100+ Free HKDSE Chemistry Practice Questions
Pass your Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Chemistry exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
In a flame test, a lilac (pale purple) flame colour indicates the presence of which metal ion?
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Key Facts: HKDSE Chemistry Exam
HKDSE Chemistry is assessed by Paper 1 (compulsory, 60%, 2.5 hours, MCQ plus structured/essay), Paper 2 (electives, 20%, 1 hour) and SBA (20%), graded on a 7-level scale from 5** to 1 plus U.
Sample HKDSE Chemistry Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your HKDSE Chemistry exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which gas makes up approximately 78% by volume of dry air on Earth?
2Sea water contains dissolved ions. Which ion is present in the highest concentration in sea water?
3Limestone is a mineral mainly composed of which compound?
4An atom of an element has 17 protons, 18 neutrons and 17 electrons. What is the mass number of this atom?
5What is the electronic arrangement of a magnesium atom (atomic number 12)?
6Which type of bonding holds the ions together in solid sodium chloride?
7How many electrons are shared in total between the two oxygen atoms in an oxygen molecule (O2)?
8Which of the following best explains why diamond has an extremely high melting point?
9Graphite can conduct electricity because it has
10Metallic bonding is best described as the attraction between
About the HKDSE Chemistry Exam
HKDSE Chemistry is the senior-secondary chemistry examination taken by Hong Kong students at the end of Secondary 6, administered by the HKEAA. Public assessment comprises Paper 1 (Compulsory, 60%, 2 hours 30 minutes) with a multiple-choice Section A (18%) and a short/structured/essay Section B (42%), Paper 2 (Elective, 20%, 1 hour) of structured questions on 2 of 3 electives, and School-based Assessment (20%). The compulsory curriculum spans 12 topics from Planet Earth and Microscopic World through Metals, Acids and Bases, Fossil Fuels and Carbon Compounds, Redox/Electrochemistry, Energetics, Rate, Equilibrium and Patterns in the Chemical World. The three electives are Industrial Chemistry, Materials Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, with green chemistry as a recurring theme. Results are reported on a 7-level scale from 5** down to 1, plus U, and the subject is used for local and overseas university admission.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
Paper 1: 2 hours 30 minutes; Paper 2: 1 hour
Passing Score
7-level grading: 5**, 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, U. Level 3 is the common benchmark for university and further-study eligibility.
Exam Fee
2026 subject fee: HK$519 (school candidate), HK$1,119 (private candidate with Permanent HKIC), HK$1,377 (private candidate without Permanent HKIC). (Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA))
HKDSE Chemistry Exam Content Outline
Planet Earth, Microscopic World and Metals
Atmosphere and sea water, minerals, atomic structure, ionic/covalent/metallic bonding, structures and properties, metal reactivity, extraction, corrosion and alloys.
Acids, Bases and Carbon Compounds
pH, titration, salts, fossil fuels, homologous series, alkanes, alkenes, isomerism, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters and polymers.
Redox, Electrochemistry and Energetics
Oxidation numbers, redox reactions, chemical cells, electrolysis, enthalpy changes and Hess's law.
Rate, Equilibrium and Patterns
Collision theory, catalysts, dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier's principle, periodic trends and the Haber and Contact processes.
Electives (Industrial, Materials, Analytical Chemistry)
Industrial process design and green chemistry, polymers and composites, nanomaterials, chromatography, spectroscopy and qualitative analysis.
How to Pass the HKDSE Chemistry Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 7-level grading: 5**, 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, U. Level 3 is the common benchmark for university and further-study eligibility.
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: Paper 1: 2 hours 30 minutes; Paper 2: 1 hour
- Exam fee: 2026 subject fee: HK$519 (school candidate), HK$1,119 (private candidate with Permanent HKIC), HK$1,377 (private candidate without Permanent HKIC).
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
HKDSE Chemistry Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How is HKDSE Chemistry assessed?
Public assessment has three parts: Paper 1 (Compulsory, 60%, 2 hours 30 minutes) with multiple-choice Section A (18%) and short/structured/essay Section B (42%); Paper 2 (Elective, 20%, 1 hour) of structured questions on 2 of 3 electives; and School-based Assessment (20%).
How many compulsory topics are there?
There are 12 compulsory topics, from Planet Earth and Microscopic World through Metals, Acids and Bases, Fossil Fuels and Carbon Compounds, Redox/Electrochemistry, Energetics, Rate of Reaction, Chemical Equilibrium and Patterns in the Chemical World.
What are the elective options?
Candidates study 2 of 3 electives: Industrial Chemistry, Materials Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry. Green chemistry is introduced as a cross-cutting theme within the elective part.
How is HKDSE Chemistry graded?
Results are reported on a 7-level scale: 5** (highest), 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1, with U for unclassified. Level 3 is commonly treated as the benchmark for further study and university admission.
How much does it cost to sit HKDSE Chemistry in 2026?
The 2026 subject fee is HK$519 for school candidates, HK$1,119 for private candidates with a Permanent HKIC, and HK$1,377 for private candidates without a Permanent HKIC, with a HK$595 initial fee for private candidates.