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.