This is the complete, objective-by-objective curriculum guide for Cambridge
IGCSE Chemistry (0620), covering every single Core and Supplement learning
objective from the official syllabus.
SECTION 1: STATES OF MATTER
1.1 Solids, liquids and gases
- Distinguishing Properties:
- Solids: Fixed shape and fixed volume; cannot flow; incompressible.
- Liquids: No fixed shape (takes container shape); fixed volume; can flow;
incompressible.
- Gases: No fixed shape or volume (fills any container); flows easily;
highly compressible.
- Particle Structure & Arrangement:
- Solid: Particles tightly packed in a regular 3D lattice, touching,
vibrating about fixed positions.
- Liquid: Particles mostly touching, random arrangement, slide past one
another.
- Gas: Particles far apart, random arrangement, moving rapidly and
randomly in all directions.
- Changes of State:
- Melting: Solid \rightarrow Liquid (absorbs heat).
- Freezing: Liquid \rightarrow Solid (releases heat).
- Boiling: Liquid \rightarrow Gas at a specific, fixed boiling point
throughout the liquid.
- Evaporation: Liquid \rightarrow Gas occurring only at the liquid surface
below the boiling point.
- Condensation: Gas \rightarrow Liquid.
- Kinetic Theory Explanation of State Changes:
- Heating provides thermal energy \rightarrow converted to kinetic energy
of particles \rightarrow particles vibrate/move faster.
- At the melting/boiling point, temperature remains constant because
energy is used to overcome/break intermolecular attractive forces, not
to raise temperature.
- Heating and Cooling Curves:
- Slanted lines: Single state being heated/cooled; temperature changes as
kinetic energy increases/decreases.
- Horizontal plateaus: Phase change in progress; temperature remains
constant as latent heat is absorbed or released to break or form
intermolecular forces.
- Gas Volume, Temperature & Pressure:
- Effect of Temperature (at constant pressure): As T increases, gas
particles gain kinetic energy, move faster, and collide with container
walls more frequently and with greater force \rightarrow gas expands
(volume increases).
- Effect of Pressure (at constant temperature): As external P increases,
gas particles are forced closer together \rightarrow empty space between
them decreases \rightarrow volume decreases.
1.2 Diffusion
- Definition: The net movement of particles from a region of higher
concentration to a region of lower concentration down a concentration
gradient as a result of their random motion.
- Kinetic Particle Explanation: Gas/liquid particles move randomly and collide
elastically with other particles, causing them to spread out evenly over
time.
- Effect of Relative Molecular Mass (M_r):
- Rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to M_r
(\text{Rate} \propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{M_r}}).
- Gases with lower M_r diffuse faster than gases with higher M_r at the
same temperature.
- Apparatus Proof: Cotton wool soaked in concentrated aqueous ammonia
(\text{NH}_3, M_r = 17) placed at one end of a glass tube and
concentrated hydrochloric acid (\text{HCl}, M_r = 36.5) at the other. A
dense white ring of solid ammonium chloride (\text{NH}_4\text{Cl}) forms
closer to the \text{HCl} end because \text{NH}_3 is lighter and diffuses
faster.
SECTION 2: ATOMS, ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS
2.1 Elements, compounds and mixtures
- Element: A substance made of only one type of atom; cannot be chemically
broken down into simpler substances.
- Compound: A substance made of two or more different elements chemically
combined in fixed proportions.
- Mixture: Two or more substances (elements or compounds) physically mixed
together but not chemically bonded; can be separated by physical separation
techniques.
2.2 Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Structure of the Atom: Central dense nucleus containing protons and
neutrons, surrounded by electrons orbiting in concentric energy levels
(shells).
- Relative Masses & Charges:
| Particle | Relative Charge | Relative Mass | Location |
| :----------- | :-------------: | :---------------------------: | :-------------- |
| **Proton** | $+1$ | $1$ | Nucleus |
| **Neutron** | $0$ | $1$ | Nucleus |
| **Electron** | $-1$ | $\frac{1}{1840}$ (negligible) | Electron shells |
- Proton number / Atomic number (Z): Number of protons in the nucleus of an
atom.
- Mass number / Nucleon number (A): Total number of protons and neutrons in
the nucleus (A = Z + N).
- Electronic Configuration (Elements 1 to 20):
- Maximum shell capacities: Shell 1 holds up to 2, Shell 2 up to 8,
Shell 3 up to 8, Shell 4 up to 2.
- Examples: \text{H} = 1, \text{C} = 2,4, \text{Na} = 2,8,1,
\text{Ca} = 2,8,8,2.
- Periodic Table Rules:
- Group VIII/0 noble gases have a full outer electron shell (duplet for
\text{He}, octet for others), making them unreactive.
- Number of outer-shell electrons = Group number (Groups I to VII).
- Number of occupied electron shells = Period number.
2.3 Isotopes
- Definition: Different atoms of the same element that have the same number of
protons but different numbers of neutrons.
- Notation: ^{A}_{Z}\text{X} (e.g., ^{12}_{6}\text{C} has 6p, 6n, 6e;
^{35}_{17}\text{Cl}^- has 17p, 18n, 18e).
- Chemical Properties: Isotopes of the same element have identical chemical
properties because they have the same number of electrons and the same
electronic configuration.
- Relative Atomic Mass (A_r) Calculation:
\mathbf{A_r = \frac{\sum (\text{isotopic mass} \times \text{percentage abundance})}{100}}
2.4 Ions and ionic bonds
- Ion Formation:
- Metals lose outer electrons to form positive ions (cations).
- Non-metals gain electrons to form negative ions (anions).
- Ionic Bond: A strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged
ions.
- Giant Ionic Lattice Structure: Regular 3D array of alternating positive and
negative ions held by omnidirectional electrostatic forces.
- Properties Explained by Structure:
- High melting and boiling points: Strong electrostatic attraction between
oppositely charged ions requires large amounts of thermal energy to
break.
- Electrical conductivity: Solid ionic compounds do not conduct
electricity (ions are fixed in the lattice); molten or aqueous ionic
compounds conduct electricity because the lattice breaks down and ions
become mobile and free to move.
2.5 Simple molecules and covalent bonds
- Covalent Bond: Formed when a pair of electrons is shared between two
non-metal atoms, leading to noble gas electronic configurations.
- Molecules to Know (Dot-and-Cross):
- Single bonds:
\text{H}_2, \text{Cl}_2, \text{HCl}, \text{H}_2\text{O}, \text{CH}_4, \text{NH}_3, \text{CH}_3\text{OH}.
- Double bonds:
\text{O}_2, \text{CO}_2\ (\text{O}=\text{C}=\text{O}), \text{C}_2\text{H}_4.
- Triple bonds: \text{N}_2\ (\text{N}\equiv\text{N}).
- Properties of Simple Molecular Compounds:
- Low melting and boiling points: Weak intermolecular forces between
molecules require very little energy to overcome (covalent bonds within
molecules are strong and do not break during melting/boiling).
- Poor electrical conductivity: No mobile ions or delocalised electrons to
carry charge.
2.6 Giant covalent structures
1. Diamond:
- Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to 4 other carbon atoms in a rigid
tetrahedral network.
- Hardest natural substance; very high melting point; electrical insulator
(no free electrons). Used in cutting and drilling tools.
2. Graphite:
- Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to 3 other carbon atoms in flat
hexagonal layers.
- One electron per carbon atom is delocalised \rightarrow conducts
electricity (used as electrodes).
- Layers are held by weak intermolecular forces \rightarrow layers slide
over each other easily \rightarrow soft, slippery (used as a lubricant).
3. Silicon(IV) Oxide (\text{SiO}_2 / Quartz):
- Giant covalent lattice: each \text{Si} is covalently bonded to 4 oxygen
atoms; each \text{O} is covalently bonded to 2 silicon atoms.
- Hard, high melting point, electrical insulator (mirrors diamond
properties).
2.7 Metallic bonding
- Definition: The electrostatic attraction between positive ions in a giant
metallic lattice and a sea of delocalised electrons.
- Properties Explained:
- Good electrical and thermal conductivity: Delocalised electrons are
mobile and move freely through the lattice.
- Malleability and ductility: Regular layers of positive metal ions can
slide over one another without breaking the non-directional metallic
bond.
SECTION 3: STOICHIOMETRY
3.1 Formulae & Equations
- Molecular Formula: The actual number and type of different atoms in one
molecule of a compound.
- Empirical Formula: The simplest whole number ratio of the different atoms or
ions in a compound.
- Writing Balanced Equations & Ionic Equations:
- Balance atoms on both sides.
- Include state symbols: (\text{s}) = solid, (\text{l}) = liquid,
(\text{g}) = gas, (\text{aq}) = aqueous solution.
- To write ionic equations: split soluble ionic compounds (aq) into
separate ions, cancel out spectator ions.
3.2 Relative Masses
- Relative Atomic Mass (A_r): The average mass of the isotopes of an element
compared to \frac{1}{12}\text{th} of the mass of an atom of ^{12}\text{C}.
- Relative Molecular/Formula Mass (M_r): The sum of the relative atomic masses
of all atoms present in a molecular formula or formula unit.
3.3 The Mole & Quantitative Chemistry
\text{Moles } (n) = \frac{\text{Mass in grams } (m)}{\text{Molar mass } (M_r)}
\text{Gas Moles at r.t.p. } (n) = \frac{\text{Volume in dm}^3}{24} = \frac{\text{Volume in cm}^3}{24\,000}
\text{Concentration } (c) = \frac{\text{Moles } (n)}{\text{Volume in dm}^3} = \frac{n \times 1000}{\text{Volume in cm}^3}
\text{Concentration (g/dm}^3\text{)} = \text{Concentration (mol/dm}^3\text{)} \times M_r
\text{Number of particles} = \text{Moles } (n) \times 6.02 \times 10^{23} \text{ (Avogadro Constant)}
\%\text{ Yield} = \frac{\text{Actual mass of product}}{\text{Theoretical mass of product}} \times 100
\%\text{ Purity} = \frac{\text{Mass of pure substance}}{\text{Total mass of impure sample}} \times 100
\%\text{ Composition by mass} = \frac{\text{Number of atoms of element } \times A_r}{M_r \text{ of compound}} \times 100
SECTION 4: ELECTROCHEMISTRY
4.1 Electrolysis
- Definitions:
- Electrolysis: The decomposition of an ionic compound, when molten or in
aqueous solution, by the passage of an electric current.
- Anode: Positive electrode (+); attracts anions; oxidation occurs.
- Cathode: Negative electrode (–); attracts cations; reduction occurs.
- Electrolyte: The molten or aqueous ionic liquid undergoing electrolysis.
- Charge Transfer:
- Electrons flow through the external metal wire circuit from anode to
cathode.
