OCR A-Level Chemistry A Active Recall Guide (H432)
OCR · A-Level
OCR A-Level Chemistry A Active Recall Guide
A question-and-answer revision guide for OCR A-Level Chemistry A, built to be worked in three passes rather than read.
- OCR
- A-Level
- Specification H432
- 17 topics
The 3-step active recall method
Re-reading notes is a futile process when your aim is to remember the information and successfully apply it in exam settings. Active recall is the method you use to ensure the information sticks for a long period of time.
But even active recall can be futile unless you have a structured way of implementing it. This is where the 3-step active recall method comes in, a structured method that is signature to the Levo Learning guides.
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Step 1
Answer up to 10 questions cold, closed book, even if you are unsure on the topic.
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Step 2
Answer the same questions again, but open book. Write the correct answer down even if it seems pointless.
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Step 3
Repeat as step 1 and answer the questions closed book again.
Worked across the OCR A-Level Chemistry A specification, one subtopic at a time.
The subject, and what is assessed
OCR A-Level Chemistry A (specification H432) is assessed by three written components. Component 01 covers the periodic table and energy, and Component 02 covers synthesis and analytical techniques, each lasting 2 hours 15 minutes and carrying 100 marks.
Component 03 is unified chemistry, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes and carrying 70 marks. Practical work is reported separately through the Practical Endorsement, and practical technique is still examined inside the written components.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component 01 | Periodic table and energy | 2 hours 15 minutes | 100 marks | 37% |
| Component 02 | Synthesis and analytical techniques | 2 hours 15 minutes | 100 marks | 37% |
| Component 03 | Unified chemistry | 1 hour 30 minutes | 70 marks | 26% |
| Component 04 | Practical Endorsement in chemistry | Reported separately |
Memorisation, then application
Marks are given for applying content to the question that has been set, which cannot happen while the content is still being looked up. Step 1 shows what is actually held.
Step 2 puts the correct wording in front of you while the gap is still fresh. Step 3 repeats the cold test, and the difference between the first and third attempt is the part that has moved.
Every question in the guide is paired with its answer in the same document, so step 2 is done from the guide itself rather than from a separate set of notes.
What is inside the guide
Questions are grouped by topic and then by subtopic, following the OCR specification. Open a topic to see its subtopics.
Foundations in Chemistry6 subtopics
- Atomic structure and isotopes28
- Compounds, formulae and equations26
- Amount of substance69
- Acids36
- Redox49
- Electron structure33
Bonding and Structure5 subtopics
- Ionic bonding11
- Covalent bonding18
- The shapes of simple molecules and ions39
- Electronegativity and bond polarity21
- Intermolecular forces21
Periodic Table and Energy5 subtopics
- Periodicity49
- Group 229
- The halogens40
- Qualitative analysis21
- Reaction rates38
Enthalpy Changes3 subtopics
- Enthalpy changes: ΔH of reaction, formation, combustion and neutralisation33
- Bond enthalpies18
- Hess' law and enthalpy cycles38
Chemical Equilibrium2 subtopics
- Dynamic equilibrium and le Chatelier's principle28
- The equilibrium constant, Kc8
Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry4 subtopics
- Naming and representing the formulae of organic compounds25
- Functional groups25
- Isomerism10
- Reaction mechanisms22
Core Organic Chemistry4 subtopics
- Alkanes39
- Alcohols24
- Haloalkanes41
- Analytical techniques12
Alkenes5 subtopics
- Properties of alkenes8
- Stereoisomerism in alkenes14
- Addition reactions of alkenes32
- Polymers from alkenes16
- Waste polymers and alternatives12
Organic Synthesis2 subtopics
- Practical skills18
- Synthetic routes34
How Fast?4 subtopics
- Orders, rate equations and rate constants30
- Rate graphs and orders41
- Rate-determining step16
- Effect of temperature on rate constants20
Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements3 subtopics
- How far?46
- Lattice enthalpy32
- Enthalpy and entropy23
Acids, Bases and Buffers4 subtopics
- Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases40
- pH and [H+(aq)]8
- Buffers: action, uses and calculations35
- Neutralisation37
Redox and Electrode Potentials4 subtopics
- Redox18
- Redox titrations12
- Standard electrode potentials20
- Storage and fuel cells15
Transition Elements3 subtopics
- Ligands and complex ions64
- Ligand substitution16
- Precipitation reactions23
Aromatic Compounds3 subtopics
- Benzene and aromatic compounds28
- Electrophilic substitution13
- Phenols24
Organic Chemistry and Analysis7 subtopics
- Carbonyl compounds32
- Carboxylic acids and esters38
- Amines18
- Amino acids, amides and chirality22
- Polyesters and polyamides18
- Carbon-carbon bond formation21
- Chromatography and qualitative analysis35
Spectroscopy2 subtopics
- NMR Spectroscopy29
- Combined techniques47
Sample questions
Taken from the OCR A-Level Chemistry A guide. Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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Foundations in Chemistry
What defines isotopes as belonging to the same element?
