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UPDATED TO 2019-21 SYLLABUS

CAIE A2 LEVEL
CHEMISTRY
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE PRACTICAL SYLLABUS
Prepared for Gaurav Neermul for personal use only.
CAIE A2 LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Mean:

1. Planning x=
∑x
​

n
1.1. Defining the Problem (4 Marks) Median: middle result when results in ascending order
Mode: most common value
Identify: Percentage Gain/Loss:
the independent variable in the experiment
the dependent variable in the experiment Actual Loss Gain
P ercentage Gain/Loss = × 100
Original Amount
​

the quantities to be controlled – kept constant

Formulate the aim in terms of a prediction or a
hypothesis, and express this in words or in the form of a 2.2. Evaluation (4 Marks)
predicted graph
The hypothesis is usually a short statement showing the Identify anomalous values in provided data and suggest
relationship (e.g. proportional) between two variables. appropriate means of dealing with such anomalies
Explain your hypothesis using scientific knowledge Suggest possible explanations for anomalous readings
The rate of reaction = collision theory Identify the extent to which provided readings have been
Enthalpy of solution = ionic radii ΔHhyd and ΔHlat
​ ​
adequately replicated, and describe the adequacy of the
Group 2 = radii range of data provided
Use provided information to assess the extent to which
selected variables have been effectively controlled
1.2. Methods (8 Marks)
Describe the methods to be used to vary the independent 2.3. Conclusion (2 Marks)
variable, and the means that you propose to ensure that
you have measured its values accurately Draw conclusions from an investigation, providing a
Describe how you will measure the dependent variable detailed description of the key features of the data and
Describe how you will control each of the other variables analyses, and considering whether experimental data
Explain how you will use any control experiments to verify supports the conclusion reached
that it is the independent variable that is affecting the Make detailed scientific explanations of the data, analyses
dependent variable and now some other factor and conclusions that they have described
Describe the arrangement of apparatus and the steps in Make further predictions, ask informed and relevant
the procedure to be followed questions, and suggest improvements
Suggest appropriate volumes and conc. of reagents
Assess the risks of your proposed methods 2.4. Tables
Describe precautions that should be taken to keep risks to
a minimum Label each column with:
Draw up tables for data that you might wish to record a description (e.g. concentration of acid in water)
Describe how the data might be used in order to reach a a unit (e.g. /mol dm-3)
conclusion an expression to calculate the data (e.g. B x 0.1/20)
Make sure values calculated is to s.f./d.p. required in the
question
2. Analysis, Conclusions and
Evaluation 2.5. Graphs
Independent variable plotted on the x-axis and the
2.1. Dealing with Data (6 Marks) dependent on the y-axis
Appropriate scale; 1 large box = 1, 2, 4 or 5.
Identify the calculations and means of presentation of The graph must cover at least half the grid in both
data that are necessary to be able to draw conclusions directions
from provided data If experiment/relationship shows origin (0, 0) is a valid
Use calculations to enable simplification or explanation of point, scaling must include origin & line should include it
data as it is a definite point not subject to experimental errors
Use tables & graphs to draw attention to the key points in When referring to an anomalous result, clearly define the
quantitative data, including the variability of data point before stating the reason
When calculating gradient, show construction lines and
Calculations may include: hypotenuse must be greater than half the line

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CAIE A2 LEVEL CHEMISTRY

When collecting gas over water: potential suck back so

3. Details and Methods remove delivery tube from water when heating stops
Solution boils over/sprays: use gloves, eye protection
Corrosive nature of reagents: use gloves
3.1. General Information
Use a burette/pipette to measure volumes as they have 3.4. Anomalous Points on the Graph
low % errors
Using a 3 d.p. balance rather than a 2 d.p. balance A particular measurement is done before or after the
reduces % error moment it should be done
Percentage errors very high with very small Incomplete:
volumes/masses oxidation/reduction
Heating crystals strongly; use a crucible placed on a pipe decomposition
clay triangle reaction
Allow crucible to cool on heat mat before placing on Loss of water/chemical
balance to measure the mass A compound has decomposed
Use sandpaper to clean the surface of metal e.g. A solution has not been saturated
magnesium ribbon (remove oxide layer) Not all the water in the solution has been evaporated
Maximum temperature difficult to determine so instead, Crystals not adequately dried (propanone or water)
take readings at regular intervals Solid blown out of the tube by not heating gently
The temperature of the solution is not uniform so stir the
solution throughout the experiment 3.5. Removing Moisture
No need to measure mass/volume of reagents in excess
Flush out oxygen from a system using an inert gas (used From surface:
in reduction experiment of metal oxides) Wash surface with a stream of propanone
To collect water vapor as a liquid, collect in a beaker Propanone dissolves the water – repeat several times
placed in an ice bath (Liebig condenser) Gently heat the surface to evaporate propanone from
Use a divided flask to keep reagents separate – shake to surface
begin reaction & start time immediately; no gas escapes From vapours: pass vapour through beaker containing a
If syringe gives incorrect value, could be because it got desiccant
stuck during the experiment Anhydrous sulphuric acid
If the percentage difference between the measured & Anhydrous calcium chloride
true value Silica gel
More than max apparatus error, experimenter’s Can use soda lime: absorbs both water vapour and
technique needs modification carbon dioxide
Less than max apparatus error, due to an error in
apparatus or simply random error
3.6. Forming Specific Conc. Solutions
To improve the accuracy of pH against volume curve, use
data logger interface and computer to plot the graph
From a given parent solution
e.g. 250cm3 of 0.1 mol dm-3 using a 2.0 mol dm-3 solution
3.2. Volumes of Apparatus
Use C 1 V 1​ ​ = C2 V2​ ​

