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Key Facts: Bagrut Chemistry Exam

55 / 100

Minimum passing grade for the Israeli Bagrut matriculation certificate

Israel Ministry of Education (משרד החינוך)

3 hours

Allotted time for the theoretical written examination (Sheelon 037381)

Israel Ministry of Education

5 Units

Maximum high school study unit level (Yehidot Limmud) in Israeli chemistry

Ministry of Education Chemistry Inspectorate

+20 to +25

University admission grade bonus points awarded for 5-unit chemistry

Israeli Council for Higher Education (MALAG)

100

Original English-language MCQ practice items in this OpenExamPrep question bank

OpenExamPrep

Free

Cost for regular high school students taking national Bagrut examinations

Israel Ministry of Education

Independent practice for the Israel Bagrut Chemistry exam by OpenExamPrep. The 5-unit Bagrut Chemistry examination is Israel's premier secondary chemistry qualification, administered by the Ministry of Education (sheelon 037381, 3 hours). Passing requires a composite grade of 55 or higher. This question bank delivers 100 high-yield English-language MCQs featuring authentic numerical calculations, step-by-step solutions, and comprehensive conceptual coverage.

Sample Bagrut Chemistry Practice Questions

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

1Naturally occurring chlorine consists of two stable isotopes: chlorine-35 (mass 34.97 amu, 75.77% abundance) and chlorine-37 (mass 36.97 amu, 24.23% abundance). Which statement regarding these two isotopes is correct?

A.Both isotopes have identical numbers of protons and electrons, but chlorine-37 contains two more neutrons than chlorine-35.

B.Chlorine-37 has two more valence electrons than chlorine-35, giving it greater chemical reactivity.

C.Chlorine-35 has 17 neutrons, whereas chlorine-37 has 19 neutrons in its atomic nucleus.

D.Chlorine-37 has a significantly lower first ionization energy than chlorine-35 due to its higher mass.

Explanation: Isotopes of an element share the same atomic number (number of protons) and identical electron configurations, which confers nearly identical chemical properties. A neutral chlorine atom has 17 protons and 17 electrons. Chlorine-35 has 35 - 17 = 18 neutrons, while chlorine-37 has 37 - 17 = 20 neutrons (exactly two additional neutrons).

2What is the ground-state electron configuration of a neutral phosphorus atom (Z = 15), and how many unpaired electrons does it possess in its ground state?

A.1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³, with 3 unpaired electrons

B.1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³, with 1 unpaired electron

C.1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹ 3p⁴, with 2 unpaired electrons

D.1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3p⁵, with 1 unpaired electron

Explanation: Phosphorus has an atomic number of 15. Filling subshells in order of increasing energy gives 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³. According to Hund's rule, electrons occupy degenerate orbitals singly with parallel spins before pairing; therefore, the three 3p electrons occupy 3px, 3py, and 3pz individually, yielding 3 unpaired electrons.

3Which of the following elements has the highest first ionization energy?

A.Sodium (Na)

B.Silicon (Si)

C.Chlorine (Cl)

D.Argon (Ar)

Explanation: Across Period 3 from sodium to argon, the effective nuclear charge (Z_eff) increases as protons are added to the nucleus while electrons enter the same principal energy level (n = 3) with similar shielding. Consequently, the valence electrons are pulled closer to the nucleus and held more tightly, reaching a maximum at the noble gas argon (Ar), which also possesses a stable octet.

4According to periodic trends on the Pauling scale, which element is the most electronegative?

A.Fluorine (F)

B.Oxygen (O)

C.Chlorine (Cl)

D.Nitrogen (N)

Explanation: Electronegativity is the relative ability of an atom in a chemical bond to attract shared electron density. It increases from left to right across periods and decreases down groups. Fluorine has the highest electronegativity (approximately 4.0 on the Pauling scale) due to its high effective nuclear charge and very small atomic radius.

5Magnesium oxide (MgO) has a melting point of approximately 2,852 °C, whereas sodium chloride (NaCl) has a melting point of 801 °C. What is the primary reason for this dramatic difference in melting points?

A.MgO forms a covalent network lattice, whereas NaCl forms an ionic lattice.

B.The lattice energy of MgO is substantially greater because Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ ions carry double charges compared to the singly charged Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.

C.Magnesium is a divalent metal that donates three electrons to oxygen.

D.NaCl has a much greater molar mass than MgO, which lowers its melting point.

Explanation: Both MgO and NaCl form ionic crystalline lattices. According to Coulomb's law, lattice energy is proportional to (q₁ · q₂) / r₀. In MgO, the interacting ions are Mg²⁺ (q = +2) and O²⁻ (q = -2), yielding a charge product of 4, whereas in NaCl the ions are Na⁺ (q = +1) and Cl⁻ (q = -1), yielding a charge product of 1. Additionally, Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ have smaller ionic radii than Na⁺ and Cl⁻. The substantially higher lattice energy of MgO requires vastly more thermal energy to disrupt the crystal lattice.

