Chemistry 2024 May / June

States of Matter

Particle model of solids, liquids and gases. Diffusion, melting and boiling points, separation techniques.

Atoms, Elements and Compounds

Atomic symbols, formulae of compounds, mixtures vs pure substances, relative atomic mass.

Atomic Structure

Protons, neutrons and electrons; atomic number; mass number; isotopes; electron configuration.

Relative Formula Masses and Moles

Relative formula mass (Mr), mole calculations, reacting masses, percentage composition, molar volumes of gases.

Chemical Formulae and Equations

Balancing equations, ionic equations, state symbols, empirical and molecular formulae, limiting reagents.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic bonding, formation of ions, lattice structure, properties of ionic compounds, testing for ions.

Covalent Substances

Covalent bonding, dot-and-cross diagrams, molecular and giant covalent structures (diamond, graphite), properties.

Metallic Crystals

Metallic bonding, structure of metals, delocalized electrons, properties of metals and alloys.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis of molten and aqueous solutions, electrode reactions, half-equations, industrial electrolysis (brine, aluminium).

Group 1 – Alkali Metals

Properties and reactions of Li, Na, K with water and oxygen. Trend in reactivity down the group.

Group 7 – Halogens

Properties of F, Cl, Br, I; reactions with metals and hydrogen; displacement reactions; trend in reactivity.

Oxygen and Oxides

Properties of oxygen; combustion; acidic, basic and amphoteric oxides; rusting and corrosion prevention.

Sulfur and Sulfur Dioxide

Properties of sulfur and SO₂; sulfuric acid manufacture (Contact process); acid rain.

Nitrogen and Ammonia

Haber process for ammonia manufacture; uses of ammonia; nitrogen cycle; fertilisers.

Metals and Alloys

Physical and chemical properties of metals; structure and uses of steel, brass, bronze, and other alloys.

Reactivity Series

Order of reactivity; displacement reactions; reactions of metals with water, acids and oxygen.

Extraction of Metals

Reduction with carbon, electrolysis; blast furnace for iron; extraction of aluminium; recycling metals.

Making Salts

Acids and bases; neutralisation; methods of making soluble and insoluble salts; precipitation; pH scale.

Tests for Ions and Gases

Flame tests, precipitate tests, tests for anions; identifying gases (H₂, O₂, CO₂, Cl₂, NH₃).

Energetics

Exothermic and endothermic reactions; enthalpy changes (ΔH); bond energies; activation energy; energy profile diagrams.

Rates of Reaction

Factors affecting rate: concentration, temperature, surface area, catalysts; collision theory; measuring reaction rate.

Reversible Reactions and Equilibria

Reversible reactions; dynamic equilibrium; Le Chatelier's principle; industrial applications (Haber, Contact).

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Homologous series; functional groups; naming organic compounds; structural isomers; crude oil and fractional distillation.

Alkanes

Structure, properties and reactions of alkanes; complete and incomplete combustion; cracking; uses of alkanes.

Alkenes

Structure and properties of alkenes; addition reactions; bromine water test; polymerisation; compared to alkanes.

Ethanol

Production by fermentation and hydration; properties; oxidation to ethanoic acid; uses and social impacts.

Carboxylic Acids and Esters

Properties of carboxylic acids; esterification; hydrolysis; uses of esters; reactions with alkalis and metals.

Polymerisation

Addition polymerisation (alkenes); condensation polymerisation; structure and properties of polymers; environmental issues.

Gases in the Atmosphere

Composition of air; history and evolution of the atmosphere; greenhouse effect; global warming; air pollution.

Water

Water treatment and purification; temporary and permanent hardness; removing hardness; water as a solvent.

Industrial Chemistry

Raw materials; economic factors in industrial processes; life cycle assessment; recycling; sustainability.