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Key Facts: GCE A/L Chemistry Exam

Subject Code 02

Official subject identification number under the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka

Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka

50 MCQs

Paper 1 consists of 50 compulsory multiple-choice questions completed in 2 hours

GCE A/L Chemistry Examination Specifications

3 Hours

Duration of Paper 2 (structured essay and essay sections)

Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka

3 Media

Official examination media: Sinhala, Tamil, and English

Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka

Grade S

Minimum ordinary pass grade required for university eligibility

University Grants Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka

100 Items

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Sri Lanka GCE A/L Chemistry (Subject Code 02) is a high-stakes university-entrance examination set by the Department of Examinations, featuring a 50-item MCQ Paper 1 (2 hours) and an in-depth structured essay Paper 2 (3 hours). It requires mastery of physical chemistry calculations, inorganic reaction pathways, and organic mechanisms.

Sample GCE A/L Chemistry Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the GCE A/L 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 occupying a 3p orbital in an isolated ground-state chlorine atom?

A.n = 3, l = 1, m_l = 0, m_s = +1/2

B.n = 3, l = 2, m_l = -1, m_s = -1/2

C.n = 2, l = 1, m_l = +1, m_s = +1/2

D.n = 3, l = 0, m_l = +1, m_s = -1/2

Explanation: For a 3p orbital, the principal quantum number n equals 3 and the azimuthal (orbital angular momentum) quantum number l must equal 1. The magnetic quantum number m_l can take any integer value from -l to +l (-1, 0, +1), and the spin quantum number m_s is either +1/2 or -1/2. Thus, n = 3, l = 1, m_l = 0, m_s = +1/2 is fully valid.

2What is the ground-state electron configuration of the Fe2+ cation (atomic number of iron, Z = 26)?

A.[Ar] 3d6

B.[Ar] 4s2 3d4

C.[Ar] 4s1 3d5

D.[Ar] 3d4 4s2

Explanation: Neutral iron has the ground-state configuration [Ar] 4s2 3d6. Upon ionisation to form Fe2+, the two 4s electrons are removed first because 4s orbitals have higher radial extension and higher energy once 3d is occupied, leaving [Ar] 3d6.

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

A.Nitrogen

B.Oxygen

C.Carbon

D.Boron

Explanation: Nitrogen has a half-filled 2p subshell (2s2 2p3), which confers extra exchange stability. Oxygen (2s2 2p4) has paired electrons in one 2p orbital, where inter-electronic repulsion makes removing an electron easier, giving nitrogen a higher first ionisation energy (1402 kJ mol-1) than oxygen (1314 kJ mol-1).

4According to VSEPR theory, what is the molecular geometry of the sulfur tetrafluoride (SF4) molecule?

A.See-saw

B.Tetrahedral

C.Square planar

D.Trigonal bipyramidal

Explanation: Sulfur has 6 valence electrons and forms 4 single bonds with fluorine atoms, leaving 1 lone pair. This gives 5 electron domains (steric number 5), arranging in a trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry with the lone pair in an equatorial position to minimise 90-degree repulsions, resulting in a see-saw molecular shape.

5What is the state of hybridisation of the central carbon atom in methanal (formaldehyde, HCHO)?

A.sp2

B.sp3

C.sp

D.sp3d

Explanation: In HCHO, the carbon atom forms two C-H single sigma bonds and one C=O double bond (consisting of one sigma bond and one pi bond) with zero lone pairs on carbon. Having 3 sigma bonding domains and no lone pairs, the central carbon is sp2 hybridised with a planar trigonal arrangement.

6Which of the following molecules has a permanent non-zero dipole moment?

A.Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

B.Carbon dioxide (CO2)

C.Boron trifluoride (BF3)

D.Silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4)

Explanation: Sulfur dioxide has a bent molecular shape due to one lone pair on the sulfur atom (steric number 3). Because the two polar S-O bonds are arranged at an angle of roughly 119 degrees, their dipole vectors do not cancel, giving SO2 a net permanent dipole moment.