- Ions migrate through the electrolyte towards the oppositely charged
electrodes.
- At the cathode: cations gain electrons (reduction).
- At the anode: anions lose electrons (oxidation).
Products of Electrolysis
1. Molten Binary Salts:
- Molten \text{PbBr}_2:
- Cathode (–): \text{Pb}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Pb(l)} (Silvery
liquid bead)
- Anode (+): 2\text{Br}^- \rightarrow \text{Br}_2\text{(g)} + 2e^-
(Brown gas)
2. Concentrated Aqueous Sodium Chloride (\text{NaCl} / Brine):
- Cathode (–): 2\text{H}^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{(g)}
(Effervescence)
- Anode (+): 2\text{Cl}^- \rightarrow \text{Cl}_2\text{(g)} + 2e^- (Pale
yellow-green pungent gas)
- Residue: \text{Na}^+ and \text{OH}^- remain \rightarrow aqueous sodium
hydroxide (\text{NaOH}).
3. Dilute Sulfuric Acid (\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4):
- Cathode (–): 2\text{H}^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{(g)} (Volume
ratio = 2)
- Anode (+):
4\text{OH}^- \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O(l)} + \text{O}_2\text{(g)} + 4e^-
(Volume ratio = 1)
4. Aqueous Copper(II) Sulfate (\text{CuSO}_4):
- Using Inert Electrodes (Carbon/Platinum):
- Cathode (–): \text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu(s)}
(Pink-brown solid forms)
- Anode (+):
4\text{OH}^- \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{O}_2 + 4e^-
(Effervescence)
- Solution: Blue colour fades as \text{Cu}^{2+} ions are removed;
solution becomes acidic (\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4).
- Using Copper Electrodes (Purification / Refining):
- Anode (+) Impure copper:
\text{Cu(s)} \rightarrow \text{Cu}^{2+}\text{(aq)} + 2e^- (Anode
dissolves, loses mass)
- Cathode (–) Pure copper:
\text{Cu}^{2+}\text{(aq)} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu(s)} (Cathode
gains mass)
- Solution: Blue colour and \text{Cu}^{2+} concentration remain
unchanged.
5. Electroplating:
- Object to be coated is placed at the Cathode (–).
- Coating metal is placed at the Anode (+).
- Electrolyte is a soluble salt containing ions of the coating metal.
- Purpose: Prevents corrosion and improves appearance.
4.2 Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells
- Principle: Uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity; water is the
only chemical product.
2\text{H}_2\text{(g)} + \text{O}_2\text{(g)} \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O(l)}
- Comparison with Petrol/Gasoline Engines:
- Advantages: Produces zero greenhouse gases or toxic pollutants at point
of use; highly efficient; fewer moving parts (low friction/wear).
- Disadvantages: Hydrogen is difficult and expensive to store safely
(requires high pressure or cryogenic tanks); hydrogen is highly
flammable; lack of hydrogen filling station infrastructure; hydrogen
production often uses fossil fuels.
SECTION 5: CHEMICAL ENERGETICS
5.1 Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Exothermic: A reaction that transfers thermal energy to the surroundings
\rightarrow temperature of surroundings increases (\Delta H is negative).
- Endothermic: A reaction that absorbs thermal energy from the surroundings
\rightarrow temperature of surroundings decreases (\Delta H is positive).
- Enthalpy Change (\Delta H): The transfer of thermal energy during a chemical
reaction.
- Activation Energy (E_a): The minimum energy that colliding particles must
possess to react.
- Reaction Pathway Diagrams:
- Vertical arrow from reactants to the highest point of the curve
\= \mathbf{E_a}.
- Vertical arrow from reactants to products = \mathbf{\Delta H} (pointing
down for exothermic; pointing up for endothermic).
- Bond Energy Dynamics:
- Bond breaking is endothermic (energy must be absorbed).
- Bond making is exothermic (energy is released).
- In an exothermic reaction, more energy is released when making bonds in
the products than is absorbed to break bonds in the reactants.
\mathbf{\Delta H = \sum (\text{Bond energies of broken bonds}) - \sum (\text{Bond energies of formed bonds})}
SECTION 6: CHEMICAL REACTIONS
6.1 Physical and chemical changes
- Physical Change: No new chemical substances formed; easily reversible (e.g.,
changes of state, dissolving).
- Chemical Change: New chemical substances formed with different properties;
usually irreversible or difficult to reverse.
6.2 Rate of reaction & Collision Theory
- Collision Theory Factors:
1. Concentration (solutions) / Pressure (gases): Increasing
concentration/pressure increases the number of particles per unit volume
\rightarrow particles collide more frequently (higher collision
frequency).
2. Surface Area (solids): Powdering a solid increases the exposed surface
area \rightarrow more surface particles available for collision
\rightarrow higher collision frequency.
3. Temperature: Increasing temperature increases the kinetic energy of
particles \rightarrow particles move faster and collide more frequently
AND a significantly higher proportion of colliding particles possess
energy \ge E_a (leading to more successful collisions per unit time).
4. Catalyst: Increases rate without being chemically changed or consumed
\rightarrow provides an alternative pathway with a lower activation
energy (E_a).
6.3 Reversible reactions and equilibrium
- Dynamic Equilibrium Criteria:
1. Rate of forward reaction = Rate of reverse reaction.
2. Concentrations of reactants and products are constant (no longer
changing).
3. Established only in a closed system.
- Le Chatelier’s Principle:
- Temperature:
- Increase T \rightarrow Equilibrium shifts in the endothermic
direction.
- Decrease T \rightarrow Equilibrium shifts in the exothermic
direction.
- Pressure (Gases):
- Increase P \rightarrow Shifts to side with fewer gas moles.
- Decrease P \rightarrow Shifts to side with more gas moles.
- Catalyst: No effect on equilibrium position or yield; only increases the
rate at which equilibrium is reached.
- Reversible Hydration Tests for Water:
- Hydrated copper(II) sulfate \xrightleftharpoons{\Delta} Anhydrous
copper(II) sulfate + Water
\text{CuSO}_4\cdot5\text{H}_2\text{O(s)} \xrightleftharpoons{} \text{CuSO}_4\text{(s)} + 5\text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \quad (\text{Blue } \xrightleftharpoons{} \text{ White})
- Hydrated cobalt(II) chloride \xrightleftharpoons{\Delta} Anhydrous
cobalt(II) chloride + Water
\text{CoCl}_2\cdot6\text{H}_2\text{O(s)} \xrightleftharpoons{} \text{CoCl}_2\text{(s)} + 6\text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \quad (\text{Pink } \xrightleftharpoons{} \text{ Blue})
- The Haber Process (Ammonia):
\text{N}_2\text{(g)} + 3\text{H}_2\text{(g)} \rightleftharpoons 2\text{NH}_3\text{(g)} \quad \Delta H = -92\text{ kJ/mol}
- Sources: \text{N}_2 from fractional distillation of liquid air;
\text{H}_2 from methane (natural gas) reacting with steam.
- Conditions: 450\ ^\circ\text{C}, 20\,000\text{ kPa} (200\text{ atm}),
Iron catalyst.
- Explanation of conditions:
- Temperature (450\ ^\circ\text{C}): Compromise between higher
equilibrium yield (favoured by low T) and acceptable reaction rate
(favoured by high T).
- Pressure (200\text{ atm}): High pressure favours product side (fewer
gas moles, 4 \rightarrow 2) and increases rate, but is limited by
the high economic cost and safety hazards of high-pressure
equipment.
- The Contact Process (Sulfuric Acid Stage 2):
2\text{SO}_2\text{(g)} + \text{O}_2\text{(g)} \rightleftharpoons 2\text{SO}_3\text{(g)} \quad \Delta H = -197\text{ kJ/mol}
- Sources: \text{SO}_2 from burning sulfur in air or roasting sulfide ores
(e.g. zinc blende \text{ZnS}); \text{O}_2 from air.
- Conditions: 450\ ^\circ\text{C}, 200\text{ kPa} (2\text{ atm}),
Vanadium(V) oxide (\text{V}_2\text{O}_5) catalyst.
- Low pressure (2\text{ atm}) is sufficient because yield is already >98\%
at this pressure.
6.4 Redox
- Oxidation: Loss of electrons; increase in oxidation number; gain of oxygen.
- Reduction: Gain of electrons; decrease in oxidation number; loss of oxygen.
- Oxidation Number Rules:
- Free uncombined element = 0.
- Monatomic ion = charge on ion.
- Neutral compound: Sum of oxidation numbers = 0.
- Polyatomic ion: Sum of oxidation numbers = charge on ion.
- Combined \text{O} = -2 (except peroxides = -1).
- Combined \text{H} = +1 (except metal hydrides = -1).
- Group I = +1, Group II = +2, \text{F} = -1.
- Reagent Confirmation:
- Oxidising agent: Oxidises other substances and is itself reduced. Test:
turns aqueous potassium iodide (\text{KI}) from colourless to brown
(2\text{I}^- \rightarrow \text{I}_2).
- Reducing agent: Reduces other substances and is itself oxidised. Test:
turns acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) from purple to
colourless (\text{MnO}_4^- \rightarrow \text{Mn}^{2+}).
SECTION 7: ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS
7.1 Characteristic properties of acids and bases
- Brønsted–Lowry Definitions:
- Acid: Proton (\text{H}^+) donor.
- Base: Proton (\text{H}^+) acceptor.
- In aqueous solution: acids produce \text{H}^+\text{(aq)} ions; alkalis
produce \text{OH}^-\text{(aq)} ions.
- Neutralisation Ionic Equation:
\mathbf{H^+\text{(aq)} + OH^-\text{(aq)} \rightarrow H_2O\text{(l)}}
- Reactions of Acids:
- \text{Acid} + \text{Metal} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Hydrogen}
- \text{Acid} + \text{Base} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Water}
- \text{Acid} + \text{Carbonate} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Water} + \text{Carbon Dioxide}
- Reactions of Bases:
- \text{Base} + \text{Ammonium salt} \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{Salt} + \text{Water} + \text{Ammonia gas}
- Acid Strength:
- Strong acid: Completely dissociates in aqueous solution
(\text{HCl(aq)} \rightarrow \text{H}^+\text{(aq)} + \text{Cl}^-\text{(aq)}).
- Weak acid: Partially dissociates in aqueous solution
(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH(aq)} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}^+\text{(aq)} + \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-\text{(aq)}).
- Indicators Table:
| Indicator | Colour in Acid | Colour in Alkali | Colour at End-point |
| :------------------ | :------------: | :--------------: | :-----------------: |
| **Litmus** | Red | Blue | Purple |
| **Thymolphthalein** | Colourless | Blue | Very pale blue |
| **Methyl orange** | Red | Yellow | Orange |
7.2 Oxides
- Basic Oxides: Oxides of metals (e.g., \text{CuO}, \text{CaO}) that react
with acids to produce a salt and water.
