ACE YOUR ChemistryCambridge IGCSETMWORKBOOKLim Mei Sim2nd Edition
Preface iii Cambridge IGCSETM Ace Your Chemistry 2nd Edition is thoughtfully designed as a comprehensive exam preparation guide for Year 10 and Year 11 students following the Cambridge Chemistry curriculum. fiis workbook supports students taking the Cambridge Chemistry syllabuses, including IGCSE Chemistry (0620), IGCSE Chemistry (9–1) (0971) and O Level Chemistry (5070). It aligns with the latest 2023–2025 and 2026–2028 syllabus frameworks to ensure up-to-date content coverage and relevance.Key features include:• Topical revision with clear, structured presentation• Exam-style multiple-choice questions (Paper 2)• Structured and extended response questions (Paper 4/subjective paper)• Specimen and past-year questions reffecting actual exam formats• Defflnitions and explanations of key scientifflc terms in line with syllabuses• Step-by-step worked answers for effiective self-assessment and reffectionDesigned for Extended Level students, this workbook enables students to systematically build knowledge, application skills and exam techniques essential for success in Chemistry. It also nurtures scientifflc thinking, laying a strong foundation for progression to Cambridge International AS and A Level, higher education or careers in science and technology.We hope this workbook not only supports academic excellence but also inspires curiosity and a deeper appreciation for Chemistry.Preface00 Ace Chemistry_Prelims_Final.indd 3 8/26/25 3:06 PM
iv Assessment OverviewAll candidates take three papers.Core AssessmentCore candidates take the following papers that have questions based on the Core subject content only.Paper 1 – Multiple Choice (Core)45 minutes, 40 marks40 compulsory four-option multiple-choice questionsPaper 3 – fieory (Core)1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marksShort-answer and structured questionsExtended AssessmentExtended candidates take the following papers that have questions based on the Core and Supplement subject content.Paper 2 – Multiple Choice (Extended)45 minutes, 40 marks40 compulsory four-option multiple-choice questionsPaper 4 – fieory (Extended)1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marksShort-answer and structured questionsPractical AssessmentAll candidates take one practical paper from a choice of two.Paper 5 – Practical Test1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marksorPaper 6 – Alternative to Practical Test1 hour, 40 marksAssessment Overview00 Ace Chemistry_Prelims_Final.indd 4 8/26/25 3:06 PM
Glossary of Terms Used in Science Exam Papers v fiis glossary (which is relevant only to science subjects) will prove helpful to candidates as a guide, but it is neither exhaustive nor defflnitive. fie glossary has been deliberately kept brief, not only with respect to the number of terms included, but also to the descriptions of their meanings. Candidates should appreciate that the meaning of a term must depend, in part, on its context.1. Define (the term(s)…) is intended literally, only a formal statement or equivalent paraphrase being required.2. What do you understand by / What is meant by (the term(s)…) normally implies that a defflnition should be given, together with some relevant comment on the signifflcance or context of the term(s) concerned, especially where two or more terms are included in the question. fie amount of supplementary comment intended should be interpreted in the light of the indicated mark value.3. State implies a concise answer with little or no supporting argument (e.g. a numerical answer that can readily be obtained ‘by inspection’).4. List requires a number of points, generally each of one word, with no elaboration where a given number of points is speciffled this should not be exceeded.5. (a) Explain may imply reasoning or some reference to theory, depending on the context. It is another way of asking candidates to give reasons. fie candidate needs to leave the examiner in no doubt why something happens.(b) Give a reason / Give reasons is another way of asking candidates to explain why something happens.6. Describe requires the candidate to state in words (using diagrams where appropriate) the main points.Describe and explain may be coupled, as may state and explain.7. Discuss requires the candidate to give a critical account of the points involved.8. Outline implies brevity (i.e. restricting the answer to giving essentials).9. Predict implies that the candidate is expected to make a prediction not by recall but by making a logical connection between other pieces of information.10. Deduce implies that the candidate is not expected to produce the required answer by recall but by making a logical connection between other pieces of information.11. Suggest is used in two main contexts, i.e. either to imply that there is no unique answer (e.g. in chemistry, two or more substances may satisfy the given conditions describing an ‘unknown’), or to imply that candidates are expected to apply their general knowledge of the subject to a ‘novel’ situation, one that may be formally ‘not in the syllabus’—many data response and problem-solving questions are of this type.Glossary of Terms Used in Science Exam Papers00 Ace Chemistry_Prelims_Final.indd 5 8/26/25 3:06 PM
