EASTER REVISION COURSEGUIDE

A-Level Chemistry

Aims  

1. To revise all major concepts in the core syllabus of
all major examining boards.
2. To build confidence in the understanding of fundamental theoretical concepts
3. To apply theory to problem solving
4. To utilise exam technique and proper revision methods

Course Design      

The course is designed around the Edexcel specifications but all topics are common to the core syllabus of all major examining boards.
The course emphasises the following:
key facts, definitions, formulae, equations
methods for making calculations and key techniques for revision

Daily Programme  

Each session starts with a short test
on the previous day’s work (day 1 excluded).  This is followed by a synopsis of the major topics to be revised that day.  Emphasising problem areas which have been identified, major theoretical concepts are revised with a session of oral and written questions.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and to take notes where appropriate.

At the end of the session students are given a manageable amount of homework intended to consolidate the theory covered.

Students will be given a short examination of the work done
at the end of the week.  This will be marked and discussed. Suggestions will then be given advice, on a group and individual basis, on how best to continue their revision programme leading up to the examination.

A report will be written and sent to each student.

Schedule of Work:

AS-Level

Atomic Structure   

mass spectrometer, ionization  energy, electron
configuration and orbitals

Calculations           

mole calculations, ionic equations, empirical formulas

Bonding       

types of bonding, shapes of molecules, crystal structure

Redox           

ionic 1/2 equations, electron transfer in redox, oxidation
numbers

Periodic Table        

Groups I,II and VII properties and
reactions periodicity in physical properties

Energetics I 

enthalpy
changes, Hess’ Law, bond enthalpies

Equilibrium 

factors affecting equilibrium, Le Chatelier,factors affecting
rates

Kinetics        

collision theory, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, activation
energy, catalysis

Organic I      

nomenclature, isomerism, tests, industrial applications,
bonding in organic compounds and reactions of typical functional groups

Inorganic     

Contact and Haber processes, extraction of aluminium and
chlorine

A2-level

Energetics II

lattice energy, Born Haber process

Periodic Table II     

periodicity of chemical properties, oxides and chlorides of
period 3. Group IV trends and reactions

Equilibrium II          

Kp and Kc, calculations of equilibrium constants

Acid-Base    

Bronsted-Lowry theory, calculations of
Ka and pH, buffer solutions, titration curves

Organic II     

optical isomerism, further organic
reactions, Grignard reagents

Redox Equilibria    

redox titrations, standard electrode potentials

Transition Metal

Chemistry    

reactions and properties of transition metals, complex ions,
ligand exchange, deprotonation,vanadium chemistry

Organic III/ IV          

aromatic chemistry,.mechanisms, analysis, synthesis,
applied organic chemistry

Kinetics II     

rate equations, rate constants, orders, Arrhenius equation,
graphical interpretations, mechanisms.