National 5 Chemistry looks at the properties of matter at the atomic scale and also looks into the nature of molecules, ions, and compounds. These substances are the building blocks of the materials that surround us in the universe. Chemistry is a major subject when it comes to developing new materials and resources, and it also informs us on how we can produce new materials from old, refine our fuels and develop food, medicines, & textiles. Exciting stuff!
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The National 5 courses follow three hierarchical units: chemical changes and structure; nature’s chemistry; chemistry in society. For National 5 there is one exam paper and the externally assessed assignment.
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We keep up to date with the latest course information direct from the National 5 exam boards. We look at all parts of National 5 Chemistry, including:
Chemical changes and structures
This unit includes the following:
Rates of reaction
The speed of a chemical reaction is affected by temperature, concentration, particle size, and the presence of a catalyst. It can be calculated by measuring changes in reactants/products.
Atomic structure
Atoms are made from protons, neutrons, and electrons. The periodic table arranges elements according to their atomic size and other properties.
Bonding and properties of materials
Only the noble gases exist as individual atoms not bonded to other atoms. In all other substances, atoms are held together by chemical bonds, either sharing or gaining/losing electrons.
Chemical formulae
The chemical formula for a substance shows how many atoms of each element are present in a molecule, or the proportion of atoms of each element. The formula can be worked out using the valency.
Balanced equations
Chemical equations must be balanced so that the quantities of reactants and products match. For an equation to be balanced there must be an equal numbers of atoms on each side.
The mole and concentration of solutions
The gram formula mass of a substance is known as the mass of one mole. The mass, number of moles, concentration or volume of a substance can be calculated easily if you learn two formula triangles.
Acids and bases
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH less than 7 is acidic. Alkalis dissolve in water to give a pH greater than 7. A pH equal to 7 indicates a neutral solution.
Nature’s National 5 chemistry
Homologous series
The alkanes, alkenes and cycloalkanes are examples of homologous series. A homologous series is a group of chemicals which have similar chemical properties and can be represented by a general formula.
Everyday consumer products
An alcohol is a carbon compound that contains the hydroxyl group. Alcohols are used as fuels and solvents. A carboxylic acid has a functional group called the carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are used in the preparation of soaps, medicines and preservatives.
Energy from fuels
When fuels burn they release heat energy and light energy to the surroundings in exothermic reactions known as combustion reactions. The energy released can be calculated using the equation Eh=cm∆T.
Chemistry in society
Metals
We use metals in everyday life, for example in jewelry or cars. They have many uses due to their properties which include strength, malleability, conduction of electricity, and conduction of heat.
Plastics
Plastics are widely used as they have many useful properties. Most plastics and synthetic fibres are made from chemicals derived from crude oil and are made up of long chain molecules called polymers.
Fertilisers
There are two types of fertilisers: natural which is made from plant and animal waste, and artificial which is man-made. By using fertilisers, farmers are able to grow more crops on a field.
Nuclear National 5 chemistry
Nuclear chemistry is the study of the breakup of unstable nuclei, which results in the emission of radiation and energy. There are three types of radiation; alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ).
National 5 Chemical analysis
Chemists monitor our environment using a variety of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. The results from quantitative analysis are used in calculations that give essential information.
