How to Prepare for the Experiments Section of the Chemistry Paper
1.Diagrams
Not all experiments require a diagram.
If there is a required diagram, it is easy marks!
Make sure you practice it well, be precise, label the diagram clearly.
These are easy marks so don’t neglect.
2.Procedure
All experiments require you to know some procedural element (what you actually
do in the lab when doing the experiment, results of the experiment etc.).
Be precise and check the marking schemes for what specific language is required.
This is just information (no difficult concepts or theories) so is another place to gain
easy marks.
3. Graphs
A small number of experiments will require a graph (mainly rates of reactions)
Practice, practice, practice.
Use graph paper and a ruler.
Label your axis.
Use the full sheet of graph paper (this makes your graph-based questions e.g.
instantaneous rate more accurate).
If you practice enough this should be more easy marks.
4. Theory
These questions can be tricky but will only account for a small percentage of marks.
Make sure you know the topic to which the experiment is linked e.g. know the rates
of reaction theory for the rates of reaction experiment.
There are usually some theory parts in every experiment question.
5. Calculations
Only some experiments have a calculation aspect e.g. volumetric analysis.
You do not require a high level of Maths to do them but lots of practice is necessary.
Stoichiometry is the basis for the majority of calculations in the Chemistry course so
it’s very important that you are well practiced in all aspects of stoichiometry.
