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EnglandCombined Science

AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Chemistry - overview of the nine chemistry topics

An overview of the chemistry content in AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464), mapping the nine chemistry topics from atomic structure to the atmosphere and resources, how they are examined across Chemistry Paper 1 and Paper 2, and how to study them for top grades.

Generated by Claude Opus 4.88 min read8464 Chemistry

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  1. The nine chemistry topics
  2. How the chemistry topics are examined
  3. How to study the chemistry topics
  4. For the official specification

The chemistry content of AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (specification 8464) is organised into nine topics. They make up the chemistry third of the award and are examined across two chemistry papers. This page maps the topics and links to a focused answer page for each.

The nine chemistry topics

Atomic structure and the periodic table
Atoms, elements and compounds, the development of the atomic model, the structure of the atom and electronic structure, isotopes, and the periodic table including Groups 1, 7 and 0.
Bonding, structure and properties
Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, the states of matter, and how structure explains the properties of ionic compounds, small molecules, giant covalent structures, polymers and metals.
Quantitative chemistry
Conservation of mass, relative formula mass, the mole, reacting masses, limiting reactants, and concentration of solutions.
Chemical changes
The reactivity series and metal extraction, the reactions of acids, neutralisation and the pH scale, making salts, and electrolysis.
Energy changes
Exothermic and endothermic reactions and their uses, reaction profiles and activation energy, and bond energies.
The rate and extent of chemical change
Measuring rate, collision theory and the factors affecting rate, catalysts, and reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium.
Organic chemistry
Crude oil, hydrocarbons and the alkanes, fractional distillation, combustion, and cracking to make alkenes.
Chemical analysis
Pure substances and formulations, chromatography and the Rf value, and the tests for common gases.
Chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources
The evolution and composition of the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and climate change, atmospheric pollutants, and using resources sustainably including potable water.

How the chemistry topics are examined

Chemistry in Combined Science is assessed by two written papers, each 1 hour 15 minutes and worth 70 marks:

  • Chemistry Paper 1 covers topics 8 to 12 (Atomic structure, Bonding, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes).
  • Chemistry Paper 2 covers topics 13 to 17 (Rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere, Using resources).

Each paper is one sixth of the overall Combined Science grade.

How to study the chemistry topics

Chemistry rewards confident calculation and precise recall.

  1. Work from the specification statements. Each numbered point is a checklist; questions are written from them.
  2. Drill the maths. Moles, reacting masses and concentration must be automatic, because chemistry is the most mathematical science.
  3. Learn definitions and equations. Neutralisation, collision theory and bond energy are marked on precise wording.
  4. Master the required practicals. Titration, making salts and electrolysis recur across the papers.
  5. Practise six-mark questions. Extended responses reward a clear, well-linked explanation.

For the official specification

AQA publishes the full specification, past papers and mark schemes at aqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification and AQA's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.

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