- Acidic Oxides: Oxides of non-metals (e.g., \text{SO}_2, \text{CO}_2) that
react with bases to produce a salt and water.
- Amphoteric Oxides: Oxides that react with both acids and bases to produce a
salt and water:
- \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 (Aluminium oxide) and \text{ZnO} (Zinc oxide).
- Neutral Oxides: Do not react with acids or bases
(\text{CO}, \text{NO}, \text{N}_2\text{O}).
7.3 Preparation of salts
- Solubility Rules:
- Soluble: All nitrates; all sodium, potassium, and ammonium salts; all
chlorides (except \text{Ag}^+, \text{Pb}^{2+}); all sulfates (except
\text{Ba}^{2+}, \text{Ca}^{2+}, \text{Pb}^{2+}).
- Insoluble: All carbonates and hydroxides (except
\text{Na}^+, \text{K}^+, \text{NH}_4^+). \text{Ca(OH)}_2 is partially
soluble.
- Salt Preparation Methods:
1. Excess Insoluble Reactant Method (Soluble salt from acid + insoluble
base/metal/carbonate):
- Add excess solid to warm acid until effervescence stops / solid
remains unreacted.
- Filter to remove excess unreacted solid residue.
- Heat filtrate to point of crystallisation (dip cold glass rod to
test).
- Leave to cool and crystallise slowly.
- Filter crystals, wash with small volume of cold distilled water, dry
between filter papers.
2. Titration Method (Soluble salt from acid + alkali/soluble carbonate):
- Pipette exact volume of alkali into conical flask with indicator.
- Titrate using burette with acid until indicator changes colour; note
volume.
- Repeat without indicator using identical volumes.
- Evaporate partially, cool to crystallise, filter, and dry.
3. Precipitation Method (Insoluble salt from two soluble salts):
- Mix aqueous solutions of two soluble salts.
- Filter the mixture to collect the precipitate as residue.
- Wash residue thoroughly with distilled water to remove soluble
impurities.
- Dry the residue in a warm oven.
- Water of Crystallisation: Water molecules chemically bonded into the crystal
structure of a salt (e.g., \text{CuSO}_4\cdot5\text{H}_2\text{O}). Hydrated
contains water of crystallisation; anhydrous contains no water.
SECTION 8: THE PERIODIC TABLE
8.1 Arrangement of elements
- Elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic (proton) number.
- Across a period: properties change from metallic to non-metallic.
- Elements in the same group have the same number of outer-shell electrons and
similar chemical properties.
8.2 Group I properties (Alkali Metals: \text{Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs})
- Relatively soft metals (can be cut with a knife); low densities (float on
water); low melting points.
- Trends Down Group I:
- Melting point decreases.
- Density increases.
- Reactivity increases (outer electron is further from nucleus, more
shielded, weaker attraction, lost more easily).
- Reaction with water:
2M\text{(s)} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \rightarrow 2M\text{OH(aq)} + \text{H}_2\text{(g)}
- Produces alkaline solution (\text{pH} > 12).
8.3 Group VII properties (Halogens: \text{Cl, Br, I})
- Diatomic non-metals (\text{Cl}_2, \text{Br}_2, \text{I}_2).
- Chlorine: Pale yellow-green gas.
- Bromine: Red-brown liquid (forms orange vapor).
- Iodine: Grey-black solid (sublimes to purple vapor).
- Trends Down Group VII:
- Density increases; melting and boiling points increase.
- Reactivity decreases (atomic radius increases, greater electron
shielding, harder to attract the incoming electron).
- Displacement Reactions:
- A more reactive halogen displaces a less reactive halide ion from
solution:
\text{Cl}_2\text{(aq)} + 2\text{Br}^-\text{(aq)} \rightarrow 2\text{Cl}^-\text{(aq)} + \text{Br}_2\text{(aq)} \quad (\text{colourless to orange})
\text{Br}_2\text{(aq)} + 2\text{I}^-\text{(aq)} \rightarrow 2\text{Br}^-\text{(aq)} + \text{I}_2\text{(aq)} \quad (\text{orange to brown})
8.4 Transition elements
- Typical metallic properties: High densities, high melting points, hard and
strong.
- Characteristic chemical properties:
1. Form coloured compounds.
2. Have ions with variable oxidation numbers (e.g., \text{Fe}^{2+} and
\text{Fe}^{3+}).
3. Act as catalysts as elements and in compounds.
8.5 Noble gases (Group VIII / 0)
- Unreactive, monatomic gases.
- Unreactive because they have a full outer shell of electrons (stable
octet/duplet).
SECTION 9: METALS
9.1 Properties of metals
- Physical: Good electrical and thermal conductors; malleable and ductile;
high melting and boiling points (except Group I and mercury).
- Chemical: React with oxygen to form basic oxides; react with acids to form
salt and hydrogen.
9.2 Uses of metals
- Aluminium:
- Aircraft bodies: Low density, high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Overhead power cables: Low density and good electrical conductivity.
- Food containers: Resistance to corrosion (protective oxide layer).
- Copper: Electrical wiring: Excellent electrical conductivity and ductility.
9.3 Alloys and their properties
- Alloy: A mixture of a metal with other elements (e.g. brass
\= \text{copper} + \text{zinc}; stainless steel
\= \text{iron} + \text{chromium} + \text{nickel} + \text{carbon}).
- Why Alloys are Harder than Pure Metals: Pure metals consist of regular
layers of identical atoms that slide over each other easily. Alloys contain
different sized atoms which distort the regular lattice layers, preventing
them from sliding over one another easily.
9.4 Reactivity series
\mathbf{K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > [C] > Zn > Fe > [H] > Cu > Ag > Au}
- Reactions:
- With cold water: \text{K, Na, Ca} react vigorously to form metal
hydroxide and \text{H}_2.
- With steam: \text{Mg} reacts vigorously to form metal oxide and
\text{H}_2:
\text{Mg(s)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(g)} \rightarrow \text{MgO(s)} + \text{H}_2\text{(g)}
- With dilute \text{HCl}: Metals above \text{H} react to form salt and
\text{H}_2; rate depends on reactivity. \text{Cu, Ag, Au} do not react.
- Apparent Unreactivity of Aluminium: Aluminium is high in the reactivity
series but does not react with water/acid under normal conditions due to a
tough, adhering, impermeable protective oxide layer (\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3).
9.5 Corrosion of metals
- Rusting: Requires water AND oxygen to form hydrated iron(III) oxide
(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3\cdot x\text{H}_2\text{O}).
- Barrier Methods: Painting, greasing, plastic coating (prevent contact with
air and water).
- Galvanising & Sacrificial Protection: Coating iron with zinc. Zinc acts as a
physical barrier and provides sacrificial protection: zinc is more reactive
than iron, so zinc oxidises/loses electrons preferentially
(\text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^-), preventing iron from
oxidising even if scratched.
9.6 Extraction of metals
- Ease of extraction depends on reactivity: unreactive metals occur native
(\text{Au, Ag}); moderate reactivity metals reduced by carbon; highly
reactive metals extracted by electrolysis.
- Blast Furnace (Iron Extraction):
- Ore: Hematite (\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3).
- Equations:
1. \text{C} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 (coke burns to provide
heat)
2. \text{C} + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{CO} (carbon dioxide
reduced to carbon monoxide)
3. \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{CO} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + 3\text{CO}_2
(iron(III) oxide reduced by carbon monoxide)
4. \text{CaCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{CaO} + \text{CO}_2 (thermal
decomposition of limestone)
5. \text{CaO} + \text{SiO}_2 \rightarrow \text{CaSiO}_3 (calcium oxide
neutralises acidic silicon(IV) oxide impurity to form slag)
- Extraction of Aluminium:
- Ore: Bauxite (purified to \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3).
- Role of Cryolite: Dissolves aluminium oxide, lowering melting point from
2000\ ^\circ\text{C} to \sim 950\ ^\circ\text{C} and improving
electrical conductivity.
- Cathode (–) Carbon: \text{Al}^{3+} + 3e^- \rightarrow \text{Al(l)}
- Anode (+) Carbon: 2\text{O}^{2-} \rightarrow \text{O}_2\text{(g)} + 4e^-
- Carbon anodes react with oxygen gas at high temperatures
(\text{C} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2), burning away and
requiring regular replacement.
SECTION 10: CHEMISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
10.1 Water
- Chemical Tests for Water:
- Anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride paper turns from blue to pink.
- Anhydrous copper(II) sulfate turns from white to blue.
- Purity Test: Pure water freezes at exactly 0\ ^\circ\text{C} and boils at
exactly 100\ ^\circ\text{C} at 1\text{ atm}.
- Domestic Water Treatment:
1. Sedimentation and filtration through sand/gravel beds to remove
insoluble solid matter.
2. Activated carbon beds to remove unpleasant tastes and odours.
3. Chlorination to kill harmful bacteria and microbes.
10.2 Fertilisers
- NPK Fertilisers: Provide three essential elements for plant growth: Nitrogen
(N) (for chlorophyll/proteins), Phosphorus (P) (for root development), and
Potassium (K) (for flower/fruit growth).
- Ammonium salts and nitrates are common sources of nitrogen.
10.3 Air quality and climate
- Clean, Dry Air: 78\% \text{ N}_2, 21\% \text{ O}_2, remainder noble gases
and 0.04\% \text{ CO}_2.
- Pollutants:
- \text{CO}_2: Complete combustion of fossil fuels \rightarrow greenhouse
gas causing global warming.
- \text{CO}: Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels \rightarrow toxic gas
(binds to haemoglobin).
- Particulates (soot): Incomplete combustion \rightarrow respiratory
problems and cancer.
- \text{CH}_4: Decomposition of vegetation, animal digestion \rightarrow
greenhouse gas.
- \text{NO}_x (\text{NO, NO}_2): Formed in car engines at high
temperatures \rightarrow acid rain, photochemical smog, respiratory
problems.
- \text{SO}_2: Combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur \rightarrow
acid rain.
- Greenhouse Effect: Greenhouse gases (\text{CO}_2, \text{CH}_4) absorb
thermal energy radiated from the Earth's surface and re-emit it in all
directions, reducing thermal energy loss to space.
- Catalytic Converters in Vehicles:
2\text{CO} + 2\text{NO} \rightarrow 2\text{CO}_2 + \text{N}_2
- Photosynthesis:
6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{light, chlorophyll}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2
SECTION 11: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
11.1 Formulae, functional groups and terminology
- Hydrocarbon: A compound containing hydrogen and carbon ONLY.
