Do you want to get a band 6 in chemistry this year?

Who doesn’t! This blog post provides a list of tips and tricks which have helped chemistry students of all abilities to get band 6 marks, categorised by module.

Module 5: Equilibrium reactions.
For module 5, the most fundamental principle that you must understand is Le Chatelier’s principle. By understanding Le Chatelier’s principle, a student will be able to understand the process of any equilibrium reaction, and be able to aptly describe and respond to any module 5 question. Ideally, students should have Le Chatelier’s principle memorised in their own words, and be able to apply it to questions.

Another key factor for success in Mod 5 is the understanding of reactions as dynamic processes. In module 5, we come to understand that reactions do not always “complete” but rather the rate at which they change between reactants and products becomes equal. Students should remember to consider reactions as dynamics.

Module 6: Acids and bases.
Get familiar with ice tables! After completing module 6, ICE tables should be your best friend. While at first they do look confusing, with practice, you will come to realise that ICE tables are a very straight forward process, and they are an extremely helpful tool when it comes to acid-base equilibrium reactions.

As well, band 6 is much easier if you memorise the process of titration. Titrations are the most complex procedure in the year 12 chemistry syllabus. Because of this, NESA loves to ask questions about it (as if chemistry wasn’t hard enough). By memorising this procedure, the titration goes from a deeply confusing process, to a straight-forward procedure. This will equip you to answer the most complex acid-base questions with ease.

Module 7 and 8:

Modules 7 and 8 are both difficult due to the incorporation of organic chemistry – and there is only one way to make organic chemistry easier. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Everything that is hard about organic chemistry – H NMR, C NMR, IUPAC nomenclature and IR spectra, all become routine with practice!

Nick Zanapalis