HSC Chemistry 2024
Walkthrough of the 2024 HSC Chemistry paper. Section structure, calculation strategy, and common errors flagged in the NESA notes from marking centre.
- Marks
- 100
- Time
- 180 min
- Authority
- NESA
- Updated
What this paper assessed
HSC Chemistry is one paper of 100 marks across 180 minutes plus 5 minutes reading time. Section 1 is 20 multiple choice (20 marks). Section 2 is short and extended response (80 marks). The 2024 paper drew across Modules 5 to 8.
Section strategy
Section 1 in 30 minutes. Section 2 at roughly 1.8 minutes per mark. For multi-mark spectroscopy questions, work from the molecular formula or mass spectrum first, then use infrared and proton NMR data to discriminate between candidate structures.
Common errors flagged
The 2024 NESA notes from marking centre flagged poor justification of equilibrium shifts, incorrect IUPAC naming of branched organic molecules, and weak monoprotic versus polyprotic titration calculations.
What to do with this paper
Sit Section 1 in 30 minutes, then Section 2 in 150 minutes. Mark with the official guidelines. Build a one page summary of qualitative analysis schemes and review it before the next sitting.
Use this paper well
- Sit the paper under exam conditions (180 minutes, 100 marks).
- Mark yourself against the official NESA marking notes.
- Compare against the Chemistry hub to find the syllabus dot points this paper tested.