Key Ideas: Chemistry

Understand that chemistry is a fundamental science that helps us understand the structure and properties of matter, and how it interacts and changes through chemical reactions.
Learn that chemical reactions are classified into different types including synthesis, decomposition, displacement, and acid-base reactions.
Familiarize with the concept of atoms, which is the basic unit of a chemical element and is composed of sub-particles namely protons, neutrons and electrons.
Acquaint with the Periodic Table of Elements, which arranges chemical elements according to their chemical properties and atomic numbers.
Recognize the role of chemical equations in representing chemical reactions, keeping in mind the law of conservation of matter which states that matter cannot be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Grasp the concept of moles and molar mass, which are key in performing stoichiometric calculations.
Realize the importance of chemical bonding, which is the attraction between atoms enabling the formation of chemical compounds.
Touch upon rate of reaction, factors affecting it and ways to measure it.
Dive into the concept of energetic, studying exothermic and endothermic reactions, energy changes and energy profiles.
Realize the vital role chemistry plays in sustaining life on Earth through its contribution to the development of sustainable technologies and materials. For instance, chemistry helps develop recyclable materials, renewable energy sources and less harmful manufacturing processes.
Understand that every day materials, their properties and uses are relied upon chemical foundations. For example, the properties of metals from their metallic bonding or detergents from their molecular structure.
Know the impact of human activities on Earth’s atmosphere from a chemical perspective. This includes understanding greenhouse gases and their contribution to climate change.
Understand the chemical strategies put in place to tackle and reduce pollution, such as techniques to reduce carbon emissions or disposal and recycling methods for plastic waste.

Use this content to prepare for your sustainable future unit. This will support your understanding of core scientific principles, and allow you to apply this knowledge to the practical applications discussed in the syllabus.