This question was popular with the candidates. In lea), majority of the candidates were able to state the
major element in specimens A (Potassium), B (Carbon) and C (Calcium). Further to this, most of the
candidates could explain ways in which Specimen C (Calcium) is important in agriculture as demanded
in l(c).
However, many candidates were unable to describe the physical differences between specimens B
(Carbon) and C (Calcium) as requested in led).
The expected answers include:
Description of physical differences between specimens Band C
Specimen B is black in colour while specimen C is creamy/white/light grey in colour
Specimen C has distinct crystals and layers while Specimen B does not have
Specimen B is amorphous while Specimen C is crystalline
Specimen C is harder than Specimen B
Specimen C is heavier than Specimen B
This question was well attempted by the candidates. In 3(a), some of the candidates were unable to
identity specimen M (Coconut), N (Sweet pepper) and 0 (Sweet orange) by their scientific name.
However, in 3(b)(i and ii), majority of the candidates could name pest and disease that attack the crop
from which specimen 0 (Sweet orange) is obtained and state the control measure for the pest and disease
mentioned. In addition to this, most of the candidates were able to mention the uses of specimen M
(Coconut) as demanded in 3(c).
Nevertheless, in 3(d), many of the candidates were unable to state methods of preserving specimen N
(Sweet pepper).
The expected answers include:
Identification of specimens M, N, and 0 by their common names and their scientific names