AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Formulations: Students should be able to identify formulations given appropriate information.
To identify a formulation, use the information provided to decide whether the material is a mixture deliberately made as a useful product with components present in carefully measured quantities.
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
To identify a formulation, use the information provided to decide whether the material is a mixture deliberately made as a useful product with components present in carefully measured quantities. Look for evidence that two or more substances have been combined for a purpose and that each has a role. For example, a description of a fertiliser listing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compounds in stated proportions shows a formulation, because each nutrient supports plant growth and the amounts are controlled. A pure element or compound, or a mixture with no designed purpose, is not a formulation. Apply the definition to the data rather than relying on the name of the product.
What earns the marks
- Selects the material that is a mixture of two or more components rather than a pure substance.
- Uses the information to show the product has been designed for a useful purpose.
- Identifies that the components are present in carefully measured or stated quantities.
- Explains the role of at least one component in giving the product its required properties.
- Rejects a substance or mixture that lacks a designed purpose or controlled composition.
- Applies the definition consistently to unfamiliar examples using only the supplied information.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Choosing a pure substance because it is a familiar product.
Put it right: A formulation must be a mixture, so check for two or more components.
Ignoring the quantities given in the information.
Put it right: Carefully measured quantities are a key feature of a formulation.
Assuming a named brand is automatically a formulation.
Put it right: Use the composition and purpose described, not the name alone.
Failing to explain why a component is present.
Put it right: Link each component to the property or function it provides.
Exam tips
- Underline the components and any quantities in the information before deciding.
- State the definition briefly, then match each part of it to the example you choose.
- For a justify question, give the component, its purpose and the evidence that amounts are controlled.
- Check that the material you reject is either a pure substance or a mixture without a designed purpose.
Try the lesson
The start of the Formulations: Students should be able to identify formulations given appropriate information. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A scientist creates a new paint by mixing a pigment, a binder, and a solvent in carefully measured quantities to ensure it dries quickly and covers well. Which term best describes this paint?
Listen
To identify a formulation, use the information provided to decide whether the material is a mixture deliberately made as a useful product with components present in carefully measured quantities. Look for evidence that two or more substances have been combined for a purpose and that each has a role. For example, a description of a fertiliser listing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compounds in stated proportions shows a formulation, because each nutrient supports plant growth and the amounts are controlled. A pure element or compound, or a mixture with no designed purpose, is not a formulation. Apply the definition to the data rather than relying on the name of the product. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Selects the material that is a mixture of two or more components rather than a pure substance. Uses the information to show the product has been designed for a useful purpose. Identifies that the components are present in carefully measured or stated quantities. Explains the role of at least one component in giving the product its required properties. A common slip: Choosing a pure substance because it is a familiar product. Instead, a formulation must be a mixture, so check for two or more components. Exam tip: Underline the components and any quantities in the information before deciding.
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