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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8 topicsRead unfamiliar data
Select evidence and connect it to a chemical principle.
Graphs and calculations
Turn numbers into a trend, gradient or justified result.
Evaluate evidence
Explain limitations and target improvements.
Measurements and recording
Keep raw readings, temperature changes and observations interpretable.
Titration and quantitative analysis
Make the measured volume correspond to the reacting amount.
Plan an investigation
Specify a fair comparison and how it will answer the question.
Reason from qualitative tests
Keep the observation separate from the inferred identity.
Organic apparatus and tests
Connect reflux, distillation and observations to the chemistry.
Scope
Learning outcomes
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
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
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
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
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
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
T2 Gravimetric analysis
- Heating, cooling and weighing to constant mass
- Interpret volatilisation mass loss and assumptions
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
T4 Thermochemistry
- Temperature-change measurement and heat loss
- Calorimetric assumptions and enthalpy calculation
- Thermometric titration interpretation
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
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
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
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