Chemistry

    AQA
    A-Level

    Specification: 7405

    The AQA A-Level Chemistry specification covers 34 topics with 0 learning objectives (7405). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    Starting AQA A-Level Chemistry this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    34

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    140

    Exam Tips

    149

    Pitfalls

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    Study Guides

    19 revision guides for AQA A-Level Chemistry

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About AQA A-Level Chemistry

    AQA A-Level Chemistry is a rigorous, linear two-year course that builds on your GCSE knowledge to explore the material world in much greater depth. The specification is divided into three core branches: physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. You will develop a strong theoretical understanding of how atoms interact, why chemical reactions occur, and how to predict and control chemical change. Alongside the theory, you will engage in practical work that hones your investigation and analysis skills, preparing you for university-level science or careers in chemistry, medicine, engineering, and beyond.

    The course has been designed to be co-taught with the standalone AS qualification, which covers the first half of the full A-Level content. This means you will study shared topics in Year 12 before branching into the more challenging A-Level material in Year 13. The specification places a clear emphasis on 'how science works'—not just learning facts but applying your understanding to unfamiliar contexts, designing experiments, and evaluating data. You will also learn to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively, both in written answers and through mathematical analysis.

    One of the key strengths of AQA A-Level Chemistry is its integrated approach to practical work. Throughout the course, you will complete twelve required practical activities that are assessed by your teacher and lead to a separate ‘practical endorsement’. Unlike some other boards, the practical work itself is not directly examined in a timed assessment; instead, questions in your written papers will test your understanding of the techniques and the underlying theory. This structure allows you to focus on genuinely developing your practical competence without the high-stakes pressure of a practical exam.

    Assessment Structure

    AQA A-Level Chemistry is assessed through three written examination papers, all taken at the end of the two-year course. Paper 1 (2 hours, 105 marks, 35% of A-level) covers physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, including relevant practical skills. Paper 2 (2 hours, 105 marks, 35% of A-level) covers physical chemistry and organic chemistry, along with relevant practical skills. Paper 3 (2 hours, 90 marks, 30% of A-level) is synoptic, meaning it can draw on any content from the entire specification, and it includes a 30-mark multiple-choice section. In addition, students must complete a separate practical endorsement, which is assessed internally by teachers and reported as a Pass or Not Classified alongside the A-level grade. There is no coursework component.

    Why Choose AQA?

    • AQA is one of the most widely taken exam boards in the UK, which means there is a huge range of high-quality resources available - from official textbooks to online revision platforms like MasteryMind. You’ll never be short of past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports to help you refine your exam technique and identify exactly what examiners are looking for.
    • The practical endorsement system removes the stress of a timed practical exam. Instead, you simply need to demonstrate a set of key competencies across twelve required practicals during normal lessons. This allows you to take the time to truly master laboratory skills, and as long as you engage consistently, achieving a Pass is very manageable.
    • AQA’s question style is often praised for being clear and consistent. While all exam boards cover the same core topics, AQA tends to set questions that feel logical and predictable once you’ve practised with past papers. This can make revising more straightforward because you learn the patterns of assessment and can apply them confidently.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    35%-40%

    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures

    AO2
    40%-45%

    Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: in a theoretical context, in a practical context, when handling qualitative data, when handling quantitative data

    AO3
    28%-30%

    Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: make judgements and reach conclusions, develop and refine practical design and procedures

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    AQA
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name, select, or recognise

    Outline
    2 marks

    Set out main features briefly

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Give an account of what something is like or what happens

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

    Compare
    2-4 marks

    State similarities AND differences (both required)

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

    Evaluate
    6-12 marks

    Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

    Assess
    6-12 marks

    Make judgments about importance with justification

    Calculate
    2-4 marks

    Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing mass number with relative atomic mass
    • •Incorrectly determining the number of electrons in ions
    • •Failing to report calculations to the correct number of significant figures
    • •Misunderstanding the order of filling sub-shells (e.g., 4s before 3d)
    • •Incorrectly writing equations for successive ionisation energies (e.g., forgetting the state symbols or charge)
    • •Confusing the effects of pressure on the position of equilibrium versus the value of Kp
    • •Incorrectly including solids or liquids in the Kp expression
    • •Failing to use the correct units for partial pressures or Kp

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Always include state symbols in ionisation energy equations
    • •Ensure calculations for relative atomic mass are shown clearly with appropriate significant figures
    • •Remember that the 4s sub-shell fills and empties before the 3d sub-shell
    • •Be prepared to interpret mass spectra to identify elements or calculate relative molecular mass
    • •Use the periodic table to help determine electron configurations
    • •Always state the units for Kp clearly, as they depend on the specific reaction stoichiometry
    • •Ensure all partial pressures are calculated using the total pressure and mole fractions correctly
    • •Remember that Kp is only affected by temperature changes, not by pressure or catalyst changes

