H2 Chemistry Paper 2 Format

Q: What does H2 Chemistry Paper 2 Format cover? A: Understand the structure, mark distribution, and scoring tactics for the 2026 H2 Chemistry Paper 2 so you can pace the two-hour structured section confidently.

Exam snapshot Paper 2 | 2 h | 75 marks | 30 % of the overall H2 Chemistry grade

Paper 2 is the first written paper that demands extended working and clear explanations. Every question is compulsory, and the mark scheme rewards method, chemical reasoning, and tidy presentation. The specimen paper shows a mix of short-to-medium multi-part questions that range from straightforward calculations to data-based analysis.

1 Structure and Timing

• Duration: 120 minutes.
• Questions: All compulsory; expect six to eight multi-part questions.
• Marks: 75 total, typically split between shorter Section A items and longer Section B prompts in the specimen paper.
• Calculator: Approved calculators allowed; data booklet is provided.

Pacing tip: Budget roughly 1.5 minutes per mark. That equates to about 22–23 minutes for a 15-mark question; note the mark allocation on each sub-part and apportion time before you start writing.

2 Question Styles to Expect