Chemistry GCSE
Atom economy
What Atom economy means in Chemistry GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Atom economy
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Atom economy in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A measure of the amount of starting materials that end up as useful products, also called atom utilisation.
A measure of the amount of starting materials that end up as useful products, expressed as a percentage.
Topics that use Atom economy
- Atom economy (AQA GCSE)
- Topic C5: Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- Addition reactions
- Balanced equations
- Catalyst
- Concentration
- Concentration and volume
- Dynamic equilibrium
- Economic factors in industrial chemistry
- Evaluating competing reaction pathways
Using Atom economy in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Chemistry GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge