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How to do well for A level Chemistry

These slide describe the transition from O to A level chemistry and some tips on how to do well for Chemistry

KuaEric
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How to do well for A level Chemistry

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  1. Doing Well for Chemistry by Eric Kua

  2. Overview Concepts here To understand Systems here Appended from Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board; H2 Chemistry (2017) Syllabus

  3. Why is Chemistry so difficult at A-Levels? • Compared to O-Level, it is more stringent in terms of: • Understanding and Application of Concepts • “This syllabus is designed to place less emphasis on factual material and greater emphasis on the understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles” • Use of Key Scientific Terms • “Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions”

  4. Why is Chemistry so difficult at A-Levels? • Compared to O-Level, it is more stringent in terms of: • Integrating Knowledge across Core and Extension topics • “This curriculum framework provides students the opportunity to appreciate the connections between […] Core Ideas […] apply these to […] Extension Topics” • Linking Experimental Data with Theory *New* • “Experimental work is an important component and should underpin the teaching • and learning of Chemistry”

  5. Sample O-Level Exam Question • Topic: Organic Question • Propane is an alkane and propene is an alkene. • Compare the structure and properties of propane and propene. • Your answer should include a discussion of the similarities and differences in their • Structural formulae • Combustion reactions • Reaction with aqueous bromine. • Your answer should include equations for any reactions you discuss. [7] • Propane undergoes a photochemical substitution reaction with chlorine gas. • Explain, with the help of an equation, why this reaction is a substitution reaction and suggest • why it is described as photochemical. • [3] Very guided and based mostly on memory work

  6. Sample A-Level Exam Questions Given observations, students need to apply their organic knowledge to this context • Topic: Organic Deductive Question • Pulegone, A, isopulegone, B, and piperitone, C, are all isomers with the molecular formula C10H16O. • All three isomers decolourise bromine water, all give an orange precipitate with 2, 4–dinitrophenyhydrazine reagent but none reduces Fehling’s solution. • On treatment with H2 and a platinum catalyst, all three isomers are reduced to menthol. • When treated with hot concentrated KMnO4, A gives two compounds: D, C3H6O, and E, C7H10O2; B gives CO2 and compound F, C9H14O2 and C gives a single compound G, C10H16O4. • Compounds, D, F and G give a yellow precipitate with alkaline aqueous iodine. • Suggest structures for A – G and explain the observations described above. • [10m] Students need to “piece together” organic products to get the original compound hence the term “deductive”

  7. Sample A-Level Exam Questions Integrated data-based question, not commonly found in O-levels • Topic: Energetics, Gases & Bonding

  8. Sample A-Level Exam Questions • Topic: Energetics, Gases & Bonding (c) Methanol has the advantage of being a liquid at 25 oC, so it can be stored in conventional fuel tanks. Explain in terms of the intermolecular forces involved, two reasons why methanol has a significantly higher boiling point than methane. Common A level question which demands students to use their knowledge of theory on molecular interactions to explain physical phenomena (observation)

  9. How to Score Well in Chemistry? • Maintain completed set of notes and tutorials with • annotations and corrections for revision • Practice your calculations often for Physical Chemistry topics • Memorizereagent and conditions for organic reactions • Refer to Advanced level textbooks in the school library • for a more complete picture of the topics • Understand the key concepts

  10. How to Score Well in Chemistry? • Do MCQs to strengthen basic concepts and weed out • common misconceptions • Attempt challenging questions to stretch your mind • Create mind-maps to visualize how the topics are • developed (very useful for organic chemistry) • Get feedback from tutors on your answers *IMPT* • Practicedoing papers (TYS) under time constraint

  11. Contact Details: www.mrkhemistry.com 9853-7960

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