IGCSE Chemistry Notes that Will Help You Ace Your Exams

Looking for IGCSE Chemistry Notes to excel in Exams? Here, we are! The wait is over!

IGCSE Chemistry can be an ocean of information, and taking notes out of it would be a daunting task. The amount of material, from complex organic reactions to atomic orbitals, can become overwhelming sometimes, especially when exams approach. But what if you had a secret unfair advantage? What if you had a set of briefs, accurate review notes to guide you in targeting the information you must know to crush your exams?

In this blog, we have a strategy for employing concise notes effectively, not merely a list of notes. We’ve a list of IGCSE key concepts and simplified them for you. So, let’s take a look –

1. Atomic Structure & Period Table

Atoms – The most important unit of an element is an atom. Protons and neutrons comprise the nucleus, and electrons revolve around it.

Protons, Neutrons, Electrons –

• Protons (p+): One atomic mass unit (a.m.u) mass and positive charge specify the constituent.
• Neutrons (n0): 1 a.m.u mass, zero charge.
• Electrons (e–): Are massless and have a negative charge. Placed in energy levels and shells.
• Atomic Number (Z): The number of protons.
• Mass Number (A): The neutrons and protons combined

Isotopes: Atoms with different neutron numbers are part of the same elements

Periodic table –

• Groups (in Vertical Columns): Same chemical properties, same number of outer shell electrons.
• Periods (in Horizontal Row): There are the same number of electron shells in every period.
• Metal vs Non-Metals: Non-metals are on the right, while metals are on the left.

Reactivity: Lowers Group 7 and lifts Group 1

1. Structure and Chemical Bonding

Ionic Bonding: A metal and a non-metal may be joined together by an ionic bond. Electrons are easily transferable. Forms a vast ionic lattice of icons (negative anions, positive cations) that are attracted to each other.

Covalent Bonding: A covalent bond is formed when two non-metals are connected. Electrons are transformed to form a full outer shell. Creating vast covalent structures (like diamonds and graphite) or small molecule structures.

Metallic Bonding: In metals, delocalized electrons form metallic bonding. A sea of delocalized electrons in a lattice pulls in positive metal ions. It means that metals conduct heat and electricity well.

1. Stoichiometry

The Avogadro’s constant of the Mole is 6.02 x 1023 particles. The unit of drug amount.

The weight of one mole of a substance is referred to as its Molar Mass (Mr). It’s the sum of the relative atomic mass of each atom in the formula. The unit is considered as g/mol.

Important Formula: Moles = Mass(g)/ Molar Mass (g/mol)

Balanced Equation: Important for all stoichiometry calculations. Each element needs to have an equal number of atoms on both sides.

Limiting Reactant: The reactant that runs out first and restricts the quantity of product can be created is known as the limiting reactant.

1. Acids, Bases and Salts

Acids are givers of protons (H +). pH<7. Turn the color of litmus red.

Bases are acceptors of protons (H +). When pH exceeds 7, litmus turns blue.

Alkalis are bases that dissolve easily.

Acid + Base –> Salt + Water is the process of Neutralization.

Important Reactions

Acid + Metal –> Salt + Hydrogen gas

Acid + Carbonate –> Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide gas

Materials that change color at different pH values are referred to as Indicators.

Titration is a technique involving the use of a solution of known concentration (like Alkali) to find the concentration of an unknown solution (like an Acid)

Also Read- IBDP Subject Choices: How To Select The Best Combinations

1. Reaction Rates

A change in concentration of a reactant or product over time is a Reaction rate.

Collision Theory includes molecules that collide with sufficient energy and in the correct direction for a reaction to occur.

Factors Affecting Rate:

Temperature: More energetic and frequent collisions because there’s more Kinetic energy with higher temperatures. Rates increase.

Surface Area: More particles are exposed, and there’s a chance of collision because there’s a greater surface area. Rates increase.

Catalyst: A substance that speeds up a reaction without being consumed. It provides an alternate, lower-activation-energy reaction path.

1. Organic Chemistry

Hydrocarbons are compounds consisting of only carbon and hydrogen.

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons. Only C-C bonds. Generally, the formula is Cn H2n+2

Unsaturated hydrocarbons are also referred to as Alkenes. At least one C=C double bond. Generally, the formula is Cn H2n

A single atom or group of atoms are known as a Functional group, responsible for the characteristic chemical processes that define a particular organic molecule.

Key Reactions:

Combustion process: Hydrocarbon + Oxygen –> Carbon Dioxide + Water

Additional (Alkenes): Atoms are added to the molecules when the double bond breaks

Alternative (Alkanes): Atom replaces one atom with another

Monomers: Large molecules called polymers are formed by repeating smaller ones called Monomers.

How to make the most of these notes?

Active Recall – Go through the notes, but do more. Try to pen down whatever you can remember after completing a section.

Elaborate – Use examples, formulas, and illustrations as the foundation and add detailed concept.

Practice Problems – Your skills in using these concepts to solve past paper questions are the ultimate test. Practice them regularly.

Find out the weak spots – Use IGCSE Chemistry Mock Questions to quickly identify the area you are least familiar with and invest more time into it.

You will be able to answer any IGCSE Chemistry Question if you practice with the right resources, like the one offered by Tribe Topper. We wish you all the best for the exams!