- General Formulae:
- Alkanes: \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+2}
- Alkenes: \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n}
- Alcohols: \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{OH}
- Carboxylic acids: \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{COOH}
- Structural Isomers: Compounds with the same molecular formula but different
structural formulae.
- Example: \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} exists as butane
(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3) and 2-methylpropane
(\text{CH}_3\text{CH(CH}_3)\text{CH}_3).
- Homologous Series Characteristics: Same functional group; same general
formula; successive members differ by a -\text{CH}_2- unit; gradual trend in
physical properties; similar chemical properties.
11.2 Naming organic compounds (IUPAC)
- Root: 1\text{C} = meth-, 2\text{C} = eth-, 3\text{C} = prop-, 4\text{C} =
but-.
- Suffix: alkane (-ane), alkene (-ene), alcohol (-ol), carboxylic acid (-oic
acid), ester (-yl ... -oate).
- Specific isomers to draw/name:
- But-1-ene (\text{CH}_2=\text{CHCH}_2\text{CH}_3) vs But-2-ene
(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}=\text{CHCH}_3)
- Propan-1-ol vs Propan-2-ol; Butan-1-ol vs Butan-2-ol.
11.3 Fuels & Fractional Distillation
- Petroleum is a mixture of hydrocarbons separated by fractional distillation
based on boiling points.
- Fractions from top to bottom:
1. Refinery gas: Bottled gas for heating and cooking.
2. Gasoline (petrol): Fuel for cars.
3. Naphtha: Chemical feedstock for plastics.
4. Kerosene (paraffin): Jet fuel.
5. Diesel oil (gas oil): Fuel for diesel engines.
6. Fuel oil: Fuel for ships and home heating.
7. Lubricating oil: Lubricants, waxes, polishes.
8. Bitumen: Road surfacing.
- Trends from bottom to top: Chain length decreases; volatility increases;
boiling points decrease; viscosity decreases (flows more easily).
11.4 Alkanes
- Saturated hydrocarbons (only single \text{C}-\text{C} bonds). Generally
unreactive except combustion and substitution.
- Photochemical Substitution:
\text{CH}_4 + \text{Cl}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{UV light}} \text{CH}_3\text{Cl} + \text{HCl}
- UV light provides the activation energy (E_a).
11.5 Alkenes
- Unsaturated hydrocarbons with a \text{C}=\text{C} double bond.
- Manufacture by Cracking: Large alkanes heated with catalyst
(silica/alumina/zeolite) to form smaller alkanes and alkenes:
\text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{22} \rightarrow \text{C}_8\text{H}_{18} + \text{C}_2\text{H}_4
- Addition Reactions: Form only one product.
1. Aqueous Bromine Test: Turns from orange/brown to colourless
(decolourises).
\text{C}_2\text{H}_4 + \text{Br}_2 \rightarrow \text{CH}_2\text{BrCH}_2\text{Br} \quad (\text{1,2-dibromoethane})
2. Hydrogenation:
\text{C}_2\text{H}_4 + \text{H}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Ni catalyst, } 150-200\ ^\circ\text{C}} \text{C}_2\text{H}_6
3. Hydration:
\text{C}_2\text{H}_4\text{(g)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(g)} \xrightarrow{\text{conc. } \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4, 300\ ^\circ\text{C}, 60\text{ atm}} \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH(g)}
11.6 Alcohols
- Manufacture of Ethanol:
- Fermentation: Aqueous glucose, yeast, 25-35\ ^\circ\text{C}, anaerobic
(absence of \text{O}_2). Renewable batch process; slow; yields dilute
ethanol.
- Catalytic Hydration of Ethene: Continuous; fast; yields pure ethanol;
relies on non-renewable petroleum.
- Combustion:
\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} + 3\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{CO}_2 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O}
11.7 Carboxylic acids
- Weak acids containing the -\text{COOH} functional group.
- Formation by Oxidation of Ethanol:
- With acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) under heat.
- Bacterial oxidation during vinegar production.
- Esterification:
\text{Carboxylic acid} + \text{Alcohol} \xrightleftharpoons{\text{acid catalyst (conc. } \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\text{)}} \text{Ester} + \text{Water}
- Example:
\text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{COOCH}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O}
(methyl ethanoate).
11.8 Polymers
1. Addition Polymerisation: Double bond breaks; unsaturated monomers link to
form long-chain saturated polymers (e.g. ethene \rightarrow poly(ethene)).
Only one product forms.
2. Condensation Polymerisation: Monomers link with the elimination of a small
molecule (usually \text{H}_2\text{O}).
- Polyamides (Nylon): Formed from dicarboxylic acid and diamine monomers;
linked by amide linkages (-\text{CONH}-).
- Polyesters (PET): Formed from dicarboxylic acid and diol monomers;
linked by ester linkages (-\text{COO}-). PET can be chemically
hydrolysed back into monomers and re-polymerised.
- Proteins: Natural polyamides formed from amino acid monomers with
general structure \text{H}_2\text{N}-\text{CH(R)}-\text{COOH}; linked by
amide/peptide linkages.
3. Plastics & Environment: Non-biodegradable; accumulation in landfill and
oceans; toxic gas formation during incineration
(\text{CO}, \text{HCl}, \text{HCN}).
SECTION 12: EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES & CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
12.1 Experimental design & apparatus
- Precision Tools:
- Time: Stop-watch (accuracy of 1\text{ s}).
- Temperature: Thermometer (graduations to 1\ ^\circ\text{C}).
- Mass: Digital balance (precision of at least 0.1\text{ g}).
- Volume: Volumetric pipette (fixed volume, e.g. 25.0\text{ cm}^3),
burette (variable volume to \pm 0.05\text{ cm}^3), measuring cylinder
(approximate volume), gas syringe (gas volumes up to 100\text{ cm}^3).
- Definitions:
- Solute: A substance that is dissolved in a solvent.
- Solvent: A substance that dissolves a solute.
- Solution: A mixture of one or more solutes dissolved in a solvent.
- Saturated solution: A solution containing the maximum concentration of a
solute dissolved in the solvent at a specified temperature.
- Residue: Substance remaining after filtration, evaporation, or
distillation.
- Filtrate: Liquid or solution that passes through a filter paper.
12.2 Acid–base titrations
- Rinse burette with the solution it will hold.
- Use a volumetric pipette with filler to measure exactly 25.0\text{ cm}^3 of
solution into a conical flask.
- Place conical flask on a white tile (to clearly see the indicator colour
change).
- Swirl flask continuously while adding titrant from burette dropwise near the
end-point.
12.3 Chromatography
- Draw baseline in pencil (pencil graphite does not dissolve in solvent).
- Ensure solvent level in beaker is below the pencil baseline (prevents spots
dissolving off paper into solvent).
- Use a locating agent (e.g. ninhydrin) to visualise colourless spots (e.g.
amino acids).
R_f = \frac{\text{Distance travelled by substance}}{\text{Distance travelled by solvent front}}
12.5 Qualitative Analysis Master Tables
A. Tests for Anions
| Anion | Test | Test Result |
| :--------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------ | :---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Carbonate ($\text{CO}_3^{2-}$)** | Add dilute acid, test gas with limewater | Effervescence; gas turns **limewater milky** ($\text{CO}_2$) |
| **Chloride ($\text{Cl}^-$)** | Acidify with dilute $\text{HNO}_3$, add aqueous $\text{AgNO}_3$ | **White precipitate** |
| **Bromide ($\text{Br}^-$)** | Acidify with dilute $\text{HNO}_3$, add aqueous $\text{AgNO}_3$ | **Cream precipitate** |
| **Iodide ($\text{I}^-$)** | Acidify with dilute $\text{HNO}_3$, add aqueous $\text{AgNO}_3$ | **Yellow precipitate** |
| **Nitrate ($\text{NO}_3^-$)** | Add aqueous $\text{NaOH}$, aluminium foil; warm gently | Gas produced turns **damp red litmus paper blue** ($\text{NH}_3$) |
| **Sulfate ($\text{SO}_4^{2-}$)** | Acidify with dilute $\text{HNO}_3$, add aqueous $\text{Ba(NO}_3)_2$ | **White precipitate** |
| **Sulfite ($\text{SO}_3^{2-}$)** | Add acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) | Turns from **purple to colourless** |
B. Tests for Aqueous Cations
| Cation | Effect of Aqueous $\text{NaOH}$ | Effect of Aqueous $\text{NH}_3$ |
| :----------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Aluminium ($\text{Al}^{3+}$)** | **White ppt**, soluble in excess (colourless solution) | **White ppt**, insoluble in excess |
| **Ammonium ($\text{NH}_4^+$)** | Ammonia produced on warming (turns damp red litmus blue) | — |
| **Calcium ($\text{Ca}^{2+}$)** | **White ppt**, insoluble in excess | No ppt (or very slight white ppt) |
| **Chromium(III) ($\text{Cr}^{3+}$)** | **Green ppt**, soluble in excess (green solution) | **Green ppt**, insoluble in excess |
| **Copper(II) ($\text{Cu}^{2+}$)** | **Light blue ppt**, insoluble in excess | **Light blue ppt**, soluble in excess (dark blue solution) |
| **Iron(II) ($\text{Fe}^{2+}$)** | **Green ppt**, insoluble in excess; turns brown on standing | **Green ppt**, insoluble in excess; turns brown on standing |
| **Iron(III) ($\text{Fe}^{3+}$)** | **Red-brown ppt**, insoluble in excess | **Red-brown ppt**, insoluble in excess |
| **Zinc ($\text{Zn}^{2+}$)** | **White ppt**, soluble in excess (colourless solution) | **White ppt**, soluble in excess (colourless solution) |
C. Tests for Gases
| Gas | Test and Test Result |
| :--------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Ammonia ($\text{NH}_3$)** | Turns **damp red litmus paper blue** |
| **Carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$)** | Turns **limewater milky** |
| **Chlorine ($\text{Cl}_2$)** | **Bleaches damp litmus paper** |
| **Hydrogen ($\text{H}_2$)** | **'Pops' with a lighted splint** |
| **Oxygen ($\text{O}_2$)** | **Relights a glowing splint** |
| **Sulfur dioxide ($\text{SO}_2$)** | Turns acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) from **purple to colourless** |
D. Flame Tests for Metal Ions
| Metal Ion | Flame Colour |
| :-------------------------------- | :-------------- |
| **Lithium ($\text{Li}^+$)** | **Red** |
| **Sodium ($\text{Na}^+$)** | **Yellow** |
| **Potassium ($\text{K}^+$)** | **Lilac** |
| **Calcium ($\text{Ca}^{2+}$)** | **Orange-red** |
| **Barium ($\text{Ba}^{2+}$)** | **Light green** |
| **Copper(II) ($\text{Cu}^{2+}$)** | **Blue-green** |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
This is the complete, objective-by-objective curriculum guide for Cambridge
IGCSE Chemistry (0620), covering every single Core and Supplement learning
objective from the official syllabus.
