IB Chemistry HL study guide
IB Chemistry HL · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
IB Chemistry HL is the higher-level chemistry course within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a two-year pre-university qualification taught in schools worldwide and recognised by universities for admission and, in some cases, credit. It suits students who want a rigorous, experimentally grounded chemistry foundation: strong algebra, comfort with moles and stoichiometry, and willingness to explain reasoning rather than recall facts. The IB Chemistry HL study guide has 5 sections and about 1,872 words.
01Structure: Models of Matter, Bonding and Classification
Structure is the first core area of IB Chemistry HL and is examined across all papers. It covers the particulate model of matter, bonding and structure, and the classification of matter.
413 words, about 2 min02Reactivity: Energetics, Rates, Equilibrium and Transformations
Reactivity is the second core area and covers energy changes, the speed and extent of reactions, and proton, electron and electron-pair transfer. HL questions test multi-step calculations, mechanisms, and explanations using collision theory, entropy and Le Chatelier's principle.
368 words, about 2 min03Practical and Experimental Skills, Including Internal Assessment
This domain covers the practical programme and the Internal Assessment (IA). The IA is an individual scientific investigation worth 20% of the final grade, assessed against criteria for research design, data collection and processing, analysis, evaluation and communication.
377 words, about 2 min04Options: Applying Core Chemistry to a Chosen Context
In Paper 3 Section B you answer questions on one of four options: Materials, Biochemistry, Energy or Medicinal chemistry. The option is not isolated facts to memorise; it tests your ability to apply core ideas-bonding, equilibrium, kinetics, organic functional groups and energetics-to a specific context.
354 words, about 2 min05Experimental Programme and Scientific Inquiry Skills
This domain covers the scientific inquiry skills developed across the practical programme: designing investigations, collecting and processing data, and evaluating evidence. It is assessed in the IA and in Paper 3 Section A, where you interpret experimental data and suggest improvements.
360 words, about 2 min