Unit 1
IN THIS AoS2
Teaches students how chemists measure and classify materials so they can describe substances accurately and consistently.
Students learn the mole concept for calculating chemical amounts, how to name common organic molecules, and how polymers—such as plastics and bioplastics—are formed and used in society.
This area builds the essential mathematical and conceptual skills that support success in higher-level chemistry and develops awareness of sustainable material choices.
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You will be able to:
Use moles to calculate mass, formula, composition.
Name organic molecules correctly using IUPAC rules.
Categorise hydrocarbons into families.
Explain addition vs condensation polymerisation.
Evaluate sustainability of polymer production.
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1️⃣ The Mole Concept
Students learn how to quantify atoms and compounds.
2️⃣ Organic Families
Students identify, draw and name:
Alkanes
Alkenes
Alcohols
Haloalkanes
Carboxylic acids
3️⃣ Polymers
Students compare:
Addition polymers (e.g., polyethylene)
Condensation polymers (e.g., nylon)
Thermoplastics vs thermosets
Student also explore:
Bioplastics
Recycling methods
Circular economy principles
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Conceptual Questions
Why do alkenes undergo addition reactions but alkanes do not?
Explain why thermosetting polymers cannot be remoulded.
Describe two environmental advantages of bioplastics.
Calculation Questions
Determine the empirical formula of a compound containing 40% carbon, 6.7% hydrogen and 53.3% oxygen.
Calculate the molar mass of C₂H₆O.
A polymer sample contains 250 monomer units. If each monomer has a mass of 28 g mol⁻¹, calculate the molar mass of the polymer.
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Confusing empirical and molecular formula.
Forgetting to reduce ratios in empirical calculations.
Incorrect IUPAC naming (e.g., wrong numbering direction).
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Memorise prefixes (meth-, eth-, prop-, but-.
Practice mole-to-mass conversions.
Use model kits to explore functional groups.
