GCSE Triple Science (C2)
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Atomic Structure
Describe the organisation of the periodic
table (metals and non-metals; groups).
Construct a labelled diagram of an atom,
identifying the nucleus and electron shells,
and locations of neutrons, protons and
electrons.
State the charges and relative masses of
neutrons, protons and electrons.
Write the electronic configurations of the
first 20 elements.
Explain the link between the number of
electrons on an atom’s outer shell and
which group it’s in on the periodic table.
Understand what the mass and atomic
numbers of elements (on the periodic
table) refer to.
Describe what an isotope is.
Calculate the relative atomic mass (Ar) of
isotope elements (HT).
Covalent Bonding
Describe a compound as containing two or
more different elements, joined together
by bonds.
Calculate the molecular mass (Mr) of some
compounds.
Describe covalent bonding as occurring
between two non-metal elements, and give
some common examples of covalent
compounds.
Explain how atoms share electrons to form
a covalent bond.
Describe general properties of covalent
compounds.
Describe and compare the structure and
properties of giant covalent structures
such as diamond and graphite.
Ionic bonding
Describe ionic bonding as occurring
between metal and non-metal elements,
and give some common examples of ionic
compounds.
State that an ion is a charged atom, and
explain how an ion is formed.
Explain how atoms donate electrons to
form an ionic bond.
Describe general properties of ionic
compounds.
Describe the structure and properties of
giant ionic structures such sodium
chloride.
Electrolysis
Name the positive and negative electrodes
as anode and cathode respectively.
Identify which electrode each ion is
attracted to.
Describe the electron transfers that occur
between ions and electrodes.
Write balanced half equations to describe
the transfer of electrons between ions and
electrodes (HT).
State the products and explain why they
are formed in the electrolysis of brine
(HT).
Understand how cheap metals can be
electroplated with more expensive metals.
Acids, Bases and Neutralisation
State that all acids contain hydrogen ions
(H+), and give examples of 3 common acids.
Give the names of the three different types
of base, with some specific examples.
State that soluble hydroxide bases are
known as alkalis.
Describe what happens in a neutralisation
reaction, including the products formed.
Write word and [balanced (HT)] symbol
equations for reactions of different acids
with each of the 3 different bases,
producing salts.
Recognise the name of salts from their
molecular formulas.
Recognise the meanings of state symbols:
(g), (s), (l) and (aq).
Soluble and Insoluble Salts
Identify soluble salts as (aq) and insoluble
salts as (s).
Write word and [balanced (HT)] symbol
equations for the formation of soluble and
insoluble
salts
from
acids
and
metals/metal bases.
Describe what a precipitate is, and explain
how it can be separated from a solution.
Describe how salt solutions can be
crystallised to produce solid salts.
Rates of Reactions
Define ‘rate of reaction’ as the time taken
for all reactants to be used up, or for all
products to be formed.
Describe how to calculate the rate of a
chemical reaction.
Explain the difference between average
and initial reaction rates.
State that particles must collide with
enough energy for a reaction to occur.
Describe ‘activation energy’ as the energy
required for a chemical reaction to occur.
Use collision theory to explain how
increasing the temperature, surface area,
pressure and concentration can increase
the rate of a reaction.
Explain how a catalyst increases the rate of
a reaction.
Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions
Describe exothermic reactions as releasing
energy into surroundings, heating them up.
Describe endothermic reactions as
absorbing energy from surroundings,
cooling them down.
Describe some uses of exothermic and
endothermic reactions.
Identify the symbol for a reversible
reaction.
Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
Describe chromatography as a technique
used to separate dissolved substances.
Compare the processes of paper and gas
chromatography.
Explain
how
paper
chromatography work.
and
gas
Understand what a ‘retention factor’ value
is and how it’s used.
Explain how a mass spectrometer works.
Describe how molecular ion peaks are used
to identify substances (HT).
Polymers and Materials
Describe polymer plastics as long chains of
monomers.
Identify the differences between high and
low density polyethene (HDPE/LDPE).
Explain the structures of thermosoftening
and thermosetting plastics.
Describe the structure of pure metals and
alloys.
Explain why metals conduct heat and
electricity (HT).
Describe uses of alloys and nanoparticles
[and fullerenes (HT)].
Calculations
Perform Mr and % mass calculations.
Calculate the empirical formulae
unknown compounds (HT).
of
Calculate % yield and
reactants/products (HT).
of
mass
Useful Resources
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GCSE AQA Additional Science Revision Guide
GCSE AQA Additional Science Workbook
Past exam papers
Kerboodle
BBC Bitesize
My GCSE Science (www.my-gcsescience.com)
Note: Page numbers for the revision guides will be added on by students in class