Introductory Ideas - Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry

Topics

Understanding how to classify a substance as an element, a compound or a mixture

Knowing what is meant by the terms atom and molecule and understand that not all substances exist as molecules

Knowing the names and symbols of common elements

Knowing that the Periodic Table is an arrangement of elements in groups and periods

Understanding what is meant by a chemical formula, including use of brackets (not water of crystallisation at this stage)

Naming simple binary compounds (including use of mono, di, tri etc (but not oxidation state at this stage)

Understanding the use of word equations to describe chemical reactions

Understanding what is meant by state symbols s, l, g and aq

Describing a test for the presence of water using of anhydrous copper(II) sulfate

Describing a physical test to show whether a sample of water is pure

Knowing that elements can be classified as metals and non-metals according to their position in the Periodic Table and their electrical conductivity

Appreciating that the name of some chemical compounds do not follow a system and know the name and formula of water, ammonia, methane, hydrochloric, sulphuric and nitric acids

Recognising and name common atom groupings, restricted to hydroxide, ammonium, carbonate, sulphate and nitrate (no information about ions or charges at this stage)

Understanding what is meant by a balanced chemical equation and be able to write balanced equations given sufficient information about the formulae of reactants and products

Describing tests for these gases:
• hydrogen
• oxygen
• carbon dioxide
• ammonia
• chlorine