Chemistry

Module 5: Equilibrium and Acid Reactions

2023 Term 4 Week 1 - Term 4 week 9

Chemical systems may be open or closed. They include physical changes and chemical reactions that can result in observable changes to a system. Students study the effects of changes in temperature, concentration of chemicals and pressure on equilibrium systems, and consider that these can be predicted by applying Le Chatelier’s principle. Students also analyse the quantitative relationship between products and reactants in equilibrium reactions to determine an equilibrium constant. From this calculation, they predict the equilibrium position, either favouring the formation of products or reactants in a chemical reaction. 

 This module also allows students to understand that scientific knowledge enables scientists to offer valid explanations and make reliable predictions. Students make reliable predictions by comparing equilibrium calculations and equilibrium constants to determine whether a combination of two solutions will result in the formation of a precipitate. 

Module 6: Acid-base Reactions

2024 Term 1 week 1 - Term 1 week 11

Acids and bases, and their reactions, are used extensively in everyday life and in the human body. The chemistry of acids and bases contributes to industrial contexts and the environment. Therefore, it is essential that the degree of acidity in these situations is continually monitored. By investigating the qualitative and quantitative properties of acids and bases, students learn to appreciate the importance of factors such as pH and indicators. 

In this module, students analyse how and why the definitions of both an acid and a base have changed over time, and how the current definitions characterise the many chemical reactions of acids. Acids react in particular ways to a variety of substances. These reactions follow a pattern that students identify and explore in detail. Students also conduct a range of different experiments to investigate different acid-base reactions.

Module 7: Organic Chemistry

2024 Term 2 week 1 - Term 2 week 9

Each class of organic compounds displays characteristic chemical properties and undergoes specific reactions based on the functional groups present. These reactions, including acid/base and oxidation reactions, are used to identify the class of an organic compound. In this module, students investigate the many classes of organic compounds and their characteristic chemical reactions. By considering the primary, secondary and tertiary structures of organic materials, students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of the properties of materials-including strength, density and biodegradability-and relate these to proteins, carbohydrates and synthetic polymers.

In this module, students focus on the principles and applications of chemical synthesis in the field of organic chemistry. Current and future applications of chemistry include techniques to synthesise new substances-including pharmaceuticals, fuels and polymers-to meet the needs of society.

Module 8: Applying Chemical Ideas

2024 Term 3 weeks 1-2 and weeks 5-9

The identification and analysis of chemicals is of immense importance in scientific research, medicine, environmental management, quality control, mining and many other fields. Students investigate a range of methods used to identify and measure quantities of chemicals. They investigate and process data involving the identification and quantification of ions present in aqueous solutions. This is particularly important because of the impact of adverse water quality on the environment. Students deduce or confirm the structure and identity of organic compounds by interpreting data from qualitative tests of chemical reactivity and determining structural information using proton and 

carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.