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EnglandCombined Science

Chemistry: Chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources

9 dot points across 9 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How did Earth's atmosphere form, and how do we use and protect our resources?

The evolution of the atmosphere and the present composition, greenhouse gases and climate change, atmospheric pollutants from fuels, and using the Earth's resources sustainably including potable water and recycling.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources topics, covering the evolution and composition of the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and climate change, atmospheric pollutants, and using resources sustainably including potable water.
8 min answer →

What are atoms made of, and how does the periodic table organise the elements?

Atoms, elements and compounds, the development of the atomic model, the structure of the atom and electronic structure, isotopes and relative atomic mass, the periodic table and its development, and the properties of metals, non-metals, Group 1, Group 7 and Group 0.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Atomic structure and the periodic table topic, covering atoms, elements and compounds, the development of the atomic model, electronic structure, isotopes, and the periodic table including Groups 1, 7 and 0.
9 min answer →

How are atoms held together, and how does bonding explain the properties of materials?

The three types of bonding (ionic, covalent and metallic), how to represent them, the states of matter and changes of state, and how the structures of ionic compounds, small molecules, giant covalent structures, polymers and metals explain their properties.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Bonding and structure topic, covering ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, the states of matter, and how the structure of ionic compounds, simple molecules, giant covalent structures, polymers and metals explains their properties.
9 min answer →

How do chemists test for and identify the substances in a sample?

Pure substances and formulations, chromatography and the Rf value, and the tests for common gases (hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and chlorine).
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Chemical analysis topic, covering pure substances and formulations, chromatography and the Rf value, and the laboratory tests for hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and chlorine.
7 min answer →

How do metals, acids and bases react, and how can we use electrolysis to extract elements?

The reactivity series and metal extraction, the reactions of acids with metals, bases and carbonates, neutralisation and the pH scale, making soluble salts, and electrolysis of molten compounds and aqueous solutions.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Chemical changes topic, covering the reactivity series and metal extraction, reactions of acids, neutralisation and the pH scale, making salts, and electrolysis of molten and aqueous compounds.
9 min answer →

Why do some reactions release energy and others take it in?

Exothermic and endothermic reactions and their everyday uses, reaction profiles and activation energy, and the energy changes involved in breaking and making bonds.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Energy changes topic, covering exothermic and endothermic reactions and their uses, reaction profiles and activation energy, and the energy changes when bonds are broken and made.
8 min answer →

Where do fuels and plastics come from, and what are hydrocarbons?

Crude oil, hydrocarbons and the alkanes, fractional distillation and the uses of fractions, the properties of hydrocarbons and combustion, and cracking to produce alkenes and more useful products.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Organic chemistry topic, covering crude oil and hydrocarbons, the alkanes, fractional distillation and the uses of fractions, combustion, and cracking to make alkenes.
8 min answer →

How do chemists count and measure the amounts of substances in a reaction?

Conservation of mass and balanced equations, relative formula mass, the mole and Avogadro's number, calculating amounts and masses in reactions, limiting reactants, and concentration of solutions.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Quantitative chemistry topic, covering conservation of mass, relative formula mass, the mole, calculating reacting masses, limiting reactants, and the concentration of solutions.
8 min answer →

What controls how fast a reaction goes and how far it proceeds?

Calculating and measuring rate of reaction, the factors affecting rate and collision theory, the action of catalysts, and reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium including Le Chatelier's principle.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Rate and extent of chemical change topic, covering measuring rate of reaction, collision theory and the factors affecting rate, catalysts, and reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium.
8 min answer →