Atoms that have lost or gained electrons; a positive ion is a cation, and a negative ion is an anion.
These are represented by drawing the nucleus and electron shells, enclosed by brackets with the ion’s charge.
Created with cations and anions, ionic compounds are formed through the electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged particles, resulting in a stable structure.
When 2 non-metal atoms share valence electrons, covalent bonds are formed.
These are represented with a dot and cross diagram.
Hydrogen’s presence is measured with the pop test.
The flame test and the limewater test measures CO2 presence.
The ember test measures Oxygen presence
In every chemical equation, mass must be conserved, meaning the mass is equivalent for the reactants and the products in a chemical equation.
Masses may be influenced by the outside atmosphere - if reactants are gas the products may increase and if a product is gas the mass may decrease. (because the gas is released into the atmosphere unless performed in a chamber)
Identify the elements
Look at the valency to determine the charge of a transition metal where present
Balance the equation - ensuring mass is conserved.
Name compounds correctly
Write all reactants and products in word form only.
The first element keeps its name
The second element changes to “-ide”
We use prefixes according to the number of atoms; but if the first one has one we don’t keep mono
List of prefixes
Mono | 1 |
Di | 2 |
Tri | 3 |
Tetra | 4 |
Penta | 5 |
Hexa | 6 |
Hepto | 7 |
Name the metal element
Non-metal named second
add “ide” at the end
If metal has more than one charge, you use Roman Numerals to indicate the charge
eg. Iron (II) or Iron (I)
This is a neutralisation reaction, meaning when acids and bases have an equal number of hydrogen and hydroxide atoms they form water (a neutral solution) and a salt. In this reaction, salt is the solute and water is the solvent.
Acid + Base → Salt + Water
When acid is added to a different base, carbonate, it follows this form:
Acid + Carbonate → Salt + Carbon Dioxide + Water
Acids + Metals → Salt + Hydrogen
When a substance is soluble:
It dissolves in water (solvent)
No precipitate forms
When a substance is insoluble:
It does not dissolve in water (solvent)
It forms a precipitate
The standard form of a precipitation reaction is:
AB + CD → AD + BC
Also known as double displacement.
If one of these products is in a solid form, a precipitate forms.
When writing precipitate reactions, we must indicate the state of the reactants and products:
Lead (II) Nitrate (aq) + Potassium iodide (aq) → Lead (II) Iodide (s) + Potassium Nitrate (aq)
Proton donor (H+)
Sour taste
React with metals (reactive)
Can destroy or damage other substances (corrosive)
When dissolved in water, it is called a solution.
Proton acceptor (OH-)
Can be solid or liquid
Solid bases dissolve in water (alkali)
Soapy, slippery feel
Bitter taste
Corrosive, can also burn skin (caustic)
Formed by mixing acid and a base
Not corrosive
Taste is sweet, salty, or none
The acidity of a solution is a measure of its Hydrogen concentration
The higher the H+ concentration, the more acidic.
The lower the H+ concentration, the more basic.
The extremes of this scale are usually more dangerous
pH 1-2 = strong acid
pH 3-6 = weak acid
pH 7 = neutral
pH 8-11 = weak base
pH 12-14 = strong base
An indicator is a substance that changes colour in the presence of acidic, basic, or neutral solutions.
The universal indicator measures the full spectrum.
You place in a few drops, and the solution will change colour, matching the universal pH scale; this will allow you to classify if the substance is acidic, basic or neutral.
Litmus paper classifies whether a substance is acidic, basic, or neutral.
Acid = red
Base = blue
No colour change = neutral
Red paper can either stay red or turn blue, and blue paper can either stay blue or turn red.
A risk assessment is when you identify the potential hazards of a scientific experiment and decide how to reduce the risk of harm. You’ll list:
The hazards (things that could cause harm).
The risks (how the hazard could cause harm).
The safety measures (things you’ll do to minimize the risk).
For example, in a lab with acids, the hazard is the acid itself (it’s corrosive), the risk is potentially getting it on your skin, and the safety measures include wearing gloves, goggles, and a lab coat.
A Safety Data Sheet is a document that provides information about the properties of a chemical substance. It includes:
Hazards of the chemical.
Precautionary measures (how to safely handle, store, and dispose of the chemical).
First-aid measures in case of exposure or accident.
These sheets are essential for ensuring everyone in the lab is informed about the chemicals used and how to work with them safely.
Since you're likely working with acids in the experiment, think about common risks like:
Corrosiveness (to skin, eyes, or other materials)
Inhalation hazards (fumes from acids)
Spills and splashes
For your risk assessment, you’d include safety measures like wearing goggles, gloves, and a lab coat, and knowing what to do in case of an accident (like flushing with water or using a neutralizing solution). This will be key for your experiment.