Overview of AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 1

May 15, 2025

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AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 1 Overview

Introduction

  • Covers topics 1 to 5:
    • Atoms
    • Bonding
    • Quantitative chemistry
    • Chemical and energy changes
  • Applicable for higher and foundation tier, combined trilogy, and separate chemistry.
  • Indications will be given for content exclusive to triple science or higher tier.

Key Chemistry Concepts

Atoms and Elements

  • Atoms: Basic units represented in the periodic table.
  • Compounds: Substances with two or more different types of chemically bonded atoms (e.g., H₂O).
  • Mixtures: Combination of elements/compounds not chemically bonded.

Chemical Reactions

  • Represent with word and chemical equations.
  • Balance equations by ensuring equal atom count on both sides.
  • Begin balancing with atoms in compounds.

Separation Techniques

  • Filtration: Separates insoluble particles from liquids.
  • Crystallization and Distillation: Separate solute from solution.
  • Fractional Distillation: Separate liquids by boiling points.

States of Matter

  • Solid, Liquid, Gas: Particles vibrate, move freely, or are far apart.
  • Energy Changes: Required for melting or evaporation; physical changes, not chemical.

Atomic Structure

Historical Models

  • JJ Thompson: Plum pudding model.
  • Ernest Rutherford: Discovered nucleus.
  • Niels Bohr: Electron shells.
  • James Chadwick: Neutrons in nucleus.

Periodic Table

  • Atomic Number: Protons in nucleus.
  • Mass Number: Protons + Neutrons.
  • Isotopes: Same element, different neutrons.
  • Relative Atomic Mass: Weighted average of isotopes.

Electron Configuration

  • Electron Shells: Max of 2, 8, 8, 2 in shells (up to calcium).
  • Groups and Periods: Determine valence electrons.

Bonding

Types of Bonding

  • Metallic Bonding: Electrons delocalized in metals.
  • Ionic Bonding: Metal and non-metal, electrons transferred.
  • Covalent Bonding: Non-metals, electrons shared.

Molecular and Giant Structures

  • Simple Molecular Structures: Low boiling points, weak forces.
  • Giant Covalent Structures: High melting points, strong bonds (e.g., Diamond, Graphite).

Quantitative Chemistry

Mole Concept

  • Moles: Quantity of substance, use mass/RAM to calculate.
  • Stoichiometry: Ratios of reactants/products in reactions.

Calculations

  • Mass and Moles: Use mass/molar mass.
  • Limiting Reactants: Determine reactant not used entirely.
  • Concentration: Express in mol/dm³ or g/dm³.

Chemical Changes

Reactivity

  • Reactivity Series: Predicts metal displacement and extraction.
  • Reduction and Oxidation (Redox): Transfer of electrons.
  • Acid Reactions: Metals with acids produce salt and hydrogen.

Neutralization

  • pH Scale: Measures acidity/alkalinity, logarithmic.
  • Neutralization: Acid + Base = Salt + Water.

Electrolysis

  • Electrolysis Basics: Involves ionic compounds, electrodes.
  • Inert Electrodes: Reduce/oxidize ions.

Energy Changes

Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions

  • Energy Profiles: Visualize energy changes in reactions.
  • Bond Energies: Calculate energy changes.

Batteries and Fuel Cells

  • Cells and Batteries: Produce electricity via chemical reactions.
  • Fuel Cells: Use hydrogen and oxygen.

Note: For detailed calculations and specific examples, refer to practice problems or exam papers.

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