7The successive ionisation energies of a Period 3 element X in kJ mol-1 are: 578, 1817, 2745, 11577, 14842. What is the empirical formula of the chloride formed by X?

A.XCl3

B.XCl

C.XCl2

D.XCl4

Explanation: A steep jump in ionisation energy occurs between the third (2745 kJ mol-1) and fourth (11577 kJ mol-1) ionisation energies. This indicates that element X has 3 valence electrons in its outer shell (identifying it as aluminium) and forms an ion with a +3 oxidation state, producing the stable chloride XCl3.

8Which of the following series correctly orders the species by increasing bond angle?

A.H2O < NH3 < CH4 < CO2

B.NH3 < H2O < CH4 < CO2

C.CH4 < NH3 < H2O < CO2

D.H2O < CH4 < NH3 < CO2

Explanation: In H2O, two lone pairs compress the H-O-H angle to approximately 104.5 degrees. In NH3, one lone pair compresses the H-N-H angle to about 107 degrees. In CH4, four bonding pairs give a tetrahedral angle of 109.5 degrees, while CO2 is linear with a 180-degree bond angle.

9Which species is isoelectronic with the carbon monoxide (CO) molecule and has the same bond order of 3?

A.CN-

B.NO

C.O2+

D.NO2-

Explanation: CO contains 6 + 8 = 14 total electrons (or 10 valence electrons). The cyanide ion (CN-) contains 6 + 7 + 1 = 14 electrons and also possesses a triple bond (:C≡N:)- with a bond order of 3, making it isoelectronic and isostructural with CO.

10What is the total number of sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds in a molecule of phenylethene (styrene, C6H5CH=CH2)?

A.16 σ bonds and 4 π bonds

B.15 σ bonds and 4 π bonds

C.16 σ bonds and 3 π bonds

D.12 σ bonds and 4 π bonds

Explanation: The benzene ring contains 6 C-C σ bonds, 5 C-H σ bonds, and 3 delocalised π bonds. The vinyl substituent contains 1 C-C σ bond, 1 C=C double bond (1 σ and 1 π bond), and 3 C-H σ bonds. Summing these yields 6 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 16 σ bonds and 3 + 1 = 4 π bonds.

About the GCE A/L Chemistry Exam

The Sri Lanka General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Chemistry examination (Subject Code 02) is a benchmark qualification administered annually by the Department of Examinations under the Ministry of Education. It serves as an essential subject requirement for university admission into Biological Science programs (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences) and Physical Science programs (Engineering, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences). The examination evaluates rigorous theoretical comprehension, quantitative calculation proficiency, laboratory analysis concepts, and mechanistic organic chemistry. Assessment is conducted across two main written papers: Paper 1 containing 50 compulsory objective MCQs (2 hours) and Paper 2 containing structured essay and extended essay problems (3 hours). Grades range from A (Distinction), B (Very Good Pass), C (Credit Pass), S (Ordinary Pass) to F (Fail), with competitive national university placement determined by the candidate's aggregate Z-score.

Exam sponsor: Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka (doenets.lk). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Paper 1 consists of 50 compulsory multiple-choice questions (2 hours, 100 marks scaled). Paper 2 consists of structured essay questions (Part A) and free-response essay questions (Part B and C) spanning 3 hours.

Time Limit

Paper I: 2 hours; Paper II: 3 hours plus 10 minutes' reading time (total 5 hours 10 minutes)

Passing Score

Grade S or higher

Exam / Certification Fees

Free for school candidates; nominal fee for private candidates

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.

15%

Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding

Quantum numbers, atomic orbitals, electronic configurations, periodic trends (IE, EN, EA), VSEPR theory, molecular geometries, orbital hybridisation, and intermolecular forces.

30%

Physical Chemistry and Calculations

Chemical energetics (Hess's law, Born-Haber cycle), chemical kinetics (rate laws, order, Arrhenius equation), chemical and ionic equilibrium (Kc, Kp, Le Chatelier, pH, buffer solutions, Ksp), and electrochemistry (redox, cell potentials, Faraday's laws).

