This learning checklist covers the essential topics for AQA Chemistry... Show more
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GCSE Chemistry Paper 1 Complete Checklist
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Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Everything around you is made of atoms - the tiny building blocks of matter that you can't see but are absolutely everywhere. Understanding atoms is like having a secret code to unlock how chemistry works!
Elements are pure substances made of only one type of atom, whilst compounds contain two or more different elements chemically bonded together. You'll need to master writing chemical formulae and balanced symbol equations to show what happens in reactions. For Higher Tier students, half equations and ionic equations are also essential.
The atomic model has evolved massively over time thanks to scientists like James Chadwick. We've moved from the old "plum pudding" model to today's nuclear model, where protons and neutrons sit in the nucleus whilst electrons orbit around it. Remember: protons are positive, electrons are negative, and neutrons are neutral.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, which affects the relative atomic mass. The periodic table arranges elements by atomic number, and elements in the same group have similar properties because they have the same number of outer electrons. Groups like the alkali metals (Group 1), halogens (Group 7), and noble gases (Group 0) each have distinctive characteristics you'll need to recognise.
Key Tip: Use the periodic table as your chemistry roadmap - it tells you everything about an element's behaviour and properties!
Bonding, Structure and Properties
The way atoms stick together determines everything about a substance - from whether it conducts electricity to how hard it is. There are three main types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.
Ionic bonding happens when electrons transfer from metals to non-metals, creating charged ions that attract each other. Covalent bonding occurs when atoms share electrons, forming molecules like water (H₂O) or methane (CH₄). Metallic bonding involves a "sea" of delocalised electrons that makes metals great conductors.
You'll need to draw dot and cross diagrams to show how electrons are arranged in different bonds. The three states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) depend on how strongly particles are held together, and you can explain changes of state using particle theory.
Structure directly affects properties. Giant ionic structures have high melting points, small molecules have weak intermolecular forces, and metals conduct electricity brilliantly. Special carbon structures like diamond, graphite, and graphene each have unique properties based on their bonding arrangements.
Key Tip: Always link structure to properties - if you understand how something is built, you can predict how it will behave!
Quantitative Chemistry
Chemistry isn't just about reactions - it's about measuring exactly how much of everything you need and get. Mass is always conserved in chemical reactions, which means atoms can't appear or disappear.
Relative formula mass (Mr) helps you calculate the total mass of all atoms in a compound. For Higher Tier students, moles are the key unit for measuring chemical amounts - think of a mole as chemistry's way of counting particles (6.02 × 10²³ of them, to be exact!).
Concentration tells you how much solute is dissolved in a solution, and you can calculate this in different units. Percentage yield shows how much product you actually get compared to the theoretical maximum, whilst atom economy measures how much of your starting materials end up as useful products.
Titrations are precise experiments where you add one solution to another until the reaction is complete. This technique helps you work out unknown concentrations and is essential practical work you'll need to master.
Key Tip: Always check your units in calculations - getting the maths right is half the battle in quantitative chemistry!
Chemical Changes and Energy Changes
The reactivity series ranks metals in order of how eagerly they react, helping you predict displacement reactions and choose the best extraction methods. More reactive metals like sodium lose electrons easily, whilst unreactive ones like gold stay shiny and unreacted.
Acids and alkalis are everywhere in daily life. Acids produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) whilst alkalis produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The pH scale from 0-14 measures acidity, and neutralisation reactions occur when acids meet bases, always producing a salt plus water.
Electrolysis uses electricity to split up ionic compounds - it's how we extract reactive metals and make useful chemicals. During electrolysis, positive ions move to the negative electrode whilst negative ions head to the positive electrode.
Energy changes happen in every reaction. Exothermic reactions release energy (like combustion), whilst endothermic reactions absorb energy (like thermal decomposition). Reaction profiles show the energy journey from reactants to products, including the activation energy needed to get started.
