AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 1 Overview

Topics Covered

• Atoms and Bonding
• Quantitative Chemistry
• Chemical and Energy Changes

Substances and Atoms

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

Chemical Reactions

• Balancing Equations: Ensure the same number of each atom on both sides.
• Physical vs. Chemical Changes: No new substances in physical changes (e.g., states of matter).

Atomic Structure

• Historical Models: Developed gradually, from Thomson’s plum pudding model to Rutherford’s nucleus model.
• Protons, Neutrons, Electrons: Charges and masses discussed.
• Ions: Atoms gaining/losing electrons.

The Periodic Table

• Atomic Number: Number of protons.
• Mass Number: Protons + neutrons.
• Isotopes: Same element, different neutrons.
• Electronic Configuration: Shells of electrons.

Bonding

• Metallic Bonding: Lattice of ions with delocalized electrons.
• Ionic Bonding: Transfer of electrons between metals and non-metals.
• Covalent Bonding: Sharing of electrons between non-metals.

Types of Substances

• Ionic Compounds: High melting/boiling points, conduct electricity when molten.
• Covalent Substances: Low boiling points, poor conductors.
• Giant Covalent Structures: Strong bonds (e.g., diamond, graphite).
• Allotropes: Different structural forms of the same element (e.g., carbon in diamond and graphite).

Quantitative Chemistry

• Conservation of Mass: Mass conserved in reactions.
• Moles: Measurement unit for substance amounts.
• Stoichiometry: Ratios of moles in a chemical reaction.

Chemical Changes

• Reactivity Series: Metals arranged by reactivity.
• Displacement Reactions: More reactive metal displaces less reactive one.
• Reduction and Oxidation (Redox): OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain of electrons).

Energy Changes

• Exothermic Reactions: Release energy, temperature increase.
• Endothermic Reactions: Absorb energy, temperature decrease.
• Activation Energy: Energy needed to start a reaction.

Electrolysis

• Ionic Compounds: Conduct electricity when molten or in solution.
• Electrodes: Cathode (-) and Anode (+) for ion movement.

Additional Topics for Triple Science

• Surface Area to Volume Ratio: Important for nanoparticles.
• Cell and Battery Chemistry: Chemical potential difference in batteries.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Produce electricity through recombination of hydrogen and oxygen.

These notes capture the key points from the lecture. Focus on these areas for a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 1.