GCSE Chemistry Resources
Many of the articles on this page will help you as you revise for your chemistry GCSE, from atomic structure to energy changes and quantitative chemistry to organic chemistry. You’ll also find information about GCSE chemistry itself, as well as advice on whether to opt for a single science or double science qualification and the differences between the two.
Ions are atoms, or a group of atoms, that have either gained or lost one or more electrons. Positively-charged ions are called cations, while negatively-charged ions are called anions. Being able to identify different types of ions is a key part of the GCSE chemistry syllabus, so it’s important to have a good foundation of knowledge. In this article, we…
Chromatography is an important analytical technique that’s used to separate components of a mixture. Originally developed by Mikhail Tsvetin in 1900 to separate plant pigments, the method is actually a combination of two Greek words – chroma (colour) and graphein (to write). Hence, chromatography literally means ‘colour writing’.
As part of your GCSE chemistry studies, you’ll need to have a good understanding of neutralisation and how it works. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is to conduct your own neutralisation reaction – after all, there’s no substitute for practical, hands-on experience. In this article we explain what neutralisation is and provide step-by-step instructions on how…
As part of your GCSE chemistry studies, you’ll need to have a good understanding of why temperature changes occur during a chemical reaction. After all, a rise or fall in temperature is one of the important and measurable indicators of chemical change. Conducting your own experiment is a great way to learn about the science behind temperature change in chemistry…
Electrolysis is a process that uses an electrical current to separate ionic compounds into their constituent elements. When a direct current is passed through an ionic substance, the ions migrate to the oppositely charged electrode and drive a non-spontaneous oxidation-reduction reaction. If you’re studying GCSE chemistry, you may have already…
As part of your GCSE chemistry studies, you’ll need to have a good understanding of salts and how they’re made. Conducting practical experiments is one of the best ways to achieve this – after all, science isn’t just about theory.
Whether you’re revising for your GCSE chemistry exam or writing up an experiment, you’ll need to have a good understanding of some key chemistry terms. But if you don’t know your hydrocarbons from your valence electrons, don’t worry – this handy GCSE chemistry glossary is here to help.
Chemistry is arguably one of the most difficult subjects to do at GCSE. To do well in your exam, you’ll need a good grasp of theoretical concepts as well as practical skills. But it’s not just about memorising key concepts and practices – it’s about being able to really understand them so you can apply them to a range of complex problems…
Preparing for the AQA GCSE chemistry exam can feel overwhelming, but if you plan your revision carefully, it will be a lot more manageable. Continue reading for some tips on how to prepare for your upcoming chemistry GCSE exam, from how to approach revising to key topics to hould focus on…
Revising for GCSE chemistry requires discipline, focus, and a can-do attitude. While it can feel difficult and stressful, it’s important to make sure you have a good grasp of the topics that will come up in your exam so you can pass with a good grade…
If you want to go on to study chemistry or science at university, you’ll first need to pass chemistry GCSE. Passing the GCSE chemistry exam isn’t only about memorising chemical names, it’s about understanding and applying deeper concepts in chemistry…
Chemistry wouldn’t be a real science if it were completely theoretical or abstract. Chemistry will always be about the real world, making it a practical subject requiring practical skills. Just like other natural sciences, its findings are based on empirical evidence and experimentation…
Earth’s natural resources have limits in terms of availability, abundance, renewability, and carrying capacity. Although some resources are renewable, like geothermal power, trees, and the fish in the sea, many of mankind’s economic practices are exploitative and destructive, exceeding the sustainable limits of these resources…
So far, Earth is the only known planet that supports life because of the many factors that are considered to be ideal for biological life to develop, evolve, and flourish. The chemistry of the atmosphere is one of the most important factors that determine the type of life, or any life at all that the planet can sustain. For billions of years…
Chemical analysis is an integral and crucial part of chemistry. Great discoveries and advancements wouldn’t have been possible without analytical chemistry, which determines the chemical composition and molecular structure of all substances. Continue reading to revise topics in chemical analysis…
Organic chemistry is one of the most difficult science subjects – one that even science majors find challenging. If you’re in secondary school and preparing for your GCSE in science, you probably know what we’re talking about. Not only does organic chemistry involve understanding complex concepts and memorising molecular…
Chemical reactions can be fast or slow – just think about the difference between exploding dynamite and a rusting iron gate. What’s the main difference? The rate of chemical change. One happens in a split second while the other can take decades before it’s fully completed…
All chemical reactions involve energy and energy changes in various forms, including heat, light, and sound. For example, exploding dynamite is simply a rapid chemical reaction that releases a large amount of energy in a matter of microseconds. When heated, dynamite pushes nearby objects and the surrounding air outwards, sending shockwaves and shrapnel…
Quantitative chemistry can seem intimidating because of how maths-based it is. But it’s not as scary as it sounds, and being well-prepared will help! Revising quantitative chemistry for your chemistry GCSE will help you familiarise yourself with key concepts and reinforce your existing knowledge. It also allows you to digest the fundamental ideas…
The bonding, structure, and properties of matter determine the dynamics of interactions of the elements and the compounds they form. It’s possible to predict the behaviour of matter under certain conditions. Chemists can synthesise natural substances or create new materials based on their understanding of the properties of matter…
Among the fundamental concepts in GCSE chemistry that you should revise is the atomic structure and the arrangement of elements in the periodic table. This article will provide some guidelines and tips on how to effectively understand this important topic in preparation for your GCSE exam. Links to external sources are provided for more in-depth…
If you’re planning to study chemistry at ‘A’ Level, then you’ll need to have passed at least five GCSEs, and one of these should be in chemistry. If you’ve thought one step further, and are planning to pursue a specialised career in chemistry, taking Double Science (physics, chemistry and biology) at GCSE may not be…
With the different science GCSEs available, choosing the right one can feel daunting. If you want to gain a broad understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics, a GCSE in Combined Sciences is probably the best path for you. If you already know which scientific discipline you’d like to pursue, then a single science GCSE, like…