vi Glossary of Terms Used in Science Exam Papers12. Find is a general term that may variously be interpreted as calculate, measure, determine, etc.13. Calculate is used when a numerical answer is required. In general, working should be shown, especially where two or more steps are involved.14. Measure implies that the quantity concerned can be directly obtained from a suitable measuring instrument (e.g. length using a rule, or mass using a balance).15. Determine oflen implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but is obtained from a graph or by calculation.16. Estimate implies a reasoned order of magnitude statement or calculation of the quantity concerned, making such simplifying assumptions as may be necessary about points of principle and about the values of quantities not otherwise included in the question.17. Sketch, when applied to graph work, implies that the shape and/or position of the curve need only be qualitatively correct, but candidates should be aware that, depending on the context, some quantitative aspects may be looked for (e.g. passing through the origin, having an intercept).In diagrams, sketch implies that simple, free-hand drawing is acceptable; nevertheless, care should be taken over proportions and the clear exposition of important details.00 Ace Chemistry_Prelims_Final.indd 6 8/26/25 3:06 PM
fie Periodic Table of the Elements vii 1HHydrogen11HHydrogen1Proton number1234567Period3Li Lithium74 Be Beryllium911 Na Sodium 23 12 Mg Magnesium 2419KPotassium 3920 Ca Calcium 4037 Rb Rubidium 85.5 38 Sr Strontium 8855 Cs Cesium 133 56 Ba Barium 13787 Fr Francium 223 88 Ra Radium 226 105 Db Dubnium (262) 106 Sg Seaborgium (263) 107 Bh Bohrium (264) 108 Hs Hassium (265) 109 Mt Meitnerium (268) 110 Ds Darmstadtium (281) 111 Rg Roentgenium (272) 112 Cn Copernicium (285) 113 Nh Nihonium 114 Fl Flerovium (289) 115 Mc Moscovium21 Sc Scandium 4539YYttrium 8922 Ti Titanium 4840 Zr Zirconium 9172 Hf Hafnium 178.5 23VVanadium 5141 Nb Niobium 9373 Ta Tantalum 18124 Cr Chromium 5242 Mo Molybdenum 9674WTungsten 18425 Mn Manganese 5543 Tc Technetium 9875 Re Rhenium 186 26 FeIron 5644 Ru Ruthenium 101 76 Os Osmium 190 27 Co Cobalt 5945 Rh Rhodium 103 77 IrIridium 19228 Ni Nickel 5946 Pd Palladium 106 78 Pt Platinum 195 29 Cu Copper 6447 Ag Silver 108 79 AuGold 197 30 ZnZinc 6548 Cd Cadmium 112 80 Hg Mercury 201 31 Ga Gallium 7049 InIndium 115 81 Tl Thallium 20432 Ge Germanium 7350 SnTin 119 82 PbLead 207 33 As Arsenic 7551 Sb Antimony 122 83 Bi Bismuth 209 34 Se Selenium 7952 Te Tellurium 128 84 Po Polonium 209 116 Lv Livermorium (292) 35 Br Bromine 8053IIodine 127 85 At Astatine 21036 Kr Krypton 8454 Xe Xenon 131 86 Rn Radon 222117 Ts Tennessine 118 Og Oganesson5BBoron 1113 Al Aluminium 276CCarbon 1214 Si Silicon 287NNitrogen 1415P Phosphorus 318OOxygen 1616SSulphur 329FFluorine 1917 Cl Chlorine 35.52 He Helium410 Ne Neon 2018 Ar Argon 4058 Ce Cerium 140 90 Th Thorium 23257 ñ 71 Lanthanides 89 ñ 103 Actinides57 La Lanthanum 139 89 Ac Actinium 227 59 Pr Praseodymium 141 91 Pa Protactinium 231 60 Nd Neodymium 144 92UUranium 23861 Pm Promethium 145 93 Np Neptunium 237 62 SmSamarium 150 94 Pu Plutonium 244 63 Eu Europium 152 95 Am Americium 243 64 Gd Gadolinium 157 96 CmCurium 247 65 Tb Terbium 159 97 Bk Berkelium 247 66 Dy Dysprosium 162.5 98 Cf Californium 251 67 Ho Holmium 165 99 Es Einsteinium 252 68 Er Erbium 167 100 FmFermium 257 69 TmThulium 169 101 Md Mendelevium 258 70 Yb Ytterbium 173 102 No Nobelium 259 71 Lu Lutetium 175 103 Lr Lawrencium 262104 Rf Rutherfordium (261)Symbol of the elementName of the elementAlkali metalsRelative atomic mass Transition metalsLanthanides Actinides 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Group 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 I II III IV V VI VII VIII Alkaline earth metals Halogens Noble gases Metals Key: Semi-metals Non-metalsThe Periodic Table of the Elements00 Ace Chemistry_Prelims_Final.indd 7 8/26/25 3:06 PM
