WJEC GCSE CHEMISTRY - PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

Assessment Objective 1 (AO1)

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts, facts, and procedures relevant to practical tasks

Assessment Objective 2 (AO2)

Applies knowledge and understanding to interpret data, make predictions, and explain practical outcomes.

Assessment Objective 3 (AO3)

Analyzes and evaluates information, identifying patterns, drawing conclusions, and assessing experimental methods.

Risk Assessment

The process of identifying potential hazards in a practical experiment and implementing measures to minimize risks.

Safety Precautions

Actions like wearing safety goggles, using gloves, and working in well-ventilated areas to ensure safety during experiments

Control Variable

A factor kept constant in an experiment to ensure a fair test and reliable results.

Independent Variable

The variable that is deliberately changed in an experiment to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment as a result of changes in the independent variable

Accurate Measurements

Using appropriate equipment like burettes, pipettes, or digital balances to ensure precise and reliable data.

Data Presentation

Displaying experimental results using tables, graphs, or charts for easier analysis and interpretation.

Evaluating Results

Reviewing the accuracy and reliability of data, identifying errors, and suggesting improvements for future experiments.

Systematic Error

An error caused by faulty equipment or consistent experimental flaws, leading to inaccurate results

Random Error

An unpredictable error caused by factors like human reaction time or slight equipment variations.

Titration Experiment

A method to determine the concentration of a solution by reacting it with a solution of known concentration

Calibration

Adjusting and verifying the accuracy of measuring instruments to ensure valid experimental results

Heat Loss Prevention

Using insulation materials or a calorimeter to minimize heat loss in temperature-related experiments

Displacement Reaction

A reaction in which a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases heat to its surroundings, increasing the temperature.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings, leading to a temperature drop

Reproducibility

The ability to obtain consistent results when the experiment is repeated under the same conditions by different experimenters