Chemistry

Course summary

Chemistry A Level focuses on developing and expanding the knowledge and practical skills gained at GCSE, to explain why things happen (e.g. why does a rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide mean that the coral reefs are being destroyed; why are certain compounds pretty colors and why can they change color; why do CFCs destroy the ozone layer?). During the AS Chemistry course, we studied the following topics: Atomic structure, rates of reaction, oxidation, and reduction (redox) reactions, chemical bonding, energetics, the chemistry of different groups on the Periodic table, the chemistry of different groups of organic (carbon-based) compounds and how they are analyzed by chemists. During A2 Chemistry the above topics are returned to and studied in more detail. Throughout the course you will also be allowed to practice, develop, and perfect different practical skills., such as using a titration to accurately calculate the concentration of ethanoic acid in vinegar, deciding which fuel releases the most heat energy, and investigating which factors affect the rate of a chemical reaction.