SECTION 1: STATES OF MATTER
1.1 Solids, liquids and gases
- Distinguishing Properties:
- Solids: Fixed shape and fixed volume; cannot flow; incompressible.
- Liquids: No fixed shape (takes container shape); fixed volume; can flow;
incompressible.
- Gases: No fixed shape or volume (fills any container); flows easily;
highly compressible.
- Particle Structure & Arrangement:
- Solid: Particles tightly packed in a regular 3D lattice, touching,
vibrating about fixed positions.
- Liquid: Particles mostly touching, random arrangement, slide past one
another.
- Gas: Particles far apart, random arrangement, moving rapidly and
randomly in all directions.
- Changes of State:
- Melting: Solid \rightarrow Liquid (absorbs heat).
- Freezing: Liquid \rightarrow Solid (releases heat).
- Boiling: Liquid \rightarrow Gas at a specific, fixed boiling point
throughout the liquid.
- Evaporation: Liquid \rightarrow Gas occurring only at the liquid surface
below the boiling point.
- Condensation: Gas \rightarrow Liquid.
- Kinetic Theory Explanation of State Changes:
- Heating provides thermal energy \rightarrow converted to kinetic energy
of particles \rightarrow particles vibrate/move faster.
- At the melting/boiling point, temperature remains constant because
energy is used to overcome/break intermolecular attractive forces, not
to raise temperature.
- Heating and Cooling Curves:
- Slanted lines: Single state being heated/cooled; temperature changes as
kinetic energy increases/decreases.
- Horizontal plateaus: Phase change in progress; temperature remains
constant as latent heat is absorbed or released to break or form
intermolecular forces.
- Gas Volume, Temperature & Pressure:
- Effect of Temperature (at constant pressure): As T increases, gas
particles gain kinetic energy, move faster, and collide with container
walls more frequently and with greater force \rightarrow gas expands
(volume increases).
- Effect of Pressure (at constant temperature): As external P increases,
gas particles are forced closer together \rightarrow empty space between
them decreases \rightarrow volume decreases.
1.2 Diffusion
- Definition: The net movement of particles from a region of higher
concentration to a region of lower concentration down a concentration
gradient as a result of their random motion.
- Kinetic Particle Explanation: Gas/liquid particles move randomly and collide
elastically with other particles, causing them to spread out evenly over
time.
- Effect of Relative Molecular Mass (M_r):
- Rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to M_r
(\text{Rate} \propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{M_r}}).
- Gases with lower M_r diffuse faster than gases with higher M_r at the
same temperature.
- Apparatus Proof: Cotton wool soaked in concentrated aqueous ammonia
(\text{NH}_3, M_r = 17) placed at one end of a glass tube and
concentrated hydrochloric acid (\text{HCl}, M_r = 36.5) at the other. A
dense white ring of solid ammonium chloride (\text{NH}_4\text{Cl}) forms
closer to the \text{HCl} end because \text{NH}_3 is lighter and diffuses
faster.
SECTION 2: ATOMS, ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS
2.1 Elements, compounds and mixtures
- Element: A substance made of only one type of atom; cannot be chemically
broken down into simpler substances.
- Compound: A substance made of two or more different elements chemically
combined in fixed proportions.
- Mixture: Two or more substances (elements or compounds) physically mixed
together but not chemically bonded; can be separated by physical separation
techniques.
2.2 Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Structure of the Atom: Central dense nucleus containing protons and
neutrons, surrounded by electrons orbiting in concentric energy levels
(shells).
- Relative Masses & Charges:
| Particle | Relative Charge | Relative Mass | Location |
| :----------- | :-------------: | :---------------------------: | :-------------- |
| **Proton** | $+1$ | $1$ | Nucleus |
| **Neutron** | $0$ | $1$ | Nucleus |
| **Electron** | $-1$ | $\frac{1}{1840}$ (negligible) | Electron shells |
- Proton number / Atomic number (Z): Number of protons in the nucleus of an
atom.
- Mass number / Nucleon number (A): Total number of protons and neutrons in
the nucleus (A = Z + N).
- Electronic Configuration (Elements 1 to 20):
- Maximum shell capacities: Shell 1 holds up to 2, Shell 2 up to 8,
Shell 3 up to 8, Shell 4 up to 2.
- Examples: \text{H} = 1, \text{C} = 2,4, \text{Na} = 2,8,1,
\text{Ca} = 2,8,8,2.
- Periodic Table Rules:
- Group VIII/0 noble gases have a full outer electron shell (duplet for
\text{He}, octet for others), making them unreactive.
- Number of outer-shell electrons = Group number (Groups I to VII).
- Number of occupied electron shells = Period number.
2.3 Isotopes
- Definition: Different atoms of the same element that have the same number of
protons but different numbers of neutrons.
- Notation: ^{A}_{Z}\text{X} (e.g., ^{12}_{6}\text{C} has 6p, 6n, 6e;
^{35}_{17}\text{Cl}^- has 17p, 18n, 18e).
- Chemical Properties: Isotopes of the same element have identical chemical
properties because they have the same number of electrons and the same
electronic configuration.
- Relative Atomic Mass (A_r) Calculation:
\mathbf{A_r = \frac{\sum (\text{isotopic mass} \times \text{percentage abundance})}{100}}
2.4 Ions and ionic bonds
- Ion Formation:
- Metals lose outer electrons to form positive ions (cations).
- Non-metals gain electrons to form negative ions (anions).
- Ionic Bond: A strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged
ions.
- Giant Ionic Lattice Structure: Regular 3D array of alternating positive and
negative ions held by omnidirectional electrostatic forces.
- Properties Explained by Structure:
- High melting and boiling points: Strong electrostatic attraction between
oppositely charged ions requires large amounts of thermal energy to
break.
- Electrical conductivity: Solid ionic compounds do not conduct
electricity (ions are fixed in the lattice); molten or aqueous ionic
compounds conduct electricity because the lattice breaks down and ions
become mobile and free to move.
2.5 Simple molecules and covalent bonds
- Covalent Bond: Formed when a pair of electrons is shared between two
non-metal atoms, leading to noble gas electronic configurations.
- Molecules to Know (Dot-and-Cross):
- Single bonds:
\text{H}_2, \text{Cl}_2, \text{HCl}, \text{H}_2\text{O}, \text{CH}_4, \text{NH}_3, \text{CH}_3\text{OH}.
- Double bonds:
\text{O}_2, \text{CO}_2\ (\text{O}=\text{C}=\text{O}), \text{C}_2\text{H}_4.
- Triple bonds: \text{N}_2\ (\text{N}\equiv\text{N}).
- Properties of Simple Molecular Compounds:
- Low melting and boiling points: Weak intermolecular forces between
molecules require very little energy to overcome (covalent bonds within
molecules are strong and do not break during melting/boiling).
- Poor electrical conductivity: No mobile ions or delocalised electrons to
carry charge.
2.6 Giant covalent structures
1. Diamond:
- Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to 4 other carbon atoms in a rigid
tetrahedral network.
- Hardest natural substance; very high melting point; electrical insulator
(no free electrons). Used in cutting and drilling tools.
2. Graphite:
- Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to 3 other carbon atoms in flat
hexagonal layers.
- One electron per carbon atom is delocalised \rightarrow conducts
electricity (used as electrodes).
- Layers are held by weak intermolecular forces \rightarrow layers slide
over each other easily \rightarrow soft, slippery (used as a lubricant).
3. Silicon(IV) Oxide (\text{SiO}_2 / Quartz):
- Giant covalent lattice: each \text{Si} is covalently bonded to 4 oxygen
atoms; each \text{O} is covalently bonded to 2 silicon atoms.
- Hard, high melting point, electrical insulator (mirrors diamond
properties).
2.7 Metallic bonding
- Definition: The electrostatic attraction between positive ions in a giant
metallic lattice and a sea of delocalised electrons.
- Properties Explained:
- Good electrical and thermal conductivity: Delocalised electrons are
mobile and move freely through the lattice.
- Malleability and ductility: Regular layers of positive metal ions can
slide over one another without breaking the non-directional metallic
bond.
SECTION 3: STOICHIOMETRY
3.1 Formulae & Equations
- Molecular Formula: The actual number and type of different atoms in one
molecule of a compound.
- Empirical Formula: The simplest whole number ratio of the different atoms or
ions in a compound.
- Writing Balanced Equations & Ionic Equations:
- Balance atoms on both sides.
- Include state symbols: (\text{s}) = solid, (\text{l}) = liquid,
(\text{g}) = gas, (\text{aq}) = aqueous solution.
- To write ionic equations: split soluble ionic compounds (aq) into
separate ions, cancel out spectator ions.
3.2 Relative Masses
- Relative Atomic Mass (A_r): The average mass of the isotopes of an element
compared to \frac{1}{12}\text{th} of the mass of an atom of ^{12}\text{C}.
- Relative Molecular/Formula Mass (M_r): The sum of the relative atomic masses
of all atoms present in a molecular formula or formula unit.
3.3 The Mole & Quantitative Chemistry
\text{Moles } (n) = \frac{\text{Mass in grams } (m)}{\text{Molar mass } (M_r)}
\text{Gas Moles at r.t.p. } (n) = \frac{\text{Volume in dm}^3}{24} = \frac{\text{Volume in cm}^3}{24\,000}
\text{Concentration } (c) = \frac{\text{Moles } (n)}{\text{Volume in dm}^3} = \frac{n \times 1000}{\text{Volume in cm}^3}
\text{Concentration (g/dm}^3\text{)} = \text{Concentration (mol/dm}^3\text{)} \times M_r
\text{Number of particles} = \text{Moles } (n) \times 6.02 \times 10^{23} \text{ (Avogadro Constant)}
\%\text{ Yield} = \frac{\text{Actual mass of product}}{\text{Theoretical mass of product}} \times 100
\%\text{ Purity} = \frac{\text{Mass of pure substance}}{\text{Total mass of impure sample}} \times 100
\%\text{ Composition by mass} = \frac{\text{Number of atoms of element } \times A_r}{M_r \text{ of compound}} \times 100
SECTION 4: ELECTROCHEMISTRY
4.1 Electrolysis
- Definitions:
- Electrolysis: The decomposition of an ionic compound, when molten or in
aqueous solution, by the passage of an electric current.
- Anode: Positive electrode (+); attracts anions; oxidation occurs.
- Cathode: Negative electrode (–); attracts cations; reduction occurs.
- Electrolyte: The molten or aqueous ionic liquid undergoing electrolysis.
- Charge Transfer:
- Electrons flow through the external metal wire circuit from anode to
cathode.