6Water (H₂O) boils at 100 °C under atmospheric pressure, whereas hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) boils at -60 °C, despite H₂S having a greater molecular mass. Which intermolecular force explains this phenomenon?

A.Strong covalent bonds between hydrogen and oxygen in the liquid state

B.Extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding between water molecules

C.Greater London dispersion forces in water due to its higher density

D.Ion-dipole interactions between hydronium and hydroxide ions in pure water

Explanation: Oxygen is highly electronegative and small, creating strongly polarized O-H bonds with high partial positive charges on hydrogen and lone pairs on oxygen. This allows water molecules to form an extensive three-dimensional network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Sulfur is less electronegative and larger, so H₂S exhibits only weak dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces, leading to a much lower boiling point.

7Consider the isoelectronic series: N³⁻, O²⁻, F⁻, Na⁺, and Mg²⁺. Which of the following lists these ions in order of decreasing ionic radius (largest to smallest)?

A.Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > F⁻ > O²⁻ > N³⁻

B.N³⁻ > O²⁻ > F⁻ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺

C.F⁻ > O²⁻ > N³⁻ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺

D.Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > N³⁻ > O²⁻ > F⁻

Explanation: All five species are isoelectronic, having 10 electrons (1s² 2s² 2p⁶). In an isoelectronic series, ionic radius decreases as the atomic number (nuclear charge Z) increases. N³⁻ has only 7 protons attracting 10 electrons, resulting in the weakest hold and largest radius. Mg²⁺ has 12 protons attracting the same 10 electrons, pulling the electron cloud in most tightly.

8According to the VSEPR model, what are the molecular geometries of boron trifluoride (BF₃) and ammonia (NH₃), respectively?

A.Both are trigonal pyramidal.

B.BF₃ is trigonal planar; NH₃ is trigonal pyramidal.

C.BF₃ is T-shaped; NH₃ is trigonal planar.

D.BF₃ is tetrahedral; NH₃ is trigonal pyramidal.

Explanation: Boron in BF₃ has 3 valence electrons and forms 3 bonding pairs with zero non-bonding lone pairs (steric number 3), adopting a trigonal planar geometry with 120° bond angles. Nitrogen in NH₃ has 5 valence electrons and forms 3 bonding pairs plus 1 lone pair (steric number 4, tetrahedral electron-pair geometry), resulting in a trigonal pyramidal molecular shape with bond angles of approx. 107° due to lone pair-bonding pair repulsion.

9Both carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) contain polar covalent bonds between a central atom and two oxygen atoms. Why is CO₂ nonpolar (net dipole moment μ = 0 D) while SO₂ is polar (μ = 1.63 D)?

A.CO₂ has a linear geometry where the two equal bond dipoles point in opposite directions and cancel, whereas SO₂ has a bent geometry due to a lone pair on sulfur.

B.The C=O bond is nonpolar, whereas the S=O bond is highly ionic.

C.Carbon is more electronegative than sulfur, which prevents charge separation.

D.SO₂ forms intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the gas phase, generating an induced dipole.

Explanation: CO₂ has 2 bonding domains and zero lone pairs on carbon, adopting a linear geometry (180°). The two identical C=O bond dipoles oppose each other symmetrically and cancel out completely, yielding a nonpolar molecule. In contrast, SO₂ has 2 bonding domains and 1 lone pair on sulfur (steric number 3), resulting in a bent geometry (approx. 119°); the S=O bond dipoles do not cancel, giving SO₂ a permanent net dipole moment.

10The first ionization energy of nitrogen (Z = 7) is 1,402 kJ/mol, whereas that of oxygen (Z = 8) is lower at 1,314 kJ/mol, despite oxygen having a higher nuclear charge. What explains this anomaly?

A.Oxygen's valence electrons are in the 3p subshell, which is further from the nucleus.

B.In oxygen, the fourth 2p electron must pair with another electron in an orbital, causing electron-electron repulsion that facilitates its removal.

C.Nitrogen has a completely filled 2p subshell that is exceptionally stable.

D.Oxygen has a smaller effective nuclear charge than nitrogen due to core electron shielding.

Explanation: Nitrogen has a half-filled 2p subshell (2p_x¹ 2p_y¹ 2p_z¹), where each orbital contains a single electron with parallel spins, minimizing inter-electron repulsion. In oxygen (2p⁴), two electrons must share a single 2p orbital (e.g., 2p_x²). The electrostatic repulsion between these two paired electrons in the same spatial region raises the energy of the electron, making it easier to remove despite oxygen's higher nuclear charge.

