Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry · Section 1
Principles of Chemistry
Particles, mixtures, atomic structure, the periodic table, formulae, moles, bonding and electrolysis.
What this section covers
This section builds the foundations for the course. Students revise particle theory, separation techniques, atomic structure, calculations, bonding and electrolysis before moving into the rest of Chemistry.
- Describe particles, changes of state and separating mixtures.
- Use atomic structure, electronic configuration and the periodic table.
- Apply formulae, equations, mole calculations, bonding and electrolysis ideas.
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1
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States of Matter
Spec 1.1-1.2
Covers compare particles in solids, liquids and gases, Name each change of state and Explain state changes without overgeneralising particle spacing.
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2
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Serial Dilution and the Particle Model
Spec 1.3
Covers carry out a serial dilution, Explain the colour change using particles and Distinguish dilution from diffusion.
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3
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Diffusion & Key Terms
Spec 1.3-1.4
Diffusion and the key chemistry terms you need, explained with the particle model.
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4
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Solubility and Solubility Curves (Paper 2)
Spec 1.5C-1.7C
Covers use the correct definition of solubility, Read and interpret solubility curves and Describe a controlled method for measuring solubility.
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5
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Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
Spec 1.8-1.9
The differences between elements, compounds and mixtures, with examples.
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6
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Separating Mixtures
Spec 1.10
Separating mixtures by filtration, crystallisation, evaporation and distillation.
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7
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Chromatography & Rf Values
Spec 1.11-1.13
How paper chromatography separates mixtures, and how to calculate Rf values.
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8
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Atomic Structure & Isotopes
Spec 1.14-1.17
The structure of the atom, atomic number and mass number, and isotopes.
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9
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The Periodic Table & Electronic Configuration
Spec 1.18-1.19
How the periodic table is arranged and how to write electronic configurations.
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10
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Classifying Elements Using Conductivity and Oxides
Spec 1.20
Covers use conductivity to classify elements, Link metal oxides to basic behaviour and Link non-metal oxides to acidic behaviour.
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11
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Groups, Metals & Non-metals
Spec 1.20-1.24
Groups and periods, and the properties of metals and non-metals.
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12
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Equations & Relative Formula Mass
Spec 1.25-1.26
Writing balanced chemical equations and calculating relative formula mass.
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13
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The Mole, Reacting Masses & % Yield
Spec 1.27-1.30
The mole, reacting-mass calculations and percentage yield.
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14
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Empirical and Molecular Formulae from Data
Spec 1.31, 1.33
Covers find empirical formulae from experimental masses, Use water-of-crystallisation data and Find molecular formulae from Mr.
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15
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Empirical & Molecular Formulae
Spec 1.31-1.36
How to work out empirical and molecular formulae from experimental data.
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16
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Mole Calculations: Solutions & Gas Volumes
Spec 1.34C-1.35C
Mole calculations involving the concentrations of solutions and volumes of gases.
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17
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Ionic Bonding
Spec 1.37-1.43
How ionic bonds form, ionic structures, and the properties of ionic compounds.
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18
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Ion Charges, Ionic Formulae and Dot-and-Cross Diagrams
Spec 1.38-1.40
Covers recall the required ion charges, Construct neutral ionic formulae and Draw dot-and-cross diagrams for unequal ion ratios.
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19
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Covalent Bonding & Simple Molecules
Spec 1.44-1.48
How covalent bonds form and the properties of simple molecular substances.
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20
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Covalent Bonds, Dot-and-Cross Diagrams and Boiling Points
Spec 1.45-1.48
Covers explain the electrostatic attraction in a covalent bond, Draw the required range of simple molecules and Link relative molecular mass to melting and boiling point.
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21
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Giant Covalent Structures
Spec 1.49-1.51
Giant covalent structures such as diamond, graphite and silicon dioxide.
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22
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Diamond, Graphite and C60 Compared
Spec 1.50
Covers compare bonding in three carbon allotropes, Explain hardness and conductivity and Explain melting-point differences.
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23
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Metallic Bonding
Spec 1.52C-1.54C
How metallic bonding works and how it explains the properties of metals.
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24
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Electrolysis Principles (Paper 2)
Spec 1.55C-1.58C
Covers define an electrolyte accurately, Explain ion movement and electron transfer and Predict products for molten and named aqueous electrolytes.
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25
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Electrolysis Experiments and Half-Equations (Paper 2)
Spec 1.58C-1.60C
Covers recall the products for four named electrolytes, Write balanced electrode half-equations and Describe a safe, reproducible aqueous electrolysis practical.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three states of matter?
Solid, liquid and gas. The particle model explains their properties and the changes of state between them.
What is the difference between an element, a compound and a mixture?
An element contains only one type of atom; a compound has different elements chemically bonded together; a mixture contains substances that are not chemically joined.
What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonding?
Ionic bonding transfers electrons between a metal and a non-metal; covalent bonding shares electrons between non-metals.
How do you calculate the number of moles?
Moles = mass ÷ relative formula mass (Mr). For a solution, moles = concentration × volume.
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