.png)
The final year of A-level chemistry starts in less than a week, how are you feeling? It has been a while but all I remember thinking before I started year 13 is I need to work my a** off this year so I can better grades than my year 12 end-of-years. I knew I wanted to go to university and 3Cs and 1D weren't going to get me there, so I needed to put some effort in. Starting with the end in mind, what grade do you want to get in chemistry at the end of this academic year? Can you visualise yourself getting there? What's the first step you could take to achieve that chemistry grade? Reading this article is a great place to be, so here's some useful tips and resources to get you started.
#1 - Energetics Definitions
Simple, you need to learn these. Almost every year there is a question about the definition or writing an equation for one of the many; enthalpies of [blank], you can fill it in. Last year up until a few days before the exams I still had students who did not know these definitions. There is not much in chemistry you need to memorise but these definitions are definitely them.
To help you out, I've put together a Quizlet on the different enthalpies, test yourself, get someone else to test you, whatever works for you, JUST LEARN THEM!
#2 - Reactions Of Alcohols
With most of you turning 18 this year I'm sure there'll be some learning a lot about the reactions of ethanol on the human body. However, this is a chemistry topic that will help you when it comes to more advanced organic chemistry taught this year.
ChemGuide has some great sections on this, with detailed notes followed by questions and answers at the end of each page to practice what you've understood. If you are doing the AQA or OCR A syllabus don't worry about the section on the triiodomethane reaction unless you're interested (EdExcel, do look at this).
IB chemists may not have done any organic chemistry yet, if that's the case, it's worth reviewing the first 4 sections of ChemGuide alcohols section, if nothing else but to revise GCSE content in a little more detail and give yourself a head start for this year!
#3 - Shapes Of Molecules
If you still don't know a wedge from a dash, this is something you need to revise. Moly-mod kits are a great way to see how a molecule is arranged, if you don't have one of these, ChemTube3D have interactive 3D chemistry animations to help you visualise the different shapes of molecules.
If you don't know what the letters stand for in VSEPR, let alone the concept, I would recommend watching this FUSE video. It may sound a little patronising, but it's pretty good for explaining this concept from the perspective of a fundamental shape.
If you are looking for some more practice questions, here's an online resource by Knockhardy. Test yourself and receive instant feedback on your understanding of VSEPR and shapes of molecules.
Don't ever forget to use your textbooks, they may seem overwhelming, but they do have some useful information which is exam specific and questions at the end of each chapter for practice.
#4 - Constructing Half Equations
Half equations don't have to be hard, although they may seem difficult to start with. If you can't identify oxidation numbers, watch the Tyler DeWitt YouTube video. After that, here's a worksheet to guide you through the construction and then combining of half equations.
#5 - Drawing Curly Arrows
If drawing curly arrows are your nemesis, I'm afraid I have some bad news because this year they are about to get even worse. Good news is RSC Education in Chemistry has created this worksheet and answer sheet, which challenges you to avoid rote-learning the mechanisms you've been taught and apply the theory to unfamiliar mechanisms.
Using your knowledge - which two mechanisms are correct and why?
ADVICE: Stop copying off the board and learn what the arrow represents; the tail shows where electrons are moving from, the arrow tip shows where the electrons are moving too. Electrons move toward positive or partially positive areas, NOT to areas of high electron density (negative ions, partially negative areas or double bonds).
Check if you're correct:
Well done for making it this far. Although it may have been a while since you did all these things, you know more than you think. Take the time to understand to core concepts and then apply what you've learned. There are plenty of FREE resources online that are designed specifically to help you get the A-level or IB grade you're willing to work for. No matter what this year throws at you, just remember, don't panic because YOU CAN DO IT!
Comentarios