Chemistry

Formulae, equations and hazards

This topic covers the fundamental skills required for chemical communication and safety in the laboratory. It focuses on the correct use of chemical formulae, the construction of balanced word and ionic equations, and the interpretation of hazard symbols to ensure safe working practices.

Key concepts in chemistry

Ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons between atoms to form oppositely charged ions, specifically for elements in groups 1, 2, 6, and 7. These ions are held together in a regular lattice structure by strong electrostatic forces known as ionic bonds.

Ionic bonding, Covalent bonding, Calculations involving masses +3 more

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Atomic structure is the foundational concept in chemistry, explaining the composition and properties of atoms as the building blocks of matter. Mastery of this subtopic enables students to understand chemical bonding, reactivity, and the organization of the periodic table, which are essential for predicting and explaining chemical behaviour in both laboratory and industrial contexts.

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States of matter and mixtures

This topic covers the distinction between pure substances and mixtures, emphasizing the use of physical properties like melting points for identification. It details essential separation techniques including distillation, filtration, crystallisation, and paper chromatography, alongside their application in water purification.

Methods of separating and purifying substances, States of matter

Chemical changes

This topic covers the fundamental properties of acids and alkalis, including their behavior in solution and the pH scale. It details neutralisation reactions, the preparation of soluble and insoluble salts, and the use of indicators to identify pH levels.

Acids, Electrolytic processes

Extracting metals and equilibria

This topic explores reversible reactions, where products can react to reform reactants, and the concept of dynamic equilibrium. It specifically examines the Haber process as an industrial application, focusing on how reaction conditions like temperature, pressure, and catalysts influence the position of equilibrium and the rate of attainment.

Reversible reactions and equilibria, Obtaining and using metals

Separate chemistry 1

This topic covers the principles of chemical cells, which generate voltage until reactants are depleted, and hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells. It focuses on the chemical reactions within these cells, specifically the production of water as the only product in fuel cells, and requires an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses.

Chemical cells and fuel cells, Transition metals, alloys and corrosion, Dynamic equilibria +1 more

Groups in the periodic table

Group 0 elements, known as the noble gases, are characterized by their chemical inertness due to their stable electronic configurations. Their physical properties, such as low density and non-flammability, dictate their specific industrial and practical applications.

Group 0, Group 7, Group 1

Rates of reaction and energy changes

This topic covers the energy changes that occur during chemical reactions, distinguishing between exothermic and endothermic processes. It includes the analysis of reaction profiles, the role of bond breaking and making in energy changes, and the calculation of energy changes using bond energies.

Heat energy changes in chemical reactions, Rates of reaction

Fuels and Earth science

This topic covers the nature of crude oil as a finite resource and its separation into useful fractions via fractional distillation. It also explores the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, the environmental impact of pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, and the process of cracking to produce smaller, more useful alkenes.

Fuels, Earth and atmospheric science

Separate chemistry 2

This topic covers the chemistry of hydrocarbons, focusing on alkanes and alkenes. It includes the structural representation of these molecules, the concept of saturation versus unsaturation, and key chemical reactions such as combustion and the use of bromine water to distinguish between these homologous series.

Hydrocarbons, Qualitative analysis: tests for ions, Polymers +2 more