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H2 Chemistry

Chemistry study notes

Data and Experimental Skills

Read unfamiliar evidence, make useful measurements and explain what a result can support.

A-Level 9476 (2026-2027)

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Choose a topic

8 topics

  1. Read unfamiliar data

    Select evidence and connect it to a chemical principle.

  2. Graphs and calculations

    Turn numbers into a trend, gradient or justified result.

  3. Evaluate evidence

    Explain limitations and target improvements.

  4. Measurements and recording

    Keep raw readings, temperature changes and observations interpretable.

  5. Titration and quantitative analysis

    Make the measured volume correspond to the reacting amount.

  6. Plan an investigation

    Specify a fair comparison and how it will answer the question.

  7. Reason from qualitative tests

    Keep the observation separate from the inferred identity.

  8. Organic apparatus and tests

    Connect reflux, distillation and observations to the chemistry.

Scope and references

Learning outcomes and sources

Practical assessment: skills and eight technique areas. Use the outcome map to find the explanation for a particular syllabus requirement.

These labels map assessment skills and practical techniques, separately from the numbered theory outcomes. P, MMO, PDO and ACE are practical skill areas; T labels follow the listed techniques, and B labels follow H1 Assessment Objective B.

See the learning outcome map

  1. P Plan an investigation that answers a defined question

    • Define the question and key variables
    • Give a logical procedure and appropriate controls
    • Specify how data will lead to a conclusion
    • Identify relevant risks and explain suitable precautions

    Plan a comparison that can answer the question

  2. MMO Use apparatus and make detailed measurements and observations

    • Choose and use suitable apparatus and techniques
    • Follow arrangements and instructions correctly
    • Record observations and raw readings with justified precision
    • Make measurement decisions and investigate anomalies

    Record measurements that another person can interpretMake a titre correspond to the reacting amountsReason from an unknown test without guessingEvaluate evidence and explain the direction of an error

  3. PDO Present data in an appropriate, useful form

    • Tables, axes and units
    • Manipulate measurements for analysis and trends
    • Appropriate decimal places and significant figures

    Record measurements that another person can interpretTurn measurements into a graph or calculation

  4. ACE Analyse, conclude and evaluate

    • Interpret observations and numerical data
    • Use chemical principles to justify conclusions and predictions
    • Identify significant errors and limitations and trace their effects
    • Explain targeted improvements

    Read unfamiliar data with a purposeTurn measurements into a graph or calculationEvaluate evidence and explain the direction of an errorReason from an unknown test without guessing

  5. T1 Titration and standard solutions

    • Acid-base, redox, iodine and indirect titration
    • Quantitative transfer and making a standard solution
    • Aliquot factors and reacting ratios

    Make a titre correspond to the reacting amountsPrepare a known concentration and interpret indirect titrations

  6. T2 Gravimetric analysis

    • Heating, cooling and weighing to constant mass
    • Interpret volatilisation mass loss and assumptions

    Measure temperature changes and changes in mass

  7. T3 Gas collection principles

    • Match signal to reacting amount and collection conditions
    • Water displacement and gas syringes are not required as hands-on H2 examination operations

    Plan a comparison that can answer the questionEvaluate evidence and explain the direction of an error

  8. T4 Thermochemistry

    • Temperature-change measurement and heat loss
    • Calorimetric assumptions and enthalpy calculation
    • Thermometric titration interpretation

    Measure temperature changes and changes in mass

  9. T5 Chemical kinetics

    • Continuous measurements and initial-rate comparisons
    • Fixed-endpoint timing assumptions
    • Appropriate graphs and controls

    Turn measurements into a graph or calculationPlan a comparison that can answer the question

  10. T6 Qualitative inorganic analysis

    • All cation/anion/gas entries in the supplied notes
    • Halogen colours in element, aqueous and hexane forms; hexane reference only
    • Observation sequence and general unfamiliar deductions
    • Practical exclusions: hexane, sulfur dioxide, nitrite and sulfite

    Reason from an unknown test without guessingUse the H2 inorganic test tables

  11. T7 Qualitative organic analysis

    • Unsaturation, alcoholic, phenolic, carbonyl, carboxyl and amino contexts
    • Interpret supplied test observations and their limits
    • Practical exclusions: 2,4-DNPH, PCl5 and phenol

    Reason from an unknown test without guessingConnect organic tests to apparatus and purification

  12. T8 Organic synthesis and purification

    • Water bath, reflux and distillation principles
    • Purification chosen from product properties
    • Large-scale synthesis is not a required examination operation

    Connect organic tests to apparatus and purification