Cambridge IAL Chemistry study guide
Cambridge IAL Chemistry · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701) is a Cambridge Advanced qualification for learners who have completed Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry or an equivalent course and want to study chemistry, or a related science subject, at university. The syllabus builds on that earlier foundation and covers the main theoretical concepts fundamental to the subject, some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. The stated aim is understanding and application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts, not recall alone; the course is described as encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving that transfer to future study and careers. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination rather than through coursework. The Cambridge IAL Chemistry study guide has 4 sections and about 1,601 words.
01Physical Chemistry
Physical chemistry in Cambridge IAL Chemistry tests quantitative and explanatory reasoning: moles and stoichiometry, enthalpy changes, reaction rates, equilibria, acids and bases, redox and electrochemistry. Questions often combine a calculation with a justification, so show units, state symbols and the model you are using.
402 words, about 2 min02Inorganic Chemistry
Inorganic chemistry in Cambridge IAL Chemistry examines periodic trends and the descriptive chemistry of Groups 2 and 17 and the transition elements. Explanations must link observed properties to structure, bonding, charge density and redox, not just state a trend.
390 words, about 2 min03Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry in Cambridge IAL Chemistry tests structure, naming, isomerism, reaction mechanisms and functional-group interconversions. Marks are lost less often from not knowing a reaction than from an incomplete mechanism or an imprecise condition.
383 words, about 2 min04Advanced Practical Skills
Advanced practical skills in Cambridge IAL Chemistry tests how reliably you can plan, carry out and evaluate an experiment. Paper 3 questions commonly involve titration, qualitative analysis, enthalpy measurement, gas collection, uncertainty and graph work, with marks for method as well as final value.
426 words, about 2 min