Chemistry Study Notes

In this area of study students focus on analysing and comparing a range of fossil fuels and biofuels as energy sources for society, and carbohydrates, proteins and lipids as fuel sources for the body. They write balanced thermochemical equations for the combustion of various fuels. The amounts of energy and gases produced in combustion reactions are quantified using stoichiometry. They explore how energy can be sustainably produced from chemicals to meet the needs of society while minimising negative impacts on the environment. Outcome 1 On completion of this unit the student should be able to compare fuels quantitatively with reference to combustion products and energy outputs, apply knowledge of the electrochemical series to design, construct and test primary cells and fuel cells, and evaluate the sustainability of electrochemical cells in producing energy for society. Key knowledge

In this area of study, students explore the factors that affect the rate and yield of equilibrium and electrolytic reactions involved in producing important materials for society. Reactants and products in chemical reactions are treated qualitatively through the application of Le Chatelier’s principle and quantified using equilibrium expressions, reaction quotients and Faraday’s Laws. Students explore the sustainability of different options for producing useful materials for society. Outcome 2 On completion of this unit the student should be able to experimentally analyse chemical systems to predict how the rate and extent of chemical reactions can be optimised, explain how electrolysis is involved in the production of chemicals, and evaluate the sustainability of electrolytic processes in producing useful materials for society. Key knowledge

A student-designed scientific investigation is undertaken in either Unit 3 or Unit 4, or across both Units 3 and 4, and is assessed in Unit 4 Outcome 3. The investigation involves the generation of primary data related to the production of energy and/or chemicals and/or the analysis or synthesis of organic compounds. Students apply the key science skills to develop a question, state an aim, formulate a hypothesis and plan a course of action to answer the question, while complying with safety and ethical guidelines. Students then undertake an experiment to generate primary quantitative data, analyse and evaluate the data, identify limitations of data and methods, link experimental results to scientific ideas, discuss implications of the results, and draw a conclusion in response to the question. (Assessment details for this investigation are provided under Unit 4 Outcome 3.)

In this area of study students focus on the structure, naming, properties and reactions of organic compounds, including the chemical reactions associated with the metabolism of food. They explore how synthetic organic compounds can be produced more sustainably for use in society. Outcome 1 On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the general structures and reactions of the major organic families of compounds, design reaction pathways for organic synthesis, and evaluate the sustainability of the manufacture of organic compounds used in society. Key knowledge

In this area of study students focus on laboratory and instrumental analyses of organic compounds, and the function of some organic compounds as medicines. They use distillation to separate mixtures, use volumetric analysis to calculate redox quantities, and explore how instrumental analysis is used to ensure the quality of consumer products. Students explain how some medicines that bind to the active sites of enzymes function by inhibiting the enzymes’ mode of action. Outcome 2 On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply qualitative and quantitative tests to analyse organic compounds and their structural characteristics, deduce structures of organic compounds using instrumental analysis data, explain how some medicines function, and experimentally analyse how some natural medicines can be extracted and purified. Key knowledge

Students undertake a student-designed scientific investigation in either Unit 3 or Unit 4, or across both Units 3 and 4. The investigation involves the generation of primary data related to the production of energy and/or chemicals and/or the analysis or synthesis of organic compounds. The design, analysis and findings are presented in a scientific poster. Outcome 3 On completion of this unit the student should be able to design and conduct a scientific investigation related to the production of energy and/or chemicals and/or the analysis or synthesis of organic compounds, and present an aim, methodology and method, results, discussion and conclusion in a scientific poster. Key knowledge