Key Tip: Energy can't be created or destroyed, only transferred - understanding energy flow helps you predict whether reactions will happen spontaneously!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE Chemistry Paper 1 Complete Checklist
Els <3
@ayoitsmeellie
This learning checklist covers the essential topics for AQA Chemistry Paper 1, focusing on atomic structure, chemical bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, and energy changes. These fundamental concepts form the backbone of chemistry and are crucial for understanding how matter... Show more
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Everything around you is made of atoms - the tiny building blocks of matter that you can't see but are absolutely everywhere. Understanding atoms is like having a secret code to unlock how chemistry works!
Elements are pure substances made of only one type of atom, whilst compounds contain two or more different elements chemically bonded together. You'll need to master writing chemical formulae and balanced symbol equations to show what happens in reactions. For Higher Tier students, half equations and ionic equations are also essential.
The atomic model has evolved massively over time thanks to scientists like James Chadwick. We've moved from the old "plum pudding" model to today's nuclear model, where protons and neutrons sit in the nucleus whilst electrons orbit around it. Remember: protons are positive, electrons are negative, and neutrons are neutral.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, which affects the relative atomic mass. The periodic table arranges elements by atomic number, and elements in the same group have similar properties because they have the same number of outer electrons. Groups like the alkali metals (Group 1), halogens (Group 7), and noble gases (Group 0) each have distinctive characteristics you'll need to recognise.
Key Tip: Use the periodic table as your chemistry roadmap - it tells you everything about an element's behaviour and properties!
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Bonding, Structure and Properties
The way atoms stick together determines everything about a substance - from whether it conducts electricity to how hard it is. There are three main types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.
Ionic bonding happens when electrons transfer from metals to non-metals, creating charged ions that attract each other. Covalent bonding occurs when atoms share electrons, forming molecules like water (H₂O) or methane (CH₄). Metallic bonding involves a "sea" of delocalised electrons that makes metals great conductors.
You'll need to draw dot and cross diagrams to show how electrons are arranged in different bonds. The three states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) depend on how strongly particles are held together, and you can explain changes of state using particle theory.
Structure directly affects properties. Giant ionic structures have high melting points, small molecules have weak intermolecular forces, and metals conduct electricity brilliantly. Special carbon structures like diamond, graphite, and graphene each have unique properties based on their bonding arrangements.
Key Tip: Always link structure to properties - if you understand how something is built, you can predict how it will behave!
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Quantitative Chemistry
Chemistry isn't just about reactions - it's about measuring exactly how much of everything you need and get. Mass is always conserved in chemical reactions, which means atoms can't appear or disappear.
Relative formula mass (Mr) helps you calculate the total mass of all atoms in a compound. For Higher Tier students, moles are the key unit for measuring chemical amounts - think of a mole as chemistry's way of counting particles (6.02 × 10²³ of them, to be exact!).
Concentration tells you how much solute is dissolved in a solution, and you can calculate this in different units. Percentage yield shows how much product you actually get compared to the theoretical maximum, whilst atom economy measures how much of your starting materials end up as useful products.
Titrations are precise experiments where you add one solution to another until the reaction is complete. This technique helps you work out unknown concentrations and is essential practical work you'll need to master.
Key Tip: Always check your units in calculations - getting the maths right is half the battle in quantitative chemistry!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Chemical Changes and Energy Changes
The reactivity series ranks metals in order of how eagerly they react, helping you predict displacement reactions and choose the best extraction methods. More reactive metals like sodium lose electrons easily, whilst unreactive ones like gold stay shiny and unreacted.
Acids and alkalis are everywhere in daily life. Acids produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) whilst alkalis produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The pH scale from 0-14 measures acidity, and neutralisation reactions occur when acids meet bases, always producing a salt plus water.
Electrolysis uses electricity to split up ionic compounds - it's how we extract reactive metals and make useful chemicals. During electrolysis, positive ions move to the negative electrode whilst negative ions head to the positive electrode.
Energy changes happen in every reaction. Exothermic reactions release energy (like combustion), whilst endothermic reactions absorb energy (like thermal decomposition). Reaction profiles show the energy journey from reactants to products, including the activation energy needed to get started.
Key Tip: Energy can't be created or destroyed, only transferred - understanding energy flow helps you predict whether reactions will happen spontaneously!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Balancing Chemical Equations
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Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user