This module is designed to build upon the fundamental concepts learned in GCSE Chemistry.
Models that were sufficient to explain and predict the chemistry at GCSE level are modified and extended to be able to explain the properties and reactions of a wider range of chemical species that are encountered at Advanced Level.
Examples of this include:
- refining the model of electronic structure of atoms and ions to explain the formation of compounds where atoms expand their octet.
- development of the ideal gas equation for the calculation of the amount of gases under non-standard conditions.
- introduction of the oxidation numbers model to allow students to identify REDOX reactions for more challenging examples that don’t involve simple ions.
- explanation and application of electronegativity to allow students to appreciate the non-binsary nature of bonding, i.e. ionic ‘v’ covalent. Also, electronegativity is used to explain the polarity of bonds and the resulting strength of intermolecular forces.