Chemistry

Chemistry — IGCSE

British Curriculum · Cambridge Assessment International Education · Years 10-11 · Ages 14-16

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620/0971) is examined at Core and Extended tier, with Extended required for A Level. Assessment combines multiple choice, a theory paper and either the Alternative to Practical or a laboratory examination.

Content covers states of matter, atoms and bonding, stoichiometry and the mole, electrochemistry, chemical energetics, rates and reversible reactions, acids bases and salts, the periodic table, metals, chemistry of the environment, and organic chemistry.

Mole calculations run through the whole paper and are the clearest predictor of a strong grade. Students who set working out formally — moles, ratio, answer, units — convert their understanding into marks far more reliably than those who work in their heads.

Key topics covered

• States of Matter & Separation — Particle theory, diffusion, and separating and purifying substances.
• Atoms, Elements & Bonding — Atomic structure, isotopes, ionic, covalent and metallic bonding.
• Stoichiometry — The mole, reacting masses, concentration, percentage yield and empirical formulae.
• Electrochemistry & Energetics — Electrolysis, cells, exothermic and endothermic reactions and bond energies.
• Rates & Equilibria — Factors affecting rate, catalysts and reversible reactions.
• Acids, Bases & the Periodic Table — pH, salt preparation, titration, group trends and metal reactivity.
• Organic & Environmental Chemistry — Fuels, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, polymers, air quality and water treatment.