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AQA · GCSE · Chemistry

AQA GCSE Chemistry Syllabus

The complete AQA GCSE Chemistry specification mapped to 95 topics. Click any topic for free revision notes and practice questions.

95 topics1,576 practice questions89 revision guidesOfficial AQA syllabus →

Atomic structure and the periodic table

atomic structure and subatomic particles
atoms, elements and compounds
development of the atomic model
development of the periodic table
electronic structure
groups and periods in the periodic table
mixtures and separation techniques
properties of Group 0 (noble gases)
properties of Group 1 (alkali metals)
properties of Group 7 (halogens)
relative atomic mass and isotopes
transition metals

Bonding, structure and properties of matter

bonding models and representing structures (dot-and-cross diagrams, ball-and-stick, 2D and 3D models)
bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles
covalent bonding and simple molecular substances
giant covalent structures
giant ionic lattices and properties
ionic bonding and ionic compounds
metallic bonding and properties of metals and alloys
nanoparticles and their uses
polymers and their properties
states of matter and changes of state

Chemical analysis

chromatography and Rf values
flame tests and identification of metal ions
instrumental methods of analysis (including flame emission spectroscopy)
purity and formulations
tests for anions (carbonates, sulfates, halides)
tests for common gases (hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, chlorine)

Chemical changes

displacement reactions and the reactivity series
electrolysis of aqueous solutions
electrolysis of molten ionic compounds
half equations and electrode reactions in electrolysis
oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons and oxygen
pH scale, neutralisation and salt production
reactions of acids with metals, bases and carbonates
reactivity series and extraction of metals
strong and weak acids

Chemistry of the atmosphere

common pollutants from combustion and their effects
evolution and composition of the Earth's atmosphere
greenhouse gases and climate change

Energy changes

bond energies and calculating energy changes
exothermic and endothermic reactions
fuel cells and hydrogen as a fuel
reaction profiles and activation energy

Industrial electrolysis

aluminium extraction and chlor-alkali process

Organic chemistry

addition and condensation polymerisation
alcohols — structure, properties and uses
carboxylic acids — structure, properties and reactions
combustion of fuels and incomplete combustion
cracking and alkenes
crude oil, hydrocarbons and alkanes
fractional distillation and uses of fractions
naturally occurring polymers (DNA, starch, proteins)
reactions of alkenes (addition reactions)

Quantitative chemistry

concentration of solutions
percentage yield and atom economy
reacting masses and limiting reactants
relative formula mass and conservation of mass
the mole and molar mass
use of moles to balance equations and calculate reacting volumes of gases
volumes of gases and molar volume

Rate of reaction

measuring and factors affecting rate

Required practical

chromatography
electrolysis
making salts (preparation of a pure, dry sample)
rates of reaction (including use of colorimeter and gas syringe)
temperature changes (energy changes in reactions)
tests for gases, ions and water
titration

The rate and extent of chemical change

calculating rates of reaction
catalysts and their action
collision theory and activation energy
factors affecting the rate of reaction (concentration, temperature, surface area, catalysts)
Le Chatelier's principle and effect of changing conditions on equilibrium
reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium

Using resources

alternative methods of metal extraction (phytomining and bioleaching)
ceramics, composites and polymers as materials
corrosion and its prevention
finite and renewable resources and sustainability
life cycle assessment and recycling
potable water and water treatment
the Haber process and NPK fertilisers
waste water treatment

All topics

Amino acids, proteins and DNA as naturally occurring polymers
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Cells, batteries and fuel cells
Combustion of fuels and incomplete combustion
Covalent bonding and simple molecular substances
Giant covalent structures
Ionic bonding and ionic compounds
Metallic bonding and properties of metals
Oxidation and reduction in terms of electrons and oxygen
Production and uses of NPK fertilisers
The Haber process and industrial conditions
Titrations and calculations from titration data

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