25%

Inorganic Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis

Comparative chemistry of s-block (Groups 1 and 2), p-block (Groups 13 to 17), d-block transition elements (complex ions, variable oxidation states, catalytic behavior), and systematic qualitative cation and anion identification.

30%

Organic Chemistry and Mechanisms

IUPAC nomenclature, isomerism (structural, geometric, optical), reaction mechanisms (electrophilic addition, nucleophilic substitution SN1/SN2, electrophilic aromatic substitution, nucleophilic addition, esterification), multi-step synthesis, polymers, and environmental chemistry.

Preparing for the GCE A/L Chemistry Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Grade S or higher
Assessment: Paper 1 consists of 50 compulsory multiple-choice questions (2 hours, 100 marks scaled). Paper 2 consists of structured essay questions (Part A) and free-response essay questions (Part B and C) spanning 3 hours.
Time limit: Paper I: 2 hours; Paper II: 3 hours plus 10 minutes' reading time (total 5 hours 10 minutes)
Exam / certification fees: Free for school candidates; nominal fee for private candidates Official sources

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GCE A/L Chemistry: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the NIE Chemistry Resource Books thoroughly, as official question terminology, reaction conditions, and definitions reflect these texts directly.

2Practice multi-step stoichiometric, equilibrium (Kc, Kp, Ksp), and buffer pH calculations without a calculator to build arithmetic speed and precision under timed conditions.

3Draw reaction mechanisms step-by-step with curved electron-pushing arrows, clearly indicating formal charges, carbocation intermediates, and transition states.

4Construct a concise reference matrix for qualitative analysis, noting precipitate colors, solubility in excess ammonia or sodium hydroxide, and confirmatory gas tests for common cations and anions.

5Review organic conversion pathways methodically, linking functional groups (alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, alkyl halides, amines) with specific reagents, temperatures, and catalysts.

6Solve past Paper 1 MCQ papers under strict 2-hour limits, allocating an average of 2.4 minutes per question to ensure sufficient time for complex numerical problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the examination format for Sri Lanka GCE A/L Chemistry (Subject Code 02)?

The examination consists of two written components: Paper 1 contains 50 compulsory multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in 2 hours, testing broad syllabus recall and rapid problem solving. Paper 2 is a 3-hour paper consisting of structured essay questions (Part A) and extended essay questions (Parts B and C) covering inorganic, physical, and organic chemistry.

In which languages is the GCE A/L Chemistry exam administered?

The examination is officially provided in three media of instruction: Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Candidates sit the paper in their registered medium with identical technical standards across all versions.

How does GCE A/L Chemistry contribute to university admissions in Sri Lanka?

Chemistry is a compulsory subject for both the Physical Science stream (Engineering) and the Biological Science stream (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Agricultural Sciences). Admission to state universities in Sri Lanka is competitive and based on the standard score (Z-score) calculated across the candidate's three subject results.

What are the passing grades for GCE A/L Chemistry?

Performance is reported using letter grades: A (Distinction, typically 75-100), B (Very Good Pass, 65-74), C (Credit Pass, 55-64), S (Ordinary Pass, 35-54), and F (Weak/Fail, below 35). A minimum grade of S in all three approved subjects is generally required to be eligible for state university entrance consideration.

Are calculators permitted in GCE A/L Chemistry examinations?

Calculators are not permitted in the official Sri Lanka GCE Advanced Level examinations. Calculations are designed to be completed by hand using standard arithmetic, logarithmic tables, and proportional reasoning.

What resource books are recommended for Sri Lanka GCE A/L Chemistry?

The primary official texts are the GCE Advanced Level Chemistry Resource Books (Units 1 through 15) and Teacher Instructional Manuals published by the National Institute of Education (NIE), Sri Lanka, along with official past examination papers from the Department of Examinations (doenets.lk).

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