CCEA A-Level Chemistry A2 1 Further Physical and Organic Chemistry: a complete overview

What this module demands

A2 1 Further Physical and Organic Chemistry is the most demanding unit of the qualification. It deepens physical chemistry with thermodynamics, rate equations, gaseous equilibria and acid-base chemistry, and extends organic chemistry through stereochemistry and four new functional-group families plus aromatic chemistry. CCEA rewards fluent multi-step calculation, the linking of kinetics to mechanism, and precise organic reactions and tests.

This guide walks through the nine dot points of the module, then sets out the exam patterns CCEA repeats. Each topic has a matching dot-point page with practice questions; this overview ties them together.

Thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibria

Thermodynamics and lattice enthalpy builds Born-Haber cycles, uses enthalpies of solution and hydration, introduces entropy and decides feasibility from $\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S$. Kinetics: rate equations finds orders and the rate constant from data, uses half-life, and links the rate-determining step to the mechanism. Equilibrium Kp uses partial pressures and mole fractions to write and calculate $K_p$ for gaseous equilibria.

Acid-base equilibria

Acid-base equilibria uses the Bronsted-Lowry theory, distinguishes strong and weak acids and bases, calculates pH from $K_a$ and $K_w$, interprets titration curves and chooses indicators, and explains buffer action. It is one of the most calculation-intensive topics in the unit.

Stereochemistry and organic families

Isomerism and stereochemistry covers E-Z and optical isomerism, chirality and the importance of stereochemistry in drugs. Carbonyl compounds covers aldehydes and ketones, nucleophilic addition, and the tests that distinguish them. Carboxylic acids and derivatives covers acidity, esters, acyl chlorides and anhydrides, and soaps and biodiesel. Amines and amino acids covers basicity, zwitterions, the isoelectric point and peptide bonds.

Aromatic chemistry

Aromatic chemistry covers the delocalised structure of benzene, the evidence for delocalisation, electrophilic substitution such as nitration, and the comparison of benzene with alkenes and of phenol with benzene.

How this module is examined

A typical CCEA profile for A2 1:

• Multi-step calculations. Born-Haber cycles, free energy, rate equations, $K_p$ and pH and buffer calculations, with marks for working and units.
• Mechanism and feasibility. Linking rate equations to mechanisms and deciding feasibility from $\Delta G$.
• Organic reactions and tests. The reactions of carbonyls, acids, amines and amino acids, and the chemical tests for aldehydes.
• Aromatic chemistry. Drawing electrophilic substitution mechanisms and explaining the stability of benzene and the reactivity of phenol.

Check your knowledge

A mix of calculation, recall and application questions covering the module. Attempt them under timed conditions, then check against the solutions.

1. State the condition on the free energy change for a reaction to be feasible. (1 mark)
2. State how the order of a reaction is determined. (1 mark)
3. State which single factor changes the value of Kp. (1 mark)
4. Calculate the pH of 0.10 mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid. (1 mark)
5. State the requirement for a carbon atom to be a chiral centre. (1 mark)
6. State the result of warming an aldehyde with Tollens reagent. (1 mark)
7. Name the products of the alkaline hydrolysis of an ester. (2 marks)
8. State the type of reaction benzene undergoes with electrophiles. (1 mark)