HSC Study Guide 2014 – Chemistry

By Clive HopkinsJune 14, 2014, 2:08 p.m.

Pay attention to the details but keep an eye on the big picture too, writes Clive Hopkins.

"The Chemistry HSC examination asks students to demonstrate an ability to describe and explain concepts in chemistry across a variety of familiar and unfamiliar situations," says Maree Woods, Head Teacher Science at Aquinas College, Menai.

"Depth of knowledge is shown by recognising the big ideas of Chemistry that come from across each core unit, as well as the often forgotten 9.1 Skills."

Question 29, HSC 2013 (see below) asks students to assess the range of factors which influence the type and rate of chemical reactions. "This question requires candidates to think critically about the context of the question, and recognise this as an electron transfer reaction," says Woods. "Thus, the use of the data sheet of standard potential values would be essential."

Previous HSC Chemistry exams have required candidates to provide a number of explanations across the core and elective section. Explanations require both a cause and effect statement to be made.

DO

1. Know the prescribed focus areas and how to incorporate a knowledge of these into your answers.

2. Focus on the areas that give rise to careless errors, such as significant figures and units in calculations, and state symbols in equations.

3. Have a working knowledge of the first-hand investigations, including risk assessments, methods and results obtained.

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HSC Study Guide 2014 - Chemistry