Madrid PAU Chemistry examination?

The examination duration is 90 minutes (1.5 hours).

Which body administers the PAU exam in Madrid?

The exam is organized by the PAU Organising Commission of the Community of Madrid in coordination with Madrid's public universities (UCM, UAM, UPM, UC3M, URJC, UAH), with Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) coordinating key general guidelines.

What type of questions are included on the Madrid PAU Chemistry exam?

The exam consists of problem-solving exercises requiring multi-step numerical calculations (thermochemistry, equilibria, pH, redox cell potentials, Faraday laws) and theoretical conceptual explanations (periodic properties, molecular geometry, reaction mechanisms, isomerism).