- Ions migrate through the electrolyte towards the oppositely charged
electrodes.
- At the cathode: cations gain electrons (reduction).
- At the anode: anions lose electrons (oxidation).
Products of Electrolysis
1. Molten Binary Salts:
- Molten \text{PbBr}_2:
- Cathode (–): \text{Pb}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Pb(l)} (Silvery
liquid bead)
- Anode (+): 2\text{Br}^- \rightarrow \text{Br}_2\text{(g)} + 2e^-
(Brown gas)
2. Concentrated Aqueous Sodium Chloride (\text{NaCl} / Brine):
- Cathode (–): 2\text{H}^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{(g)}
(Effervescence)
- Anode (+): 2\text{Cl}^- \rightarrow \text{Cl}_2\text{(g)} + 2e^- (Pale
yellow-green pungent gas)
- Residue: \text{Na}^+ and \text{OH}^- remain \rightarrow aqueous sodium
hydroxide (\text{NaOH}).
3. Dilute Sulfuric Acid (\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4):
- Cathode (–): 2\text{H}^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{(g)} (Volume
ratio = 2)
- Anode (+):
4\text{OH}^- \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O(l)} + \text{O}_2\text{(g)} + 4e^-
(Volume ratio = 1)
4. Aqueous Copper(II) Sulfate (\text{CuSO}_4):
- Using Inert Electrodes (Carbon/Platinum):
- Cathode (–): \text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu(s)}
(Pink-brown solid forms)
- Anode (+):
4\text{OH}^- \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{O}_2 + 4e^-
(Effervescence)
- Solution: Blue colour fades as \text{Cu}^{2+} ions are removed;
solution becomes acidic (\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4).
- Using Copper Electrodes (Purification / Refining):
- Anode (+) Impure copper:
\text{Cu(s)} \rightarrow \text{Cu}^{2+}\text{(aq)} + 2e^- (Anode
dissolves, loses mass)
- Cathode (–) Pure copper:
\text{Cu}^{2+}\text{(aq)} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu(s)} (Cathode
gains mass)
- Solution: Blue colour and \text{Cu}^{2+} concentration remain
unchanged.
5. Electroplating:
- Object to be coated is placed at the Cathode (–).
- Coating metal is placed at the Anode (+).
- Electrolyte is a soluble salt containing ions of the coating metal.
- Purpose: Prevents corrosion and improves appearance.
4.2 Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells
- Principle: Uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity; water is the
only chemical product.
2\text{H}_2\text{(g)} + \text{O}_2\text{(g)} \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O(l)}
- Comparison with Petrol/Gasoline Engines:
- Advantages: Produces zero greenhouse gases or toxic pollutants at point
of use; highly efficient; fewer moving parts (low friction/wear).
- Disadvantages: Hydrogen is difficult and expensive to store safely
(requires high pressure or cryogenic tanks); hydrogen is highly
flammable; lack of hydrogen filling station infrastructure; hydrogen
production often uses fossil fuels.
SECTION 5: CHEMICAL ENERGETICS
5.1 Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Exothermic: A reaction that transfers thermal energy to the surroundings
\rightarrow temperature of surroundings increases (\Delta H is negative).
- Endothermic: A reaction that absorbs thermal energy from the surroundings
\rightarrow temperature of surroundings decreases (\Delta H is positive).
- Enthalpy Change (\Delta H): The transfer of thermal energy during a chemical
reaction.
- Activation Energy (E_a): The minimum energy that colliding particles must
possess to react.
- Reaction Pathway Diagrams:
- Vertical arrow from reactants to the highest point of the curve
\= \mathbf{E_a}.
- Vertical arrow from reactants to products = \mathbf{\Delta H} (pointing
down for exothermic; pointing up for endothermic).
- Bond Energy Dynamics:
- Bond breaking is endothermic (energy must be absorbed).
- Bond making is exothermic (energy is released).
- In an exothermic reaction, more energy is released when making bonds in
the products than is absorbed to break bonds in the reactants.
\mathbf{\Delta H = \sum (\text{Bond energies of broken bonds}) - \sum (\text{Bond energies of formed bonds})}
SECTION 6: CHEMICAL REACTIONS
6.1 Physical and chemical changes
- Physical Change: No new chemical substances formed; easily reversible (e.g.,
changes of state, dissolving).
- Chemical Change: New chemical substances formed with different properties;
usually irreversible or difficult to reverse.
6.2 Rate of reaction & Collision Theory
- Collision Theory Factors:
1. Concentration (solutions) / Pressure (gases): Increasing
concentration/pressure increases the number of particles per unit volume
\rightarrow particles collide more frequently (higher collision
frequency).
2. Surface Area (solids): Powdering a solid increases the exposed surface
area \rightarrow more surface particles available for collision
\rightarrow higher collision frequency.
3. Temperature: Increasing temperature increases the kinetic energy of
particles \rightarrow particles move faster and collide more frequently
AND a significantly higher proportion of colliding particles possess
energy \ge E_a (leading to more successful collisions per unit time).
4. Catalyst: Increases rate without being chemically changed or consumed
\rightarrow provides an alternative pathway with a lower activation
energy (E_a).
6.3 Reversible reactions and equilibrium
- Dynamic Equilibrium Criteria:
1. Rate of forward reaction = Rate of reverse reaction.
2. Concentrations of reactants and products are constant (no longer
changing).
3. Established only in a closed system.
- Le Chatelier’s Principle:
- Temperature:
- Increase T \rightarrow Equilibrium shifts in the endothermic
direction.
- Decrease T \rightarrow Equilibrium shifts in the exothermic
direction.
- Pressure (Gases):
- Increase P \rightarrow Shifts to side with fewer gas moles.
- Decrease P \rightarrow Shifts to side with more gas moles.
- Catalyst: No effect on equilibrium position or yield; only increases the
rate at which equilibrium is reached.
- Reversible Hydration Tests for Water:
- Hydrated copper(II) sulfate \xrightleftharpoons{\Delta} Anhydrous
copper(II) sulfate + Water
\text{CuSO}_4\cdot5\text{H}_2\text{O(s)} \xrightleftharpoons{} \text{CuSO}_4\text{(s)} + 5\text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \quad (\text{Blue } \xrightleftharpoons{} \text{ White})
- Hydrated cobalt(II) chloride \xrightleftharpoons{\Delta} Anhydrous
cobalt(II) chloride + Water
\text{CoCl}_2\cdot6\text{H}_2\text{O(s)} \xrightleftharpoons{} \text{CoCl}_2\text{(s)} + 6\text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \quad (\text{Pink } \xrightleftharpoons{} \text{ Blue})
- The Haber Process (Ammonia):
\text{N}_2\text{(g)} + 3\text{H}_2\text{(g)} \rightleftharpoons 2\text{NH}_3\text{(g)} \quad \Delta H = -92\text{ kJ/mol}
- Sources: \text{N}_2 from fractional distillation of liquid air;
\text{H}_2 from methane (natural gas) reacting with steam.
- Conditions: 450\ ^\circ\text{C}, 20\,000\text{ kPa} (200\text{ atm}),
Iron catalyst.
- Explanation of conditions:
- Temperature (450\ ^\circ\text{C}): Compromise between higher
equilibrium yield (favoured by low T) and acceptable reaction rate
(favoured by high T).
- Pressure (200\text{ atm}): High pressure favours product side (fewer
gas moles, 4 \rightarrow 2) and increases rate, but is limited by
the high economic cost and safety hazards of high-pressure
equipment.
- The Contact Process (Sulfuric Acid Stage 2):
2\text{SO}_2\text{(g)} + \text{O}_2\text{(g)} \rightleftharpoons 2\text{SO}_3\text{(g)} \quad \Delta H = -197\text{ kJ/mol}
- Sources: \text{SO}_2 from burning sulfur in air or roasting sulfide ores
(e.g. zinc blende \text{ZnS}); \text{O}_2 from air.
- Conditions: 450\ ^\circ\text{C}, 200\text{ kPa} (2\text{ atm}),
Vanadium(V) oxide (\text{V}_2\text{O}_5) catalyst.
- Low pressure (2\text{ atm}) is sufficient because yield is already >98\%
at this pressure.
6.4 Redox
- Oxidation: Loss of electrons; increase in oxidation number; gain of oxygen.
- Reduction: Gain of electrons; decrease in oxidation number; loss of oxygen.
- Oxidation Number Rules:
- Free uncombined element = 0.
- Monatomic ion = charge on ion.
- Neutral compound: Sum of oxidation numbers = 0.
- Polyatomic ion: Sum of oxidation numbers = charge on ion.
- Combined \text{O} = -2 (except peroxides = -1).
- Combined \text{H} = +1 (except metal hydrides = -1).
- Group I = +1, Group II = +2, \text{F} = -1.
- Reagent Confirmation:
- Oxidising agent: Oxidises other substances and is itself reduced. Test:
turns aqueous potassium iodide (\text{KI}) from colourless to brown
(2\text{I}^- \rightarrow \text{I}_2).
- Reducing agent: Reduces other substances and is itself oxidised. Test:
turns acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) from purple to
colourless (\text{MnO}_4^- \rightarrow \text{Mn}^{2+}).
SECTION 7: ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS
7.1 Characteristic properties of acids and bases
- Brønsted–Lowry Definitions:
- Acid: Proton (\text{H}^+) donor.
- Base: Proton (\text{H}^+) acceptor.
- In aqueous solution: acids produce \text{H}^+\text{(aq)} ions; alkalis
produce \text{OH}^-\text{(aq)} ions.
- Neutralisation Ionic Equation:
\mathbf{H^+\text{(aq)} + OH^-\text{(aq)} \rightarrow H_2O\text{(l)}}
- Reactions of Acids:
- \text{Acid} + \text{Metal} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Hydrogen}
- \text{Acid} + \text{Base} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Water}
- \text{Acid} + \text{Carbonate} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Water} + \text{Carbon Dioxide}
- Reactions of Bases:
- \text{Base} + \text{Ammonium salt} \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{Salt} + \text{Water} + \text{Ammonia gas}
- Acid Strength:
- Strong acid: Completely dissociates in aqueous solution
(\text{HCl(aq)} \rightarrow \text{H}^+\text{(aq)} + \text{Cl}^-\text{(aq)}).
- Weak acid: Partially dissociates in aqueous solution
(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH(aq)} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}^+\text{(aq)} + \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-\text{(aq)}).
- Indicators Table:
| Indicator | Colour in Acid | Colour in Alkali | Colour at End-point |
| :------------------ | :------------: | :--------------: | :-----------------: |
| **Litmus** | Red | Blue | Purple |
| **Thymolphthalein** | Colourless | Blue | Very pale blue |
| **Methyl orange** | Red | Yellow | Orange |
7.2 Oxides
- Basic Oxides: Oxides of metals (e.g., \text{CuO}, \text{CaO}) that react
with acids to produce a salt and water.
