How to pass the IB chemistry exam

I am going to stick my neck out here and say there will be a question on equilibium in the May exams for the IB, both SL and HL. It is not as certain as one on quantitative chemistry, but equilibrium is such an important topic, and, more importantly, examiners love the variety that is possible in questions in this topic. [ 629 more words ]

Equilibrium is necessary for the May exams | How to pass the IB chemistry exam I am going to stick my neck out here and say there will be a question on equilibium in the May exams for the IB, both SL and HL. It is not as certain as one on quantitative chemistry, but equilibrium is such an important topic, and, more importantly, examiners love the variety that is possible in qu...

Exam questions that require you to write a definition may only be worth one mark, but there may be three or four of them spread around the three papers. In addition another question may assume you understand a concept, and that question may be worth three or four marks. For example this is a common question about acids: a. Define the terms strong acid and weak acid. [ 197 more words ]

Do you know the definitions | How to pass the IB chemistry exam Exam questions that require you to write a definition may only be worth one mark, but there may be three or four of them spread around the three papers. In addition another question may assume you understand a concept, and that question may be worth three or four marks.For example this is a common q...

The four thigs you must remember when using PV=nRT
This is a simple equation, and yet many students get the wrong answer mainly because they are unclear about the units used. If you are using the data booklet value for R of 8.31 J K−1 mol−1 then you must use the correct units for the other quantities: P Pascals, and atmospheric pressure is approximately 100,000 Pa. V cubic metres, m3… [ 105 more words ]

The four things you must know when using PV=nRT | How to pass the IB chemistry exam This is a simple equation, and yet many students get the wrong answer mainly because they are unclear about the units used. If you are using the data booklet value for R of 8.31 J K−1 mol−1 then you must use the correct units for the other quantities: P Pascals, and atmospheric pressure is appro...

Exothermic and endothermic are related to breaking and forming bonds. Breaking bonds requires energy and are therefore endothermic. Forming bonds gives out energy and are therefore exothermic. Most students understand that. Where the problem comes for some students is the belief that a reaction such as this is endothermic because bonds are breaking CaCO3 => CaO + CO2 It is endothermic, but NOT because bonds are breaking. [ 131 more words ]

Why are some reactions exothermic and others endothermic? | How to pass the IB chemistry exam Tips and techniques to help you answer IB chemistry questions fast and accurately

Problem in Stoichiometry

Problem in Stoichiometry | How to pass the IB chemistry exam Last week I gave the following question: A student recently asked me to help her with this problem: (i) Is it possible for the following reaction to exist and give reasons for your answer? A(g) + B(g) C(g) 1dm3 1dm3 1dm3 All gases are measured at the same temperature and pressure. (ii) Can you sugge...

A student recently asked me to help her with this problem: (i) Is it possible for the following reaction to exist and give reasons for your answer? A(g) + B(g) C(g) 1dm3 1dm3 1dm3 All gases are measured at the same temperature and pressure. (ii) Can you suggest one reaction for which this is true? I was a little surprised that she found this question difficult, as this student was in the second year of the IB HL and had completed the IGCSE before that. [ 98 more words ]

Problem in stoichiometry | How to pass the IB chemistry exam A student recently asked me to help her with this problem: (i) Is it possible for the following reaction to exist and give reasons for your answer? A(g) + B(g) C(g) 1dm3 1dm3 1dm3 All gases are measured at the same temperature and pressure. (ii) Can you suggest one reaction for which this is true? I...

There are some questions which can confuse students mainly because of the use of language. Atoms, molecules, ions, and moles are important words. Make sure you know the differences now, because in the stress of an exam their difference will become too vague, and you can lose valuable marks through carelessness. In general the number of atoms or molecules or ions in 1.0 mole, or even a smaller amount is a large number, based on Avogadro’s number 6.02 x 1023 and is usually something of the order of 1021, 1022, 1023, or 1024. [ 211 more words ]

More stoichiometry There are some questions which can confuse students mainly because of the use of language. Atoms, molecules, ions, and moles are important words. Make sure you know the differences now, because in the stress of an exam their difference will become too vague, and you can lose valuable marks through c...

What do you see when you are given this equation in a question on titration? NaOH (aq) + HCl (aq) => NaCl (aq) + H2O (l) You could take the atomic masses from the periodic table and put these masses under each formula: NaOH (aq) + HCl (aq) => NaCl (aq) + H2O (l) 40.00g 36.46g 58.44g 18.02g Alternatively you could put the number of moles under each formula: [ 256 more words ]

Stoichiometry and variations What do you see when you are given this equation in a question on titration? NaOH (aq) + HCl (aq) => NaCl (aq) + H2O (l) You could take the atomic masses from the periodic table and put these masses under each formula: NaOH (aq) + HCl (aq) => NaCl (aq) + H2O (l) 40.00g 36.46g 58.44g 18.02g Alternati...

Stoichiometry and chemistry

http://www.solutionsinchemistry.com/stoichiometry-and-chemistry-the-seven-ideas-you-must-know/

Stoichiometry and chemistry: The seven ideas you must know Tips and techniques to do stoichiometry questions so you pass the IB chemistry exam