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Topic 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the arrangement of sub-atomic particles and electrons explain the structure of the periodic table?

Sub-atomic particles, isotopes and mass spectrometry, electronic configuration in sub-shells, ionisation energies and the evidence they provide for shell and sub-shell structure.
An Edexcel 9CH0 Topic 1 answer covering protons, neutrons and electrons, isotopes and mass spectrometry, electron configuration in sub-shells, and the ionisation energy evidence for shell structure.
9 min answer →

How do the types of bonding and structure explain the physical properties of substances?

Ionic, covalent (including dative) and metallic bonding, electronegativity and bond polarity, the shapes of simple molecules and ions, and the four types of crystal structure.
An Edexcel 9CH0 Topic 2 answer covering ionic, covalent, dative and metallic bonding, electronegativity and polarity, molecular shapes from electron-pair repulsion, and the four crystal structures.
9 min answer →

How do we count and measure the particles taking part in chemical reactions?

The mole and the Avogadro constant, empirical and molecular formulae, balanced equations, the ideal gas equation, concentration and titration calculations, percentage yield and atom economy.
An Edexcel 9CH0 Topic 5 answer covering the mole, empirical and molecular formulae, balanced equations, the ideal gas equation, concentration and titrations, percentage yield and atom economy.
9 min answer →

What trends and patterns appear as we move across periods and down groups of the periodic table?

Periodicity in ionisation energy and physical properties, the reactions and trends of Group 2 (the alkaline earth metals) and Group 7 (the halogens), and the chemical tests that identify them.
An Edexcel 9CH0 Topic 4 answer covering periodicity, the trends and reactions of Group 2 and Group 7, halide ion tests, and the explanations behind the patterns.
9 min answer →

How do we name, classify and predict the reactions of the simplest hydrocarbons?

Nomenclature and isomerism, the reactions of alkanes (combustion and free-radical substitution), and the reactions of alkenes (electrophilic addition and addition polymerisation) including Markownikoff's rule.
An Edexcel 9CH0 Topic 6 answer covering organic nomenclature and isomerism, alkane combustion and free-radical substitution, and alkene electrophilic addition and addition polymerisation.
9 min answer →

How do we track and balance the transfer of electrons in chemical reactions?

Oxidation numbers, oxidation and reduction as electron transfer, oxidising and reducing agents, ionic half-equations and the construction of balanced redox equations including disproportionation.
An Edexcel 9CH0 Topic 3 answer covering oxidation numbers, oxidation and reduction as electron transfer, oxidising and reducing agents, half-equations, and disproportionation.
8 min answer →