Topic One (1.1): Transition From IGCSE

Introduction

This topic reviews the knowledge and skills you gained at IGCSE. You will need to build on those skills to progress, so take your time to refresh these ideas before moving on. If you have them, keep your IGCSE textbooks to hand as they might be useful. You should have also registered your ActiveBook account, as outlined on pages viii-ix of your textbook.

Reading

Edexcel AS/A Level Chemistry Student Book 1 pages 290 to 295, pages viii to ix, pages 1 to 15

Tasks

Complete the following:

• Read pages 1 to 15 (B. page 3 appears to be missing but this is due to the book’s layout). This section reviews IGCSE Chemistry but spend the time you need ensuring you have the skill set required as a foundation to study AS.

WATCH – How to Write Chemical Formulae (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Balancing Chemical Equations (Khan Academy) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Qualitative Observations (RSC) Links to an external site.

• Write all chemical tests onto revision cards and learn them.

PRINT OFF & READ – Module One Transition Summary Sheets Download PRINT OFF & READ – Module One Transition Summary Sheets

COMPLETE – Worksheets 1 to 4 Download COMPLETE – Worksheets 1 to 4

• Check your answers. This will give you hints on answering questions.

REVIEW – Answers to Worksheets 1-4 Download REVIEW – Answers to Worksheets 1-4

REVIEW – Exemplar Resources (Examples of Student Answers, Module One) Download REVIEW – Exemplar Resources (Examples of Student Answers, Module One)

COMPLETE – Base-line Assessment Download COMPLETE – Base-line Assessment

• Use the mark scheme to correct your work.

REVIEW – Answers to Base-line Assessment Download REVIEW – Answers to Base-line Assessment

• Is there any area of weakness? If there is, ask your tutor for help.

Top Tips

Make sure that you understand the following key points:

• Remember you never change formula when trying to balance equations. The large numbers (coefficients) representing moles are changed and fractions like ½ O₂ are fine.
• Always be precise with your language. If you mean H⁺ say hydrogen If you mean H₂ say hydrogen gas.

Key Terms

Add the following subject vocabulary with definitions to your glossary.

• Coefficient
• Spectator ion
• Displacement reaction
• Precipitation reaction

Consolidate

Extend your understanding by working through these additional resources/tasks:

• Practise writing full and ionic equations for different reactions of acids.