Complete IGCSE Chemistry Revision Notes: Topic-Wise Guide
Complete IGCSE Chemistry Revision Notes: Topic-Wise Guide
Comprehensive revision notes are essential for success in IGCSE Chemistry. This complete topic-wise guide covers all key concepts, formulas, and exam tips for Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry, helping you revise effectively and achieve your target grade.
Why Use Topic-Wise Revision Notes?
Topic-wise revision notes help you:
- Organize Your Revision - Study systematically by topic
- Identify Gaps - Quickly see what you know and don’t know
- Focus Your Time - Concentrate on weak areas
- Quick Reference - Easy to review before exams
How to Use This Revision Guide
1. Assess Your Knowledge
- Review each topic
- Identify areas needing work
- Prioritize weak topics
- Plan your revision schedule
2. Study Systematically
- Work through topics in order
- Make your own notes
- Test yourself regularly
- Review regularly
3. Practice
- Use past papers
- Apply concepts to questions
- Identify patterns
- Build confidence
Topic 1: Principles of Chemistry
Atoms, Elements, and Compounds
- Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons
- Elements are substances made of one type of atom
- Compounds are substances made of two or more elements
- Chemical formulas show the ratio of atoms
Atomic Structure
- Protons and neutrons in nucleus
- Electrons in shells around nucleus
- Atomic number = number of protons
- Mass number = protons + neutrons
Bonding
- Ionic bonding: transfer of electrons
- Covalent bonding: sharing of electrons
- Metallic bonding: delocalized electrons
- Intermolecular forces
Key Formulas:
- Moles = mass / molar mass
- Concentration = moles / volume
- Percentage yield = (actual / theoretical) × 100
Topic 2: Inorganic Chemistry
Periodic Table
- Groups: vertical columns (similar properties)
- Periods: horizontal rows
- Group 1: Alkali metals (very reactive)
- Group 7: Halogens (reactive non-metals)
- Group 0: Noble gases (unreactive)
Acids, Bases, and Salts
- Acids: pH < 7, produce H+ ions
- Bases: pH > 7, produce OH- ions
- Salts: formed from acid-base reactions
- Neutralization: acid + base → salt + water
Metals
- Reactivity series
- Extraction methods
- Uses of metals
- Corrosion and prevention
Topic 3: Physical Chemistry
Energetics
- Exothermic: releases heat (ΔH negative)
- Endothermic: absorbs heat (ΔH positive)
- Bond breaking: endothermic
- Bond making: exothermic
Rates of Reaction
- Factors affecting rate: temperature, concentration, surface area, catalyst
- Collision theory
- Catalysts: speed up reactions without being used up
Equilibria
- Reversible reactions
- Dynamic equilibrium
- Le Chatelier’s principle
- Factors affecting equilibrium
Topic 4: Organic Chemistry
Alkanes
- Saturated hydrocarbons
- General formula: CnH2n+2
- Combustion reactions
- Substitution reactions
Alkenes
- Unsaturated hydrocarbons
- General formula: CnH2n
- Addition reactions
- Polymerization
Alcohols
- Functional group: -OH
- Combustion
- Oxidation to aldehydes/carboxylic acids
- Uses: fuels, solvents
Carboxylic Acids
- Functional group: -COOH
- Weak acids
- Esterification reactions
- Uses: food preservation, perfumes
Topic 5: Chemistry in Society
Extraction of Metals
- Ores and mining
- Reduction methods
- Electrolysis
- Recycling
Fuels
- Fossil fuels: coal, oil, gas
- Combustion reactions
- Environmental impact
- Alternative fuels
Polymers
- Addition polymerization
- Condensation polymerization
- Uses of polymers
- Environmental concerns
Exam Tips for IGCSE Chemistry
1. Know Your Formulas
- Learn key formulas
- Practice calculations
- Show working
- Check units
2. Understand Concepts
- Don’t just memorize
- Understand why
- Apply to new situations
- Link related topics
3. Practice Past Papers
- Do timed practice
- Review mark schemes
- Learn from mistakes
- Build exam technique
4. Use Diagrams
- Draw structures clearly
- Label diagrams fully
- Use correct symbols
- Show processes
Related Resources
Master IGCSE Chemistry
Access complete revision notes and get expert help from IGCSE Chemistry tutors.
Complete revision support for IGCSE Chemistry
Use these revision notes as part of your comprehensive exam preparation. Combine with past paper practice and expert tutoring for best results.
Written by
Tutopiya Editorial Team
Educational Content Specialists
Related Articles
AS Level Physics Revision Notes: Mechanics Complete Summary
Complete AS Level Physics revision notes on mechanics. Comprehensive summary covering motion, forces, energy, momentum, and circular motion with key formulas and exam tips.
Cambridge AS Level Maths Revision Guide: Pure Maths Complete
Complete Cambridge AS Level Mathematics Pure Maths revision guide. Comprehensive coverage of all pure maths topics with key concepts, formulas, worked examples, and exam tips.
Cambridge IGCSE English Language Revision Guide: Paper 2
Complete Cambridge IGCSE English Language Paper 2 revision guide. Comprehensive coverage of writing skills, composition techniques, and exam strategies for Paper 2 success.