§-Chemistry syllabus

TAS · TASC← Chemistry

Chemistry syllabus, dot point by dot point

Every dot point in the TAS Chemistry course document, in syllabus order, with a focused answer for each. Open any dot point for the answer, exam-style questions and links to related points.

Unit 3: Equilibrium, Acids and Redox

Section overview →

How do we measure and represent the energy change of a reaction?

Define enthalpy change, classify reactions as exothermic or endothermic, and use calorimetry data with energy profile diagrams.

Why does iron rust and how do we stop it?

Explain corrosion as an electrochemical process and evaluate methods of prevention.

How do buffer solutions resist changes in pH?

Explain how a buffer maintains pH using equilibrium and calculate buffer pH.

How do reversible reactions reach and respond to disturbances of equilibrium?

Explain dynamic equilibrium, write equilibrium constant expressions, and predict shifts using Le Chatelier's principle.

How do catalysts speed up reactions without being used up?

Explain how a catalyst increases rate by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy.

How do we balance complex redox reactions?

Construct and combine oxidation and reduction half-equations to balance redox reactions.

How do we harness electron transfer to produce or use electrical energy?

Describe galvanic and electrolytic cells and calculate cell potentials from standard electrode potentials

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What controls how fast a chemical reaction goes?

Use collision theory to explain how concentration, temperature, surface area and pressure change reaction rate.

How do we find an enthalpy change we cannot measure directly?

Apply Hess's law and bond enthalpy data to calculate enthalpy changes for reactions.

How do we identify electron transfer and balance redox reactions?

Assign oxidation numbers, identify oxidants and reductants, and balance redox half-equations and overall equations.

How do we relate amounts of reactants and products in a reaction?

Use the mole concept and balanced equations to perform stoichiometric calculations, including limiting reagent and percentage yield.

How do we calculate an unknown concentration from titration data?

Carry out volumetric analysis calculations using moles, concentration and stoichiometry.

How do we relate the pressure, volume, temperature and amount of a gas?

Apply the ideal gas equation and molar gas volume to calculate gas quantities in reactions.

How do we measure the strength of a weak acid and find the pH of its solution?

Use Ka and pKa to describe weak acid strength and calculate the pH of a weak acid solution.

What does a titration curve tell us and how do we choose an indicator?

Interpret titration curves for the four acid-base combinations and select a suitable indicator.

How do we describe acid and base strength and calculate the pH of solutions?

Apply the Bronsted-Lowry model, distinguish strong and weak acids, and calculate pH, pOH and Kw relationships.

How much product does electrolysis make for a given charge?

Apply Faraday's laws to calculate masses and volumes produced in electrolysis.

How do we quantify the position of an equilibrium?

Write equilibrium expressions and calculate Kc, interpreting its size and units.

How do we describe the equilibrium of a sparingly soluble salt?

Write solubility product expressions, calculate Ksp and solubility, and predict precipitation.

Unit 4: Structure, Synthesis and Design

Section overview →

How does structure and bonding explain the physical properties of substances?

Relate bonding type and intermolecular forces to melting point, boiling point, solubility and conductivity.

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How does the structure of organic molecules determine their reactions?

Classify organic functional groups and describe their characteristic reactions

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How do carboxylic acids behave and how are esters formed?

Describe the acidity of carboxylic acids and the esterification and hydrolysis of esters.

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What reactions do alcohols undergo and how do we classify them?

Classify alcohols and describe their oxidation, dehydration, substitution and combustion reactions.

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How are large polymer molecules built from small monomers?

Distinguish addition and condensation polymerisation and relate polymer structure to properties

How do we name organic molecules and account for their isomers?

Apply IUPAC nomenclature and identify structural and stereo isomers of organic compounds.

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How do chemists identify and measure substances in a sample?

Select and interpret spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques to determine structure and concentration

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How do chemists design efficient pathways to make target molecules?

Design multistep synthesis pathways and evaluate them using yield and green chemistry principles