Show the answer
They have the same number of protons (same atomic number). -
Bonding and Structure
Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?
Show the answer
A large amount of energy is required to overcome the strong electrostatic attractions between ions throughout the lattice -
Periodic Table and Energy
What property of elements determines their order in the periodic table?
Show the answer
Elements are arranged by increasing atomic (proton) number. -
Enthalpy Changes
What defines an exothermic reaction in terms of enthalpy transfer?
Show the answer
An exothermic reaction is one in which enthalpy is transferred from the system to the surroundings, resulting in a negative enthalpy change (ΔH < 0). -
Chemical Equilibrium
What two conditions must be met for a dynamic equilibrium to exist?
Show the answer
The system must be closed, and the rate of the forward reaction must equal the rate of the reverse reaction. -
Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry
What is the purpose of IUPAC rules of nomenclature for organic compounds?
Show the answer
They provide a systematic method for naming organic compounds to avoid ambiguity. -
Core Organic Chemistry
What does it mean for alkanes to be described as saturated hydrocarbons?
Show the answer
They contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. -
Alkenes
What does it mean for alkenes to be described as unsaturated hydrocarbons?
Show the answer
They contain fewer than the maximum number of hydrogen atoms per carbon atom due to the presence of a carbon-carbon double bond.
Questions about this guide
How do you use active recall for OCR A-Level Chemistry A?
Answer up to 10 questions cold and closed book. Answer the same questions again open book, writing the correct answer down.
Then answer them closed book one more time. The difference between the first and third attempt is what has moved into recall.
How is OCR A-Level Chemistry A assessed?
OCR A-Level Chemistry A is assessed by 4 components: Component 01, periodic table and energy (2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks, 37%); Component 02, synthesis and analytical techniques (2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks, 37%); Component 03, unified chemistry (1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks, 26%); Component 04, practical endorsement in chemistry (Reported separately).
What topics does the OCR A-Level Chemistry A active recall guide cover?
It covers Foundations in Chemistry, Bonding and Structure, Periodic Table and Energy, Enthalpy Changes, Chemical Equilibrium, Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry, Core Organic Chemistry, Alkenes, Organic Synthesis, How Fast?, Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements, Acids, Bases and Buffers, Redox and Electrode Potentials and Transition Elements.
The full list is set out on this page.
Is the OCR A-Level Chemistry A guide a PDF?
Yes. It is a digital PDF sent to the email address on your order after purchase.
Check the address is correct at checkout, and check junk or spam if it has not arrived.
Does the guide include the answers?
Yes. Every question has its answer in the same document, grouped by topic, so step 2 of the method is done from the guide.
OCR A-Level Chemistry A Active Recall Guide
Every question paired with its answer, grouped by topic, ready to work in three passes.