About the Bagrut Chemistry Exam

The Israel Bagrut Chemistry 5 Units (בחינת בגרות בכימיה 5 יחידות לימוד) is the official advanced secondary school matriculation credential in chemistry awarded by the Israel Ministry of Education (משרד החינוך). Recognized by all Israeli universities and research institutions (including the Technion, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Weizmann Institute of Science, Ben-Gurion University, and Bar-Ilan University) as satisfying admission prerequisites for medicine, pharmacy, chemical engineering, and natural sciences, the 5-unit syllabus demands high proficiency in qualitative structural models, quantitative thermodynamic and kinetic calculations, equilibrium systems, electrochemistry, and macromolecules. Independent practice for the Israel Bagrut Chemistry exam by OpenExamPrep provides a comprehensive 100-question English-language MCQ study adaptation covering all syllabus topics with detailed pedagogical explanations and realistic distractors.

Exam sponsor: Israel Ministry of Education (משרד החינוך). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The Israel Bagrut chemistry 5-unit subject is assembled from three components. The external written theoretical examination (sheelon 037381, 3 hours) carries 55% of the subject grade and contains structured open-ended quantitative and experimental analysis problems alongside conceptual questions; sheelon 037387 is a computerized delivery of that same written paper at the same 55% weight. A laboratory/inquiry component carries 15% and may be taken as the research laboratory project (sheelon 037388), the mini-research oral assessment (sheelon 037376, 2 hours) or the written alternative to the laboratory (sheelon 037382, 2 hours). School-based alternative assessment (sheelon 037283) supplies the remaining 30%. This practice resource provides an independent 100-question English-language MCQ study adaptation and is not a simulation of the official paper.

Time Limit

3 hours (theoretical written paper 037381)

Passing Score

55 out of 100

Exam / Certification Fees

No exam fee. The Israel Ministry of Education charges nothing to register for or sit a Bagrut examination, for school (internal) students and external (extern) candidates alike; only late registration through the MARBAG flexible examination centre (mrkz bchinh gmish) carries a per-unit charge.

Exam sponsor website

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

Official sources

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 Trends, and Chemical Bonding

Atomic models, electron configuration, periodic trends (electronegativity, first ionization energy, atomic and ionic radii), ionic lattice structure and lattice energy, covalent bonding and bond polarity, VSEPR molecular shapes, metallic bonding, and intermolecular attractions (van der Waals dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding).

20%

Stoichiometry, Solutions, and Gas Laws

Quantitative chemical calculations: mole-mass conversions, Avogadro's constant, empirical and molecular formula determination, limiting reagent analysis, theoretical and percentage yield, solution molarity, dilution calculations, ion concentrations upon dissociation, and ideal gas behavior (PV = nRT, molar gas volume at standard and room conditions).

20%

Energetics, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Kinetics

Thermochemical principles: reaction enthalpy (ΔH), endothermic and exothermic profiles, calorimetry calculations using q = m·c·ΔT, Hess's law cycles, average bond dissociation enthalpies, standard entropy changes (ΔS), Gibbs free energy criteria for spontaneity (ΔG = ΔH - TΔS), collision theory, activation energy, Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions, catalysts, and reaction rate laws.

25%

Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Redox

Dynamic chemical equilibrium: equilibrium constant expressions (Kc, Kp), the reaction quotient (Q), Le Chatelier's principle shifts under temperature, pressure, and concentration changes; Bronsted-Lowry acid-base reactions, autoionization of water, pH and pOH, strong and weak acids/bases, Ka and Kb expressions, buffer capacity and mechanisms; oxidation states, balancing redox equations, electrochemical series, galvanic cells, cell potential calculations (E°cell), and electrolysis principles.

15%

Organic Chemistry, Polymers, and Biochemistry

Systematic organic chemistry: functional groups, IUPAC nomenclature, constitutional isomerism, geometric (cis/trans) isomerism; addition polymerization (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene), condensation polymerization (polyesters such as PET, polyamides such as nylon); natural macromolecules including fatty acids (saturated vs. unsaturated, omega designations), triglycerides, saponification reactions, carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, cellulose), and amino acids, zwitterions, peptide linkages, and protein primary, secondary, and tertiary structures.