- Acidic Oxides: Oxides of non-metals (e.g., \text{SO}_2, \text{CO}_2) that
react with bases to produce a salt and water.
- Amphoteric Oxides: Oxides that react with both acids and bases to produce a
salt and water:
- \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 (Aluminium oxide) and \text{ZnO} (Zinc oxide).
- Neutral Oxides: Do not react with acids or bases
(\text{CO}, \text{NO}, \text{N}_2\text{O}).
7.3 Preparation of salts
- Solubility Rules:
- Soluble: All nitrates; all sodium, potassium, and ammonium salts; all
chlorides (except \text{Ag}^+, \text{Pb}^{2+}); all sulfates (except
\text{Ba}^{2+}, \text{Ca}^{2+}, \text{Pb}^{2+}).
- Insoluble: All carbonates and hydroxides (except
\text{Na}^+, \text{K}^+, \text{NH}_4^+). \text{Ca(OH)}_2 is partially
soluble.
- Salt Preparation Methods:
1. Excess Insoluble Reactant Method (Soluble salt from acid + insoluble
base/metal/carbonate):
- Add excess solid to warm acid until effervescence stops / solid
remains unreacted.
- Filter to remove excess unreacted solid residue.
- Heat filtrate to point of crystallisation (dip cold glass rod to
test).
- Leave to cool and crystallise slowly.
- Filter crystals, wash with small volume of cold distilled water, dry
between filter papers.
2. Titration Method (Soluble salt from acid + alkali/soluble carbonate):
- Pipette exact volume of alkali into conical flask with indicator.
- Titrate using burette with acid until indicator changes colour; note
volume.
- Repeat without indicator using identical volumes.
- Evaporate partially, cool to crystallise, filter, and dry.
3. Precipitation Method (Insoluble salt from two soluble salts):
- Mix aqueous solutions of two soluble salts.
- Filter the mixture to collect the precipitate as residue.
- Wash residue thoroughly with distilled water to remove soluble
impurities.
- Dry the residue in a warm oven.
- Water of Crystallisation: Water molecules chemically bonded into the crystal
structure of a salt (e.g., \text{CuSO}_4\cdot5\text{H}_2\text{O}). Hydrated
contains water of crystallisation; anhydrous contains no water.
SECTION 8: THE PERIODIC TABLE
8.1 Arrangement of elements
- Elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic (proton) number.
- Across a period: properties change from metallic to non-metallic.
- Elements in the same group have the same number of outer-shell electrons and
similar chemical properties.
8.2 Group I properties (Alkali Metals: \text{Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs})
- Relatively soft metals (can be cut with a knife); low densities (float on
water); low melting points.
- Trends Down Group I:
- Melting point decreases.
- Density increases.
- Reactivity increases (outer electron is further from nucleus, more
shielded, weaker attraction, lost more easily).
- Reaction with water:
2M\text{(s)} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O(l)} \rightarrow 2M\text{OH(aq)} + \text{H}_2\text{(g)}
- Produces alkaline solution (\text{pH} > 12).
8.3 Group VII properties (Halogens: \text{Cl, Br, I})
- Diatomic non-metals (\text{Cl}_2, \text{Br}_2, \text{I}_2).
- Chlorine: Pale yellow-green gas.
- Bromine: Red-brown liquid (forms orange vapor).
- Iodine: Grey-black solid (sublimes to purple vapor).
- Trends Down Group VII:
- Density increases; melting and boiling points increase.
- Reactivity decreases (atomic radius increases, greater electron
shielding, harder to attract the incoming electron).
- Displacement Reactions:
- A more reactive halogen displaces a less reactive halide ion from
solution:
\text{Cl}_2\text{(aq)} + 2\text{Br}^-\text{(aq)} \rightarrow 2\text{Cl}^-\text{(aq)} + \text{Br}_2\text{(aq)} \quad (\text{colourless to orange})
\text{Br}_2\text{(aq)} + 2\text{I}^-\text{(aq)} \rightarrow 2\text{Br}^-\text{(aq)} + \text{I}_2\text{(aq)} \quad (\text{orange to brown})
8.4 Transition elements
- Typical metallic properties: High densities, high melting points, hard and
strong.
- Characteristic chemical properties:
1. Form coloured compounds.
2. Have ions with variable oxidation numbers (e.g., \text{Fe}^{2+} and
\text{Fe}^{3+}).
3. Act as catalysts as elements and in compounds.
8.5 Noble gases (Group VIII / 0)
- Unreactive, monatomic gases.
- Unreactive because they have a full outer shell of electrons (stable
octet/duplet).
SECTION 9: METALS
9.1 Properties of metals
- Physical: Good electrical and thermal conductors; malleable and ductile;
high melting and boiling points (except Group I and mercury).
- Chemical: React with oxygen to form basic oxides; react with acids to form
salt and hydrogen.
9.2 Uses of metals
- Aluminium:
- Aircraft bodies: Low density, high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Overhead power cables: Low density and good electrical conductivity.
- Food containers: Resistance to corrosion (protective oxide layer).
- Copper: Electrical wiring: Excellent electrical conductivity and ductility.
9.3 Alloys and their properties
- Alloy: A mixture of a metal with other elements (e.g. brass
\= \text{copper} + \text{zinc}; stainless steel
\= \text{iron} + \text{chromium} + \text{nickel} + \text{carbon}).
- Why Alloys are Harder than Pure Metals: Pure metals consist of regular
layers of identical atoms that slide over each other easily. Alloys contain
different sized atoms which distort the regular lattice layers, preventing
them from sliding over one another easily.
9.4 Reactivity series
\mathbf{K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > [C] > Zn > Fe > [H] > Cu > Ag > Au}
- Reactions:
- With cold water: \text{K, Na, Ca} react vigorously to form metal
hydroxide and \text{H}_2.
- With steam: \text{Mg} reacts vigorously to form metal oxide and
\text{H}_2:
\text{Mg(s)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(g)} \rightarrow \text{MgO(s)} + \text{H}_2\text{(g)}
- With dilute \text{HCl}: Metals above \text{H} react to form salt and
\text{H}_2; rate depends on reactivity. \text{Cu, Ag, Au} do not react.
- Apparent Unreactivity of Aluminium: Aluminium is high in the reactivity
series but does not react with water/acid under normal conditions due to a
tough, adhering, impermeable protective oxide layer (\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3).
9.5 Corrosion of metals
- Rusting: Requires water AND oxygen to form hydrated iron(III) oxide
(\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3\cdot x\text{H}_2\text{O}).
- Barrier Methods: Painting, greasing, plastic coating (prevent contact with
air and water).
- Galvanising & Sacrificial Protection: Coating iron with zinc. Zinc acts as a
physical barrier and provides sacrificial protection: zinc is more reactive
than iron, so zinc oxidises/loses electrons preferentially
(\text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^-), preventing iron from
oxidising even if scratched.
9.6 Extraction of metals
- Ease of extraction depends on reactivity: unreactive metals occur native
(\text{Au, Ag}); moderate reactivity metals reduced by carbon; highly
reactive metals extracted by electrolysis.
- Blast Furnace (Iron Extraction):
- Ore: Hematite (\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3).
- Equations:
1. \text{C} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 (coke burns to provide
heat)
2. \text{C} + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{CO} (carbon dioxide
reduced to carbon monoxide)
3. \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{CO} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + 3\text{CO}_2
(iron(III) oxide reduced by carbon monoxide)
4. \text{CaCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{CaO} + \text{CO}_2 (thermal
decomposition of limestone)
5. \text{CaO} + \text{SiO}_2 \rightarrow \text{CaSiO}_3 (calcium oxide
neutralises acidic silicon(IV) oxide impurity to form slag)
- Extraction of Aluminium:
- Ore: Bauxite (purified to \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3).
- Role of Cryolite: Dissolves aluminium oxide, lowering melting point from
2000\ ^\circ\text{C} to \sim 950\ ^\circ\text{C} and improving
electrical conductivity.
- Cathode (–) Carbon: \text{Al}^{3+} + 3e^- \rightarrow \text{Al(l)}
- Anode (+) Carbon: 2\text{O}^{2-} \rightarrow \text{O}_2\text{(g)} + 4e^-
- Carbon anodes react with oxygen gas at high temperatures
(\text{C} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2), burning away and
requiring regular replacement.
SECTION 10: CHEMISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
10.1 Water
- Chemical Tests for Water:
- Anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride paper turns from blue to pink.
- Anhydrous copper(II) sulfate turns from white to blue.
- Purity Test: Pure water freezes at exactly 0\ ^\circ\text{C} and boils at
exactly 100\ ^\circ\text{C} at 1\text{ atm}.
- Domestic Water Treatment:
1. Sedimentation and filtration through sand/gravel beds to remove
insoluble solid matter.
2. Activated carbon beds to remove unpleasant tastes and odours.
3. Chlorination to kill harmful bacteria and microbes.
10.2 Fertilisers
- NPK Fertilisers: Provide three essential elements for plant growth: Nitrogen
(N) (for chlorophyll/proteins), Phosphorus (P) (for root development), and
Potassium (K) (for flower/fruit growth).
- Ammonium salts and nitrates are common sources of nitrogen.
10.3 Air quality and climate
- Clean, Dry Air: 78\% \text{ N}_2, 21\% \text{ O}_2, remainder noble gases
and 0.04\% \text{ CO}_2.
- Pollutants:
- \text{CO}_2: Complete combustion of fossil fuels \rightarrow greenhouse
gas causing global warming.
- \text{CO}: Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels \rightarrow toxic gas
(binds to haemoglobin).
- Particulates (soot): Incomplete combustion \rightarrow respiratory
problems and cancer.
- \text{CH}_4: Decomposition of vegetation, animal digestion \rightarrow
greenhouse gas.
- \text{NO}_x (\text{NO, NO}_2): Formed in car engines at high
temperatures \rightarrow acid rain, photochemical smog, respiratory
problems.
- \text{SO}_2: Combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur \rightarrow
acid rain.
- Greenhouse Effect: Greenhouse gases (\text{CO}_2, \text{CH}_4) absorb
thermal energy radiated from the Earth's surface and re-emit it in all
directions, reducing thermal energy loss to space.
- Catalytic Converters in Vehicles:
2\text{CO} + 2\text{NO} \rightarrow 2\text{CO}_2 + \text{N}_2
- Photosynthesis:
6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{light, chlorophyll}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2
SECTION 11: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
11.1 Formulae, functional groups and terminology
- Hydrocarbon: A compound containing hydrogen and carbon ONLY.
