Chemistry study notes
Theories of Acids and Bases
Follow protons, calculate strong-solution pH and explain how buffers respond to change.
A-Level 8873, revised syllabus (2026-2027)
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3 topicsScope and references
Learning outcomes and sources
3. Theories of Acids and Bases (8873, 2026 revision; examinations 2026 and 2027). Use the outcome map to find the explanation for a particular syllabus requirement.
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3(a) Apply the Arrhenius model.
- Aqueous production of H+ or OH-; neutralisation.
3(b) Apply proton-transfer theory.
- Bronsted-Lowry acids/bases and conjugate pairs.
3(c) Distinguish acid/base strength.
- Qualitative extent of dissociation; strength versus concentration.
3(d) Explain pH and equilibrium terms.
- pH, Ka, Kb and Kw; KaKb relation not required.
Strength describes dissociation, not concentrationCount ions, then take the logarithm
3(e) Calculate strong-solution hydrogen concentration and pH.
- Strong acids and strong bases; ion factors, volume units, temperature assumptions.
3(f) Choose titration indicators from data.
- Transition ranges, acid/base strengths and sharp pH region.
3(g) Explain buffers and their uses.
- (i) Consumption of added acid/base by buffer components.
- (ii) CO3 2-/HCO3- ocean buffer and increased atmospheric CO2 causing ocean acidification.
Keep an acid and its conjugate base availableApply the same proton bookkeeping to the ocean
- SEAB H1 Chemistry 8873, 2026 revision
Official scope: section 3, printed pages 13-14. All lettered outcomes and nested requirements checked.
- SEAB H1 Chemistry 8873, 2027
Section 3: same substantive outcomes as the revised 2026 course.
- ASRJC 2025 H2 Acid-Base Equilibria Notes (Grail)
Consulted printed pp. 9-10 for acid/base dissociation and p. 14 for the strength-versus-concentration distinction. Used only the qualitative H1 requirements; no H2 weak-acid or buffer-pH calculations imported.