Preparing for the Bagrut Chemistry Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 55 out of 100
Assessment: The Israel Bagrut chemistry 5-unit subject is assembled from three components. The external written theoretical examination (sheelon 037381, 3 hours) carries 55% of the subject grade and contains structured open-ended quantitative and experimental analysis problems alongside conceptual questions; sheelon 037387 is a computerized delivery of that same written paper at the same 55% weight. A laboratory/inquiry component carries 15% and may be taken as the research laboratory project (sheelon 037388), the mini-research oral assessment (sheelon 037376, 2 hours) or the written alternative to the laboratory (sheelon 037382, 2 hours). School-based alternative assessment (sheelon 037283) supplies the remaining 30%. This practice resource provides an independent 100-question English-language MCQ study adaptation and is not a simulation of the official paper.
Time limit: 3 hours (theoretical written paper 037381)
Exam / certification fees: No exam fee. The Israel Ministry of Education charges nothing to register for or sit a Bagrut examination, for school (internal) students and external (extern) candidates alike; only late registration through the MARBAG flexible examination centre (mrkz bchinh gmish) carries a per-unit charge. Official sources

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Bagrut Chemistry: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the distinction between intermolecular forces and intramolecular covalent bonds; explain boiling point differences by identifying molecular symmetry, polarizability (molecular mass and electron cloud size), and specific hydrogen bond donor/acceptor counts.

2In stoichiometry and solution problems, always write and balance the complete chemical equation before converting masses or solution volumes into moles; identify the limiting reagent systematically using mole ratios.

3For thermochemistry, keep signs consistent: endothermic processes have positive ΔH and absorb heat from the surroundings, whereas exothermic processes have negative ΔH; bond breaking is always endothermic (+), while bond forming is always exothermic (-).

4When applying Le Chatelier's principle, remember that catalysts accelerate both forward and reverse rates equally and never alter the equilibrium position or the value of Kc; only changes in temperature change the numerical value of Kc.

5For acid-base and buffer questions, determine whether a neutralization reaction occurs first, calculate remaining moles of weak acid and conjugate base, and use the Henderson-Hasselbalch relationship or Ka expression.

6In redox and electrochemistry, assign oxidation numbers methodically to determine which species loses electrons (oxidized, reducing agent) and which gains electrons (reduced, oxidizing agent); in galvanic cells, oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction at the cathode.

7For organic macromolecules and biochemistry, recognize characteristic functional group linkages: ester linkages in fats/PET, amide (peptide) bonds in nylon/proteins, and glycosidic bonds in disaccharides/polysaccharides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of the Israel Bagrut Chemistry 5 Units examination?

The Bagrut Chemistry 5-unit matriculation consists of an external theoretical written examination (sheelon 037381) lasting 3 hours and contributing 55% of the subject grade, plus school-based and inquiry assessments contributing 45%. Note that sheelon 037387 is a computerized delivery of that same 3-hour written paper at the same 55% weight, not a laboratory exam. The 15% practical/inquiry component is taken as the research laboratory project (sheelon 037388), the mini-research oral assessment (sheelon 037376) or the written alternative to the laboratory (sheelon 037382), and the internal school 'Magen' assessment (sheelon 037283) supplies the remaining 30%.

What is the passing score for the Bagrut Chemistry exam?

The official passing score is 55 out of 100 on the weighted final composite grade. Universities generally require scores of 80 to 90 or higher in 5-unit chemistry to qualify for competitive university faculties such as medicine, biotechnology, and engineering, where bonus points (typically +20 to +25 points) are awarded for 5-unit science subjects.

How much does it cost to take the Bagrut Chemistry examination?

There is no exam fee. The Israel Ministry of Education charges nothing to register for or sit a Bagrut examination, and this applies equally to enrolled school (internal) students, graduates re-sitting to improve a grade (nivchanei mishneh) and external (extern) candidates. The Ministry's official regulations for external examinees confirm that both opening an examinee file and registering for papers are free of charge. The only charges the Ministry publishes are for late registration through the MARBAG flexible examination centre and for obtaining a photocopy of an answer booklet when appealing a grade.

Are these practice questions official past Bagrut questions?

No. These questions are part of an independent practice program developed by OpenExamPrep. They represent an English-language multiple-choice adaptation structured around the core topics and cognitive demands of the official Israeli Ministry of Education 5-unit chemistry curriculum.

Is a periodic table and formula sheet provided during the exam?

Yes. In the official Bagrut Chemistry examination, examinees receive an approved periodic table of elements with atomic numbers and molar masses, a reference sheet of standard reduction potentials, and relevant thermodynamic constants. Candidates may use an approved non-programmable scientific calculator.

Why is the practice bank presented in English?

While the official Bagrut exam is administered in Hebrew and Arabic, OpenExamPrep provides this English-language adaptation to assist international students, olim hadashim (immigrant students), dual-curriculum students, and bilingual learners mastering upper-secondary chemistry concepts tested in the Israeli matriculation framework.

Free Practice Questions for Bagrut Chemistry

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