Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Topic 1 REVISION (Key concepts in Chemistry)

This is an engaging revision lesson which uses a range of exam questions, understanding checks, differentiated tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content within topic 1 (Key concepts in Chemistry) of the Edexcel GCSE Chemistry specification. Topic 1 is assessed in both papers 1 and 2, and therefore this lesson has been written in the detail that means it is likely to be used over the course of a number of lessons.

The specification points that are covered in this revision lesson include:

ATOMIC STRUCTURE

• Explain why atoms contain equal numbers of protons and electrons
• Recall the meaning of the term mass number of an atom
• Describe atoms of a given element as having the same number of protons in the nucleus and that this number is unique to that element
• Describe isotopes as different atoms of the same element containing the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei
• Calculate the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms given the atomic number and mass number
• Calculate the relative atomic mass of an element from the relative masses and abundances of its isotopes

IONIC BONDING

• Explain how ionic bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons between atoms
• Recall that an ion is an atom or group of atoms with a positive or negative charge
• Calculate the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in simple ions given the atomic number and mass number
• Explain the formation of ions in ionic compounds from their atoms, limited to compounds of elements in groups 1, 2, 6 and 7
• Deduce the formulae of ionic compounds (including oxides, hydroxides, halides, nitrates, carbonates and sulfates) given the formulae of the constituent ions

COVALENT BONDING

• Explain how a covalent bond is formed when a pair of electrons is shared between two atoms
• Explain the formation of simple molecular, covalent substances, using dot and cross diagrams

TYPES OF SUBSTANCE

• Explain the properties of typical covalent, simple molecular compounds
• Recall that graphite and diamond are different forms of carbon and that they are examples of giant covalent substances
• Describe the structures of graphite and diamond
• Explain the properties of metals, including malleability and the ability to conduct electricity

CALCULATIONS INVOLVING MASSES

• Calculate relative formula mass given relative atomic masses
• Calculate masses of reactants and products from balanced equations, given the mass of one substance

The students will thoroughly enjoy the range of activities, which includes a quiz competition called “POLLUTE THE AIR…WITH THE ANSWER” where they have to compete to be the 1st to recognise a pollutant gas from a series of clues whilst crucially being able to recognise the areas of this topic which need their further attention. This lesson can be used as revision resource at the end of the topic or in the lead up to mocks or the actual GCSE exams