Cambridge IAL Chemistry study plan

Derive and apply the ideal gas equation, including unit conversions between Pa, dm³ and K, and solve combined gas-law problems

Calculate enthalpy changes from formation, combustion and bond-enthalpy data using Hess cycles, and draw the cycles correctly

State and apply the first law of thermodynamics in the context of ΔH and ΔE, and explain why they differ for reactions involving gases

Construct and interpret Born–Haber cycles for ionic compounds, including lattice enthalpy and hydration enthalpy terms

Apply Le Chatelier's principle and the equilibrium constant Kc/Kp to predict and calculate shifts in homogeneous equilibria

Perform ICE-table calculations for Kc and Kp, including partial pressures from mole fractions

Explain the effect of temperature, pressure and catalysts on equilibrium position and on the value of K

Apply the concept of entropy and Gibbs free energy to predict the feasibility of a reaction and the temperature at which it becomes feasible

Calculate reaction rates from concentration–time and rate–time graphs, including initial rate and half-life

Determine rate equations and orders of reaction from experimental data, and deduce the rate-determining step

Explain and apply the Arrhenius equation, including graphical determination of activation energy from ln k vs 1/T

Describe and explain the effect of temperature, concentration, pressure, surface area and catalysts on rate using collision theory

Apply acid–base theory including Brønsted–Lowry and Lewis definitions, and calculate pH for strong and weak acids and bases

Perform buffer calculations using the Henderson–Hasselbalch relationship and explain buffer action

Construct and interpret titration curves and select suitable indicators

Describe the structure and bonding of period 3 elements and their oxides, and relate the acid–base character of oxides to structure

Describe the trends in atomic radius, ionisation energy and electronegativity across period 3 and down groups, and explain them in terms of nuclear charge, shielding and atomic radius

Explain the variation in melting point of period 3 elements in terms of structure and bonding

Describe the reactions of period 3 elements and their oxides with water, acids and alkalis, and write balanced equations

Describe the thermal stability and solubility trends of Group 2 hydroxides and sulfates, and explain them using lattice and hydration enthalpies

Describe the reactions of the halogens and halide ions, including displacement reactions and tests for halide ions

Describe the bonding and structure of transition metal complexes, including ligand types, coordination number and shape

Explain the origin of colour in transition metal complexes using d-orbital splitting and ligand substitution

Apply the concept of ligand substitution and stability constants to predict complex formation

Describe the reactions of transition metal ions with hydroxide and ammonia, and interpret the observations

Classify organic reactions as substitution, addition, elimination or oxidation and identify the functional group changes

Draw and name organic structures using IUPAC rules, including stereochemistry and E/Z isomerism

Describe and apply the mechanisms of nucleophilic substitution (SN1 and SN2) and elimination, and explain the effect of structure and conditions on the pathway

Describe the reactions of alcohols, halogenoalkanes, aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids, and write balanced equations

Describe the reactions of benzene and its derivatives in terms of electrophilic substitution and explain the role of the delocalised ring

Predict and explain the products of organic synthesis routes, including functional group interconversions

Design and evaluate a practical method, including choice of apparatus, control of variables and safety considerations

Analyse experimental data using appropriate significant figures, uncertainties and error propagation

Evaluate sources of error and suggest improvements to a given experimental procedure

Interpret unfamiliar practical scenarios and apply chemical principles to explain observations

Complete a full timed mock paper under exam conditions and review every error