Namibia NSSCO Chemistry Syllabus (2018) - Ordinary Level (Grade 10-11)

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering the NSSCO Chemistry (Namibia) Ordinary Level syllabus (2018). Topics include assessment structure, learning content, key concepts (mole concept, bonding, electrolysis, stoichiometry, acids/bases/salts, qualitative analysis, metals, organics, environment), and annexes.

What is the full title of the NSSCO Chemistry syllabus and its level for Grades 10-11?

Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary Level (NSSCO) Chemistry Syllabus for Grade 10-11; Syllabus code 6117.

Approximately how many guided learning hours does the NSSCO Chemistry syllabus expect per subject?

About 130 guided learning hours over two years.

What are the three Assessment Objectives (A, B, C) used in NSSCO Chemistry?

A: Knowledge with understanding; B: Handling information, application and solving problems; C: Practical (experimental and investigative) skills.

What are the three papers in the NSSCO Chemistry scheme of assessment and their formats?

Paper 1: Theory (Multiple Choice), 40 questions in 45 minutes; Paper 2: Theory (Structured), 1 hour 30 minutes; Paper 3: Alternative to Practical, 1 hour 15 minutes.

How many marks are assigned to Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3 respectively?

Paper 1: 40 marks; Paper 2: 80 marks; Paper 3: 40 marks; Total 160.

What are the weightings of Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3 in the NSSCO Chemistry syllabus?

Paper 1: 30%, Paper 2: 50%, Paper 3: 20%.

What is the mole concept (definition) as described in the NSSCO syllabus?

The amount of substance containing approximately 6.022 × 10^23 particles; one mole has a mass in grams equal to its relative formula mass.

What is Avogadro's constant?

6.022 × 10^23.

What is the molar volume of a gas at room temperature and pressure (rtp) used in calculations?

24 dm^3 per mole.

How is the empirical formula defined?

The simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in a compound.

Define relative atomic mass Ar.

The ratio of the average mass of the atoms of an element to 1/12 of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.

Define relative formula mass (Mr).

The sum of the relative atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule or chemical formula.

What is the meaning of concentration in the NSSCO syllabus?

Concentration is mass per volume or moles per volume (expressed as g/dm^3 or mol/dm^3).

Which substances are produced at the cathode during the electrolysis of a molten salt?

Metals or hydrogen are formed at the cathode.

Which substances are produced at the anode during the electrolysis of a molten salt?

Non-metals (other than hydrogen) are formed at the anode.

What is the general principle for electrode reactions in electrolysis of aqueous solutions?

Metals or hydrogen are formed at the cathode, and non-metals (other than hydrogen) are formed at the anode.

What is neutralisation in the NSSCO context?

Reaction between acids and bases to form a salt and water (H+ + OH− → H2O).

What is the role of Paper 3 in assessing practical skills?

Paper 3 is an Alternative to Practical, designed to assess Practical (Assessment Objective C) through written questions.

Which topics fall under Topic 1: Scientific processes?

1.1 Mathematical requirements; 1.2 Scientific skills (planning/investigations and recording data); 1.3 Basic and derived units; 1.4 Error, accuracy, uncertainty; 1.5 Experimental techniques.

List the 11 main topics in the NSSCO Chemistry Learning Content.

1 Scientific processes; 2 Matter; 3 Materials; 4 Stoichiometry; 5 Electrochemistry; 6 Chemical reactions; 7 Acids, bases and salts; 8 Qualitative analysis; 9 Metals; 10 Organic chemistry; 11 Environmental and industrial chemistry.

What is Topic 2 about in the NSSCO Chemistry syllabus?

Matter, including atoms, elements, molecules and compounds; isotopes; periodic table; bonding.

What does Topic 3 cover?

Materials – types of materials, building materials, cleaning materials, nano-materials.

What are the subtopics under Topic 4: Stoichiometry?

The mole concept; mole calculations; concentrations and solution calculations; gas volumes; empirical formula; percentage composition, yield, and purity.

What does Topic 5 cover?

Electrochemistry: Electrodes and electrolytes; electrolysis; electrode reactions; electroplating; industrial processes.

What does Topic 6 cover?

Chemical reactions: Chemical and physical changes; energetics of reactions; production of energy; rate of reaction; reversible reactions; redox.

What does Topic 7 cover?

Acids, bases and salts: properties; oxides; neutralisation; preparation of salts; solubility rules.

What does Topic 8 cover?

Qualitative analysis: Identification of ions in solution; identification of gases; tests (Annexe B tests are used in Papers 1 and 2; Paper 3 not supplied with Annexe B).

What does Topic 9 cover?

Metals: Properties; reactivity series; extraction; uses; rust prevention.

What does Topic 10 cover?

Organic chemistry: Names of compounds, hydrocarbons; fractional distillation; homologous series; alkanes; alkenes; alcohols; carboxylic acids; esters; polymers; natural macromolecules.

What does Topic 11 cover?

Environmental and industrial chemistry: Water and its properties; availability; purification; air; gases; pollution; chemical industry.

What is Annexe A about?

Assessment criteria for Paper 3 (Alternative to Practical Paper).

What is Annexe B about?

Notes for use in qualitative analysis (to be used with Papers 1 and 2). Note: Not supplied with Paper 3.

What is Annexe C about?

Data sheet: The Periodic Table of the elements.

What is Annexe D about?

Units of physical quantities (including base units and their symbols).

What is the test for cations and anions in qualitative analysis (Annexe B)?

Annexe B lists tests for cations (e.g., Al3+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Fe2+/Fe3+) with NaOH or NH3 and tests for anions (carbonate, chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, sulfate) with acids and reagents.

What is the standard volume for gas calculations per mole (rtp)?

24 dm^3 at room temperature and pressure.

What are common solubility rules used for in salt preparation?

To predict solubility of salts in water and guide salt preparation (e.g., nitrates are soluble; carbonates insoluble except Na+, K+, NH4+; hydroxides insoluble except Group I; etc.).

Why are noble gases (Group VIII) described as unreactive?

They have full outer electron shells, giving them very low chemical reactivity.

What do grade descriptions in NSSCO Chemistry indicate?

Descriptions are provided for grades A, C and F to indicate the standard likely shown by learners relative to the syllabus; A is high, F indicates fail.

Which annex contains the Periodic Table data sheet used in the syllabus?

Annexe C: Data sheet – The Periodic Table of the elements.