Always mention the volume of apparatus being used

Common volumes: 2.0 × x = 250 × 0.1
3
Test tube = 16cm
x = 12.5 cm3
Gas syringe: 100cm3 up to 500cm3
Glass beaker = 250cm3 Add 12.5cm3 of parent solution to a volumetric flask
Polystyrene cup = 150cm3 (250cm3) using a burette
Calculate quantities and show volume would not exceed
the apparatus used
From a solid

3.3. Potential Risks and Solutions e.g. 250cm3 of 0.5 mol dm-3 solution of a crystal Mr = 50g

Use Conc = Mols

Oxygen: is an oxidant so remove any oxidisable material Vol ​

Nitrogen dioxide: is poisonous so carry out an experiment M ols = 0.5 × 0.25 = 0.125
in a fume cupboard
Mass
Use Mols = Mr ​

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CAIE A2 LEVEL CHEMISTRY

M ass = 0.125 × 50 = 6.25g Heat solution and evaporate all liquid to end up with dry
crystals
Add 6.25g of solid to 50cm3 of water in a beaker Measure the mass of crystal = (Mass of Beaker +
Stir well, add water gradually until fully dissolved Crystals) – (Mass of Beaker)
Transfer solution from the beaker to volume metric flask Calculate the solubility of crystals
Rinse the beaker with water and transfer back to the
Mass of Crystal
volumetric flask Solubility = × 100
Mass of Solution
​

Stopper the flask and shake properly

Top off volumetric flask with distilled water to mark.
3.9. Measuring Enthalpy Experiments
3.7. Measuring Gas using a Gas Syringe Measuring enthalpy change of an experiment with a solid and
a liquid or two liquids:

Take the initial reading of the gas syringe

Carry out procedure e.g. heating a solid or adding a
reagent Measure the specific mass of solid to add using a balance
Take the final reading of the gas syringe when the volume
is constant or take readings at regular time intervals (mass of bottle + solid) – (mass of bottle + residue)
If the experiment involves heating a reagent, wait until
Measure the specific volume of reagent to add using a
gas is at room temperature before measuring the volume
burette/pipette
Calculate the maximum mass of solid/reagent that can be
Measure initial temperature of the reaction mixture
used by equating volume produced to the volume of the
Record the highest temperature
gas syringe used. Use samples smaller in size than that.
Calculate enthalpy using E = −mcΔT

3.8. Measuring Solubility Experiments

Disadvantages of using plastic cup to measure enthalpy
Preparing a saturated solution changes and improvements:

Take a fixed volume of water in a beaker of appropriate Heat loss to the surroundings from the beaker:
volume Cover the plastic cup with a lid
Add the crystal to the water and stir continuously; allow Place cup in a beaker; air acts a good insulator
some time for the crystal to dissolve Use multiple cups to thicken the lateral layer of plastic
After a few minutes of stirring, if no solid crystals appear, Instability of the cup
add further mass of crystal Place the cup in a glass beaker
Repeat the process until solid appears in the beaker For exothermic reactions, solution likely to spray
Filter the solution using a filter paper and funnel so that Use a larger beaker/cup to carry out the experiment
the saturated solution is collected in a beaker beneath the Put a lid on top of the beaker to minimize the spray
funnel

Measuring enthalpy change of combustion

Preparing crystals:

Place the beaker in a warm water bath.

The water of the solution should evaporate and should
have dry crystals ready.
Inappropriate to apply heat directly as crystals could
decompose

Measuring solubility:

Measure the mass of saturated solution = (Mass of

Beaker + Solution) – (Mass of Beaker)

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CAIE A2 LEVEL CHEMISTRY

3.10. Titration Experiments

Rinse burette and pipette with the solution to be added
before carrying out the experiment
Empty the pipette into the conical flask under gravity
without forcing any drops to fall
Remove funnel from burette before titration
Add only two drops of indicator
Swirl mixture during titration
Titrate drop by drop when close to the end-point
Keep eye-level perpendicular to burette when taking
measurements to avoid parallax error
Record burette reading to 2 decimal places
For better observation:
Place a white tile under the conical flask
Measure mass of spirit burner using a 2 d.p. balance Illuminate the burette while taking the reading
Add specific volume of water into a metal can using a Titrations are highly accurate because:
measuring cylinder Standard solution of acid/base is used
Take the initial reading of water using a thermometer Able to obtain consistent titres (the difference
(1oC) between two closest titres = 0.1 cm3 )
Light spirit burner and burn for a specific length of time % error in pipette and burette is very small
Take the final reading of water after a specific time The endpoint of a titration is sharp
Measure the mass of spirit burner after burning
Calculate the mass of alcohol burned
Use E = −mcΔT and use ratios to calculate for 1 mole
of alcohol

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for personal use only by Gaurav Neermul at Modern College on 01/09/24.
CAIE A2 LEVEL
Chemistry

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