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National 5 Chemistry Study Guide

Apr 29, 2025

National 5 Chemistry - BBC Bitesize

Key Topics

1. Rates of Reaction

  • Factors affecting reaction speed: temperature, concentration, particle size, and catalysts.
  • Calculation involves measuring changes in reactants/products.

2. Atomic Structure

  • Atoms comprise protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • The periodic table arranges elements by atomic size and other properties.
  • Important concepts: atomic theory, atomic numbers, isotopes.

3. Bonding and Properties of Materials

  • Noble gases exist as isolated atoms; other atoms bond via chemical bonds.
  • Bonds involve sharing or gaining/losing electrons.

4. Chemical Formulae

  • Indicates the number or proportion of atoms in a molecule.
  • Formula determined using the valency concept.

5. Balanced Equations

  • Equations must balance: equal number of atoms on both sides.

6. The Mole and Concentration of Solutions

  • Gram formula mass equals mass of one mole.
  • Learn two formula triangles for calculations involving mass, moles, concentration, volume.

7. Acids and Bases

  • pH scale: <7 acidic, >7 alkaline, 7 neutral.

8. Homologous Series

  • Includes alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes.
  • Defined by similar chemical properties and a general formula.

9. Everyday Consumer Products

  • Alcohols contain the hydroxyl group; used as fuels/solvents.
  • Carboxylic acids used in soaps, medicines, preservatives.

10. Energy from Fuels

  • Combustion reactions are exothermic, releasing heat/light.
  • Energy calculation: Eh=cmT.

11. Metals

  • Metals are used widely, e.g., jewellery, cars.
  • Properties: strength, malleability, electrical/heat conduction.

12. Plastics

  • Made from crude oil-derived chemicals, composed of polymers.
  • Widely used for their properties.

13. Fertilisers

  • Types: natural (plant/animal waste) and artificial (man-made).
  • Usage increases crop yield.

14. Nuclear Chemistry

  • Study of unstable nuclei breakups emitting radiation/energy.
  • Radiation types: alpha, beta, gamma.

15. Chemical Analysis

  • Uses quantitative/qualitative techniques.
  • Results support essential calculations.

16. Exam Skills

  • National 5 Chemistry exam: multiple-choice and written papers.
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Additional Resources

  • Numerous linked resources and video content linked to each topic for deeper understanding.