    Specification Topics

    34 topics

    Atomic structure

    This topic explores the fundamental structure of the atom, focusing on protons, neutrons, and electrons, and the concept of isotopes. It also covers the principles of time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the arrangement of electrons in shells and sub-shells, including the definition and trends of ionisation energies.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems (A-level only)

    This topic extends the study of chemical equilibria to homogeneous systems in the gas phase, focusing on the equilibrium constant Kp. Students learn to derive partial pressures from mole fractions and total pressure, construct expressions for Kp, and perform calculations to determine its value. The treatment also covers predicting the qualitative effects of temperature and pressure changes on the position of equilibrium and the value of Kp.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A-level only)

    This topic explores redox reactions occurring in electrochemical cells, where electron transfer between reducing and oxidising agents happens indirectly via an external circuit. It covers the measurement of electrode potentials using the standard hydrogen electrode, the use of the electrochemical series to predict reaction feasibility, and the commercial application of these principles in batteries and fuel cells.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Acids and bases (A-level only)

    This topic covers the Brønsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases, focusing on proton transfer in aqueous solutions. It includes the quantitative treatment of pH, the ionic product of water (Kw), the dissociation constant (Ka) for weak acids, and the application of pH curves and buffer solutions.

    0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

    Amount of substance

    This topic covers the fundamental quantitative aspects of chemistry, focusing on the mole as a unit of amount of substance. It includes calculations involving mass, gas volumes, solution concentrations, empirical and molecular formulas, and balanced chemical equations, including atom economy and percentage yield.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Bonding

    This topic explores the chemical and physical properties of compounds determined by their bonding and intermolecular forces. It covers ionic, covalent, metallic, and macromolecular structures, alongside molecular shapes, bond polarity, and the nature of intermolecular forces including hydrogen bonding.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Energetics

    This topic covers the measurement of enthalpy changes in chemical reactions, which are essential for understanding energy sources like fuels. It includes the study of calorimetry, Hess's Law, and bond enthalpies to quantify energy changes under constant pressure.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Kinetics

    This topic explores the factors that influence the rate of chemical reactions, focusing on collision theory and the energy requirements for successful collisions. It covers the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution to explain how temperature and catalysts affect reaction rates, alongside the qualitative effects of concentration and pressure.

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc

    This topic explores the nature of reversible reactions and the concept of dynamic equilibrium in homogeneous systems. It covers Le Chatelier’s principle to predict the effects of changing conditions on equilibrium position and the mathematical treatment of the equilibrium constant Kc.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Oxidation, reduction and redox equations

    This topic covers the fundamental principles of redox reactions, which involve the transfer of electrons from a reducing agent to an oxidising agent. Students learn to assign oxidation states to elements within compounds or ions to identify oxidation and reduction processes and construct balanced overall redox equations from half-equations.

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Thermodynamics (A-level only)

    This topic explores the thermodynamic principles governing chemical stability and reaction feasibility. It builds upon energetics by linking enthalpy changes with entropy changes to calculate the Gibbs free-energy change, and utilizes Born-Haber cycles to analyze lattice enthalpies.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Rate equations (A-level only)

    This topic explores the mathematical relationship between the rate of a chemical reaction and the concentration of its reactants, expressed through rate equations. It also covers the Arrhenius equation to describe the temperature dependence of the rate constant and the use of experimental data to determine reaction orders and mechanisms.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Periodicity

    This topic covers the classification of elements into s, p, d, and f blocks based on their position in the Periodic Table and proton number. It also examines the physical trends in atomic radius, first ionisation energy, and melting point for Period 3 elements (Na–Ar), relating these trends to their underlying structure and bonding.

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Group 2, the alkaline earth metals

    This topic covers the chemical and physical properties of Group 2 elements, known as the alkaline earth metals, from magnesium to barium. It focuses on trends in atomic radius, first ionisation energy, and melting points, as well as the chemical reactions of these elements with water and the solubility trends of their hydroxides and sulfates.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Group 7(17), the halogens

    This topic covers the physical and chemical properties of the Group 7 halogens, focusing on trends in electronegativity, boiling points, and reactivity. It explores the oxidising ability of halogens and the reducing ability of halide ions, including specific test-tube reactions for identification and the industrial uses of chlorine.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)

    This topic explores the chemical properties of Period 3 elements (Na–S) and their oxides. It focuses on the reactions of these elements with oxygen and water, the resulting pH of the solutions formed, and the trends in melting points and bonding structures across the period.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Transition metals (A-level only)

    This topic explores the chemistry of the 3d transition metals (Ti-Cu), focusing on their characteristic properties including complex formation, variable oxidation states, catalytic activity, and the formation of coloured ions. It covers the bonding in complex ions, ligand substitution reactions, the chelate effect, and the use of transition metal chemistry in industrial and biological contexts.

