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Topic 9: Separate chemistry 2

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the alcohols and carboxylic acids, and how do they react?

Alcohols and carboxylic acids: the alcohol and carboxylic acid homologous series, their functional groups, the reactions of alcohols including combustion and oxidation, and the reactions of carboxylic acids.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Chemistry topic 9 (separate chemistry), covering the alcohol and carboxylic acid homologous series and their functional groups, how alcohols are made by fermentation and how they burn and are oxidised, and the reactions of carboxylic acids as weak acids including with carbonates.
9 min answer →

How are polymers made, and how do we compare materials and their life cycles?

Polymers and materials: addition polymerisation of alkenes, condensation polymerisation, the properties and uses of polymers, comparing materials, and life cycle assessment.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Chemistry topic 9 (separate chemistry), covering addition polymerisation of alkenes and drawing repeating units, condensation polymerisation, the properties and uses of common polymers, comparing materials such as polymers, ceramics, composites and metals, and life cycle assessment.
9 min answer →

How do we identify the ions in an unknown compound by chemical tests?

Qualitative analysis tests for ions: flame tests for metal cations, tests for cations using sodium hydroxide, tests for anions (carbonate, sulfate, halide), and identifying ions in an unknown salt.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Chemistry topic 9 (separate chemistry), covering flame tests for metal ions, the sodium hydroxide test for metal cations and the colours of the precipitates, tests for carbonate, sulfate and halide anions, and how to identify the ions in an unknown salt.
9 min answer →