Chemistry β€” IB DP Topical Revision Checklist 2026

Free topical revision checklist for IB DP Chemistry SL & HL. Track confidence (1–5), last reviewed and next review. Detailed topic breakdown aligned to 2026 IB DP expectations. Rate your confidence (1–5), track review dates, then export as CSV or print.

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TopicSub-topicResourcesConfidence (1–5)Last reviewedNext review
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityAtomic structure; isotopes; relative atomic massTopic resources
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityElectron configuration; ionisation energy trendsTopic resources
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityPeriodic trends: atomic radius, electronegativity, reactivityTopic resources
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityIonic bonding and lattice energy (HL emphasis)Topic resources
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityCovalent bonding; sigma/pi bonds; bond enthalpyTopic resources
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityMetallic bonding; alloys and propertiesTopic resources
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityVSEPR shapes; polarity; dipole momentsTopic resources
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityIntermolecular forces (London, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding)Topic resources
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityStructure-property: melting/boiling points, conductivity, solubilityTopic resources
A. Structure, bonding & reactivityAdvanced bonding/structures (delocalisation, resonance) β€” (HL)Topic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsMole concept; molar mass; empirical/molecular formulaeTopic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsSolution concentration; dilution; titration calculationsTopic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsLimiting reactant; theoretical yield; percentage yieldTopic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsGas laws (PV=nRT), partial pressures (as taught)Topic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsEnthalpy changes; calorimetry; Hess’s law cyclesTopic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsBond enthalpy calculations; limitationsTopic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsRates: collision theory; factors affecting rateTopic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsRate expressions; order; rate constant β€” (HL emphasis)Topic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsActivation energy; Arrhenius equation β€” (HL)Topic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsReaction mechanisms; intermediates; rate-determining step β€” (HL)Topic resources
B. Stoichiometry, energetics & kineticsCatalysis (homogeneous/heterogeneous); enzyme catalysis linksTopic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxDynamic equilibrium; Le Chatelier’s principleTopic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxEquilibrium constants (K_c), (K_p) and calculations β€” (HL emphasis)Topic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxReaction quotient (Q) and direction prediction β€” (HL)Topic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxAcids/bases: BrΓΈnsted-Lowry; strong vs weak acids/basesTopic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxpH, pOH; (K_a), (K_b) calculations β€” (HL emphasis)Topic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxBuffers: composition, pH calculations, buffer capacity β€” (HL)Topic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxTitration curves; indicators; choice of methodTopic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxRedox basics; oxidation numbers; balancing equationsTopic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxElectrochemical cells; standard electrode potentials β€” (HL emphasis)Topic resources
C. Equilibrium, acids/bases & redoxElectrolysis and Faraday’s laws β€” (HL where applicable)Topic resources
D. Organic chemistryNomenclature and functional groups (alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, halogenoalkanes, etc.)Topic resources
D. Organic chemistryStructural isomerism and stereoisomerism β€” (HL emphasis)Topic resources
D. Organic chemistryReaction types: addition, substitution, eliminationTopic resources
D. Organic chemistryOxidation/reduction in organics (primary/secondary alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids)Topic resources
D. Organic chemistryMechanisms: electrophilic addition / nucleophilic substitution β€” (HL emphasis)Topic resources
D. Organic chemistryPolymers: addition vs condensation; properties and applicationsTopic resources
D. Organic chemistryBiomolecules links (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) where relevantTopic resources
D. Organic chemistrySpectroscopy: IR and mass spectrometry β€” (HL emphasis)Topic resources
D. Organic chemistryNMR basics β€” (HL where applicable)Topic resources
E. Measurement, data processing & practical skillsUncertainty, significant figures and data handlingTopic resources
E. Measurement, data processing & practical skillsCalibration, standard solutions and titration techniqueTopic resources
E. Measurement, data processing & practical skillsQualitative analysis and identification testsTopic resources
E. Measurement, data processing & practical skillsSafety, risk assessment and waste handlingTopic resources
F. Internal Assessment (IA) readinessFocused question with meaningful chemistry and measurable outcomesTopic resources
F. Internal Assessment (IA) readinessMethod: variables, control, repeats, calibration and safetyTopic resources
F. Internal Assessment (IA) readinessData processing: graphs, uncertainties, calculations and justificationTopic resources
F. Internal Assessment (IA) readinessEvaluation: limitations, improvements, and chemistry explanationTopic resources

Tip: Pair this checklist with past paper practice and spaced repetition. Always confirm exact assessment components (SL/HL, options) with your school’s IB DP route for the 2026 exam session.

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