- General Formulae:
- Alkanes: \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+2}
- Alkenes: \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n}
- Alcohols: \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{OH}
- Carboxylic acids: \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{COOH}
- Structural Isomers: Compounds with the same molecular formula but different
structural formulae.
- Example: \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} exists as butane
(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3) and 2-methylpropane
(\text{CH}_3\text{CH(CH}_3)\text{CH}_3).
- Homologous Series Characteristics: Same functional group; same general
formula; successive members differ by a -\text{CH}_2- unit; gradual trend in
physical properties; similar chemical properties.
11.2 Naming organic compounds (IUPAC)
- Root: 1\text{C} = meth-, 2\text{C} = eth-, 3\text{C} = prop-, 4\text{C} =
but-.
- Suffix: alkane (-ane), alkene (-ene), alcohol (-ol), carboxylic acid (-oic
acid), ester (-yl ... -oate).
- Specific isomers to draw/name:
- But-1-ene (\text{CH}_2=\text{CHCH}_2\text{CH}_3) vs But-2-ene
(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}=\text{CHCH}_3)
- Propan-1-ol vs Propan-2-ol; Butan-1-ol vs Butan-2-ol.
11.3 Fuels & Fractional Distillation
- Petroleum is a mixture of hydrocarbons separated by fractional distillation
based on boiling points.
- Fractions from top to bottom:
1. Refinery gas: Bottled gas for heating and cooking.
2. Gasoline (petrol): Fuel for cars.
3. Naphtha: Chemical feedstock for plastics.
4. Kerosene (paraffin): Jet fuel.
5. Diesel oil (gas oil): Fuel for diesel engines.
6. Fuel oil: Fuel for ships and home heating.
7. Lubricating oil: Lubricants, waxes, polishes.
8. Bitumen: Road surfacing.
- Trends from bottom to top: Chain length decreases; volatility increases;
boiling points decrease; viscosity decreases (flows more easily).
11.4 Alkanes
- Saturated hydrocarbons (only single \text{C}-\text{C} bonds). Generally
unreactive except combustion and substitution.
- Photochemical Substitution:
\text{CH}_4 + \text{Cl}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{UV light}} \text{CH}_3\text{Cl} + \text{HCl}
- UV light provides the activation energy (E_a).
11.5 Alkenes
- Unsaturated hydrocarbons with a \text{C}=\text{C} double bond.
- Manufacture by Cracking: Large alkanes heated with catalyst
(silica/alumina/zeolite) to form smaller alkanes and alkenes:
\text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{22} \rightarrow \text{C}_8\text{H}_{18} + \text{C}_2\text{H}_4
- Addition Reactions: Form only one product.
1. Aqueous Bromine Test: Turns from orange/brown to colourless
(decolourises).
\text{C}_2\text{H}_4 + \text{Br}_2 \rightarrow \text{CH}_2\text{BrCH}_2\text{Br} \quad (\text{1,2-dibromoethane})
2. Hydrogenation:
\text{C}_2\text{H}_4 + \text{H}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Ni catalyst, } 150-200\ ^\circ\text{C}} \text{C}_2\text{H}_6
3. Hydration:
\text{C}_2\text{H}_4\text{(g)} + \text{H}_2\text{O(g)} \xrightarrow{\text{conc. } \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4, 300\ ^\circ\text{C}, 60\text{ atm}} \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH(g)}
11.6 Alcohols
- Manufacture of Ethanol:
- Fermentation: Aqueous glucose, yeast, 25-35\ ^\circ\text{C}, anaerobic
(absence of \text{O}_2). Renewable batch process; slow; yields dilute
ethanol.
- Catalytic Hydration of Ethene: Continuous; fast; yields pure ethanol;
relies on non-renewable petroleum.
- Combustion:
\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} + 3\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{CO}_2 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O}
11.7 Carboxylic acids
- Weak acids containing the -\text{COOH} functional group.
- Formation by Oxidation of Ethanol:
- With acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) under heat.
- Bacterial oxidation during vinegar production.
- Esterification:
\text{Carboxylic acid} + \text{Alcohol} \xrightleftharpoons{\text{acid catalyst (conc. } \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\text{)}} \text{Ester} + \text{Water}
- Example:
\text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{COOCH}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O}
(methyl ethanoate).
11.8 Polymers
1. Addition Polymerisation: Double bond breaks; unsaturated monomers link to
form long-chain saturated polymers (e.g. ethene \rightarrow poly(ethene)).
Only one product forms.
2. Condensation Polymerisation: Monomers link with the elimination of a small
molecule (usually \text{H}_2\text{O}).
- Polyamides (Nylon): Formed from dicarboxylic acid and diamine monomers;
linked by amide linkages (-\text{CONH}-).
- Polyesters (PET): Formed from dicarboxylic acid and diol monomers;
linked by ester linkages (-\text{COO}-). PET can be chemically
hydrolysed back into monomers and re-polymerised.
- Proteins: Natural polyamides formed from amino acid monomers with
general structure \text{H}_2\text{N}-\text{CH(R)}-\text{COOH}; linked by
amide/peptide linkages.
3. Plastics & Environment: Non-biodegradable; accumulation in landfill and
oceans; toxic gas formation during incineration
(\text{CO}, \text{HCl}, \text{HCN}).
SECTION 12: EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES & CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
12.1 Experimental design & apparatus
- Precision Tools:
- Time: Stop-watch (accuracy of 1\text{ s}).
- Temperature: Thermometer (graduations to 1\ ^\circ\text{C}).
- Mass: Digital balance (precision of at least 0.1\text{ g}).
- Volume: Volumetric pipette (fixed volume, e.g. 25.0\text{ cm}^3),
burette (variable volume to \pm 0.05\text{ cm}^3), measuring cylinder
(approximate volume), gas syringe (gas volumes up to 100\text{ cm}^3).
- Definitions:
- Solute: A substance that is dissolved in a solvent.
- Solvent: A substance that dissolves a solute.
- Solution: A mixture of one or more solutes dissolved in a solvent.
- Saturated solution: A solution containing the maximum concentration of a
solute dissolved in the solvent at a specified temperature.
- Residue: Substance remaining after filtration, evaporation, or
distillation.
- Filtrate: Liquid or solution that passes through a filter paper.
12.2 Acid–base titrations
- Rinse burette with the solution it will hold.
- Use a volumetric pipette with filler to measure exactly 25.0\text{ cm}^3 of
solution into a conical flask.
- Place conical flask on a white tile (to clearly see the indicator colour
change).
- Swirl flask continuously while adding titrant from burette dropwise near the
end-point.
12.3 Chromatography
- Draw baseline in pencil (pencil graphite does not dissolve in solvent).
- Ensure solvent level in beaker is below the pencil baseline (prevents spots
dissolving off paper into solvent).
- Use a locating agent (e.g. ninhydrin) to visualise colourless spots (e.g.
amino acids).
R_f = \frac{\text{Distance travelled by substance}}{\text{Distance travelled by solvent front}}
12.5 Qualitative Analysis Master Tables
A. Tests for Anions
| Anion | Test | Test Result |
| :--------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------ | :---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Carbonate ($\text{CO}_3^{2-}$)** | Add dilute acid, test gas with limewater | Effervescence; gas turns **limewater milky** ($\text{CO}_2$) |
| **Chloride ($\text{Cl}^-$)** | Acidify with dilute $\text{HNO}_3$, add aqueous $\text{AgNO}_3$ | **White precipitate** |
| **Bromide ($\text{Br}^-$)** | Acidify with dilute $\text{HNO}_3$, add aqueous $\text{AgNO}_3$ | **Cream precipitate** |
| **Iodide ($\text{I}^-$)** | Acidify with dilute $\text{HNO}_3$, add aqueous $\text{AgNO}_3$ | **Yellow precipitate** |
| **Nitrate ($\text{NO}_3^-$)** | Add aqueous $\text{NaOH}$, aluminium foil; warm gently | Gas produced turns **damp red litmus paper blue** ($\text{NH}_3$) |
| **Sulfate ($\text{SO}_4^{2-}$)** | Acidify with dilute $\text{HNO}_3$, add aqueous $\text{Ba(NO}_3)_2$ | **White precipitate** |
| **Sulfite ($\text{SO}_3^{2-}$)** | Add acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) | Turns from **purple to colourless** |
B. Tests for Aqueous Cations
| Cation | Effect of Aqueous $\text{NaOH}$ | Effect of Aqueous $\text{NH}_3$ |
| :----------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Aluminium ($\text{Al}^{3+}$)** | **White ppt**, soluble in excess (colourless solution) | **White ppt**, insoluble in excess |
| **Ammonium ($\text{NH}_4^+$)** | Ammonia produced on warming (turns damp red litmus blue) | — |
| **Calcium ($\text{Ca}^{2+}$)** | **White ppt**, insoluble in excess | No ppt (or very slight white ppt) |
| **Chromium(III) ($\text{Cr}^{3+}$)** | **Green ppt**, soluble in excess (green solution) | **Green ppt**, insoluble in excess |
| **Copper(II) ($\text{Cu}^{2+}$)** | **Light blue ppt**, insoluble in excess | **Light blue ppt**, soluble in excess (dark blue solution) |
| **Iron(II) ($\text{Fe}^{2+}$)** | **Green ppt**, insoluble in excess; turns brown on standing | **Green ppt**, insoluble in excess; turns brown on standing |
| **Iron(III) ($\text{Fe}^{3+}$)** | **Red-brown ppt**, insoluble in excess | **Red-brown ppt**, insoluble in excess |
| **Zinc ($\text{Zn}^{2+}$)** | **White ppt**, soluble in excess (colourless solution) | **White ppt**, soluble in excess (colourless solution) |
C. Tests for Gases
| Gas | Test and Test Result |
| :--------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Ammonia ($\text{NH}_3$)** | Turns **damp red litmus paper blue** |
| **Carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$)** | Turns **limewater milky** |
| **Chlorine ($\text{Cl}_2$)** | **Bleaches damp litmus paper** |
| **Hydrogen ($\text{H}_2$)** | **'Pops' with a lighted splint** |
| **Oxygen ($\text{O}_2$)** | **Relights a glowing splint** |
| **Sulfur dioxide ($\text{SO}_2$)** | Turns acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) from **purple to colourless** |
D. Flame Tests for Metal Ions
| Metal Ion | Flame Colour |
| :-------------------------------- | :-------------- |
| **Lithium ($\text{Li}^+$)** | **Red** |
| **Sodium ($\text{Na}^+$)** | **Yellow** |
| **Potassium ($\text{K}^+$)** | **Lilac** |
| **Calcium ($\text{Ca}^{2+}$)** | **Orange-red** |
| **Barium ($\text{Ba}^{2+}$)** | **Light green** |
| **Copper(II) ($\text{Cu}^{2+}$)** | **Blue-green** |
|