    0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

    Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only)

    This topic focuses on the reactions of transition metal ions in aqueous solution, specifically the formation of metal-aqua ions. It explores the acidity of these ions and the amphoteric nature of certain metal hydroxides, providing a practical basis for identifying transition metal ions through test-tube reactions.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Introduction to organic chemistry

    This topic introduces the study of covalent carbon compounds, covering nomenclature, structural representation, and reaction mechanisms. It establishes the foundational principles for understanding organic chemistry, including isomerism and the use of IUPAC naming conventions for simple chains and rings.

    0 objectives4 tips5 pitfalls

    Aromatic chemistry (A-level only)

    Aromatic chemistry focuses on the structure and reactivity of benzene as a model aromatic compound. It examines the delocalisation of p-electrons, which confers extra stability compared to theoretical cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene, and explores electrophilic substitution mechanisms including nitration and Friedel-Crafts acylation.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Amines (A-level only)

    This topic covers the chemistry of amines, which are derivatives of ammonia where hydrogen atoms are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups. It focuses on their preparation methods, their nature as weak bases, and their role as nucleophiles in substitution and addition-elimination reactions.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Polymers (A-level only)

    This topic covers the formation and properties of condensation polymers, including polyesters and polyamides. It also addresses the environmental impact of both addition and condensation polymers, focusing on biodegradability and the challenges associated with their disposal and recycling.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)

    This topic explores the structure, bonding, and chemical properties of amino acids, proteins, and DNA, which are essential biological molecules. It covers the amphoteric nature of amino acids, the formation of peptide links in proteins, and the role of hydrogen bonding in DNA structure and enzyme function.

    0 objectives4 tips5 pitfalls

    Organic synthesis (A-level only)

    Organic synthesis involves the design and execution of multi-step reaction sequences to produce target organic compounds. Students must apply their knowledge of functional group transformations and reaction mechanisms to devise efficient synthetic routes of up to four steps.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (A-level only)

    Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used to determine the structure of organic compounds by identifying the chemical environments of 13C and 1H atoms. It utilizes the chemical shift on a delta scale and integration data to map molecular structure, while spin-spin splitting patterns provide information about adjacent non-equivalent protons.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Chromatography (A-level only)

    Chromatography is an analytical technique used to separate and identify components within a mixture based on their differential distribution between a stationary phase and a moving phase. The topic covers three primary methods: thin-layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography (CC), and gas chromatography (GC), emphasizing the balance between solubility and retention.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Alkanes

    Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons that serve as the primary constituents of crude oil and are widely utilized as fuels. This topic covers their physical separation through fractional distillation, chemical modification via cracking, combustion processes, and the free-radical substitution mechanism of chlorination.

    0 objectives4 tips5 pitfalls

    Halogenoalkanes

    Halogenoalkanes are organic compounds containing a carbon-halogen bond, which makes them significantly more reactive than alkanes. This topic covers their nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, the mechanisms involved, and the environmental impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the ozone layer.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Alkenes

    Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons characterized by a carbon-carbon double bond, which acts as a center of high electron density. This structural feature makes them susceptible to electrophilic attack, leading to various addition reactions and the formation of commercially important addition polymers.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Alcohols

    This topic covers the production of alcohols via hydration of alkenes and fermentation of glucose, including the environmental implications of biofuels. It also details the classification of alcohols as primary, secondary, or tertiary, their oxidation reactions, and their dehydration to form alkenes.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Organic analysis

    This topic covers the analytical techniques used to identify organic compounds and their functional groups. It integrates chemical test-tube reactions with spectroscopic methods, specifically mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy, to deduce molecular structures.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Optical isomerism (A-level only)

    Optical isomerism is a form of stereoisomerism arising from chirality in molecules, specifically those containing a single chiral centre. This topic explores how enantiomers exist as non-superimposable mirror images that differ in their effect on plane-polarised light, and the formation of optically inactive racemic mixtures.

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)

    This topic focuses on the chemistry of the carbonyl group found in aldehydes and ketones. It covers their oxidation, reduction, and nucleophilic addition reactions, including the formation of hydroxynitriles and the stereochemical implications of these additions.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-level only)

    This topic covers the chemistry of carboxylic acids, esters, and their derivatives, including acyl chlorides, acid anhydrides, and amides. It focuses on their structures, chemical properties, and nucleophilic addition-elimination reactions, as well as the industrial production of esters, biodiesel, and soap.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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