Chemical changes

    AQA
    GCSE

    This topic explores the fundamental principles governing how substances interact to form new products through electron transfer and ion exchange. It covers the reactivity series of metals, determining appropriate methods for metal extraction and predicting displacement reactions. The study extends to the chemistry of acids, including neutralization reactions to produce salts and the distinction between strong and weak acids. Furthermore, it examines electrochemical processes, specifically electrolysis, detailing how electrical energy is used to decompose ionic compounds in molten and aqueous states.

    14
    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
    6
    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Metal oxides
    • The reactivity series
    • Extraction of metals and reduction
    • Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons
    • Reactions of acids with metals
    • Neutralisation of acids and salt production
    • Soluble salts
    • The pH scale and neutralisation
    • Strong and weak acids
    • The process of electrolysis
    • Electrolysis of molten ionic compounds
    • Using electrolysis to extract metals
    • Electrolysis of aqueous solutions
    • Representation of reactions at electrodes as half equations

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

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