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Combined Science Chemistry

Chemistry study notes

Data and Experimental Skills

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

O-Level 5086 / 5088 (2026) / SEC G3 K326 / K328 (2027)

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. Separation and recovery

    Choose what to retain and how to recover it.

Scope and references

Learning outcomes and sources

Chemistry Practical Test and practical techniques. 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. Practical(a) Quantitative titration

    • Pipette, burette and suitable indicator
    • Use supplied information for unfamiliar titrations

    Make a titre correspond to the reacting amounts

  2. Practical(b) Reaction-rate measurements

    • Use appropriate measured quantities and time
    • Interpret a rate graph or calculation

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

  3. Practical(c) Temperature measurements

    • Read an appropriate thermometer
    • Measure and compare temperature changes

    Measure temperature changes and changes in massRecord measurements that another person can interpret

  4. Practical(d) Investigatory problems

    • Use relevant evidence for an unfamiliar investigation
    • Control variables and reach a supported conclusion
    • Suitable organic contexts may be supplied

    Read unfamiliar data with a purposeEvaluate evidence and explain the direction of an errorPlan a comparison that can answer the question

  5. Practical(e) Paper chromatography

    • Baseline, solvent level and solvent front
    • Interpret separated spots using appropriate comparisons

    Recover the substance you need

  6. Practical(f) Filtration

    • Distinguish residue and filtrate
    • Recover and wash the desired solid

    Recover the substance you need

  7. Practical(g) Qualitative inorganic analysis

    • Precipitation and specified redox, ion and gas tests
    • Observe and infer using supplied instructions
    • No required sulfur dioxide practical test or salt-preparation description

    Reason from an unknown test without guessing

  8. Techniques Practical recording and technique

    • Record burette readings to the stated precision
    • Obtain agreeing titres
    • Record colour, precipitates, excess-reagent behaviour and gas evidence

    Record measurements that another person can interpretMake a titre correspond to the reacting amountsReason from an unknown test without guessing