Chemistry
Chemistry
At its heart, Chemistry is the study of matter. It is about how elements combine to make compounds, how atoms and molecules interact both with each other and with electromagnetic radiation, and about how all this is facilitated by the movement of electrons. It helps us answer a vast array of questions. Why are some substances coloured and others are not? Why do different materials have such dramatically different properties? Why do some reactions take place really quickly and others really slowly, if at all? Modern chemistry plays an essential role in how we diagnose, treat and cure medical conditions, how the composition of the atmosphere and the oceans are changing and how we can maximise the efficiency of industrial and agricultural processes.
Atomic structure - The chemical properties of elements depend on their atomic structure and in particular on the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus. The arrangement of electrons in orbitals is linked to the way in which elements are organised in the Periodic Table. Chemists can measure the mass of atoms and molecules to a high degree of accuracy in a mass spectrometer. The principles of operation of a modern mass spectrometer are studied.
Energetics - The enthalpy change in a chemical reaction can be measured accurately. It is important to know this value for chemical reactions that are used as a source of heat energy in applications such as domestic boilers and internal combustion engines.
Periodicity - The Periodic Table provides chemists with a structured organisation of the known chemical elements from which they can make sense of their physical and chemical properties. The historical development of the Periodic Table and models of atomic structure provide good examples of how scientific ideas and explanations develop over time.
Organic Chemistry - Organic chemistry is the study of the millions of covalent compounds of the element carbon. These structurally diverse compounds vary from naturally occurring petroleum fuels to DNA and the molecules in living systems. Organic compounds also demonstrate human ingenuity in the vast range of synthetic materials created by chemists. Many of these compounds are used as drugs, medicines and plastics. Organic compounds are named using the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system and the structure or formula of molecules can be represented in various different ways. Organic mechanisms are studied, which enable reactions to be explained. In the search for sustainable chemistry, for safer agrochemicals and for new materials to match the desire for new technology, Chemistry plays the dominant role.
Energetics part II - The further study of thermodynamics builds on the Energetics section and is important in understanding the stability of compounds and why chemical reactions occur. Enthalpy change is linked with entropy change enabling the free-energy change to be calculated.
Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells - Redox reactions take place in electrochemical cells where electrons are transferred from the reducing agent to the oxidising agent indirectly via an external circuit. A potential difference is created that can drive an electric current to do work. Electrochemical cells have very important commercial applications as a portable supply of electricity to power electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops. On a larger scale, they can provide energy to power a vehicle.
Transition metals - The 3d block contains 10 elements, all of which are metals. Unlike the metals in Groups 1 and 2, the transition metals Ti to Cu form coloured compounds and compounds where the transition metal exists in different oxidation states. Some of these metals are familiar as catalysts. The properties of these elements are studied in this section with opportunities for a wide range of practical investigations.
Optical isomerism - Compounds that contain an asymmetric carbon atom form stereoisomers that differ in their effect on plane polarised light. This type of isomerism is called optical isomerism.
Amino acids, proteins and DNA - Amino acids, proteins and DNA are the molecules of life. In this section, the structure and bonding in these molecules and the way they interact is studied. Drug action is also considered.
Organic synthesis - The formation of new organic compounds by multi-step syntheses using reactions included in the specification is covered in this section.
Paper 1
2 hours, 105 marks long & short answers 35%
Relevant physical chemistry topics
Inorganic chemistry
Relevant practical skills
Paper 2
2 hours, 105 marks long & short answers 35%
Relevant physical chemistry topics
Organic chemistry
Relevant practical skills
Paper 3
2 hours, 90 marks, 30%
40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis
20 marks of questions testing across the specification
30 marks of multiple choice questions
The Exam Board is AQA.
There are over 30 practical activities per year which are completed as you work towards the Practical Endorsement, a standalone qualification.
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mr Neil Forrest, Head of Chemistry, on nf@farlingtonschool.com