viii ContentsContentsPreface ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------iiiAssessment Overview------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ivGlossary of Terms Used in Science Exam Papers --------------------------------------------------------------vThe Periodic Table of the Elements -------------------------------------------------------------------------- viiChapter 1 States of Matter--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1Chapter 2 Atoms, Elements and Compounds---------------------------------------------------11Chapter 3 Stoichiometry ----------------------------------------------------------------------------24Chapter 4 Electrochemistry-------------------------------------------------------------------------33Chapter 5 Chemical Energetics--------------------------------------------------------------------42Chapter 6 Chemical Reactions---------------------------------------------------------------------50Chapter 7 Acids, Bases and Salts------------------------------------------------------------------65Chapter 8 The Periodic Table ----------------------------------------------------------------------77Chapter 9 Metals--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------89Chapter 10 Chemistry of the Environment----------------------------------------------------- 101Chapter 11 Organic Chemistry-------------------------------------------------------------------- 112Chapter 12 Experimental Techniques and Chemical Analysis ----------------------------- 128Answers ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14100 Ace Chemistry_Prelims_Final.indd 8 8/26/25 3:06 PM
Chapter 1 States of Matter 1 Part 1: Multiple-choice QuestionsAnswer all questions. For each question, there are four possible answers. Choose the best and correct answer.Clone Feb / Mar 20231 Particles are arranged closely and vibrate in fixed positions. Which state of matter does this describe?A gasB liquidC solidD plasma2 In which of the following do the particles slide past each other at room temperature?A hand sanitiser in the bottleB copper wire of an air conditionerC methane gas in a household tankD plastic of a food containerClone Oct / Nov 20223 Which statement about liquids is correct?A Liquids have no fixed shape but have a fixed volume.B Liquids are compressible because particles are far apart.C Liquids cannot diffuse.D Liquids have weak forces between particles.4 We can smell the durian from a stall 10 metres away from us. Which statement correctly explains the situation?A Durian particles diffuse from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration and the smell of durian is detected by our nose.B Durian particles condense and the smell of durian is detected by our nose.C Air particles diffuse from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration and the smell of durian is detected by our nose.D Durian particles diffuse from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration and the smell of durian is detected by our nose.5 At room temperature, particles are further apart. Which of the following could be the particles?A NaCl C SO2B Al2O3 D SiO26 ffle melting and boiling points of four substances are shown. Which substance is a liquid at 35°C?substance melting point / °Cboiling point / °CA –210 –196B –150 –29C 39 256D 30 22037 Which of the following statements best explains the Brownian motion?A Haze particles move in the air.B An apple drops on the ffioor.C Water ffiows down the waterfall.D Sand blows by the wind.8 Which of the following statements is correct about condensation?A ffle particles lose kinetic energy and move further away.B ffle particles lose kinetic energy and move closer together.C ffle particles gain kinetic energy and move further away.D ffle particles gain kinetic energy and move closer together.Chapter 1States of Matter01 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 1 8/26/25 3:12 PM
2 Cambridge IGCSETM Ace Your Chemistry 9 A tea bag is put in a teacup with hot water, whereas another tea bag is put in a teacup with cold water. Afler 1 hour, the colour of the water changes.Colour change in hot waterafter 1 hourColour change in cold waterafter 1 hour1 happens. ffle particles of tea move 2 in hot water.gap 1 gap 2A diffusion slowerB evaporation slowerC diffusion fasterD evaporation faster10 In a pressure cooker, the gas particles 1kinetic energy and move faster. The collisions between the gas particles with the walls of pressure cooker 2 the pressure in it. ffle food in it is eventually being cooked.gap 1 gap 2A lose increaseB lose decreaseC gain increaseD gain decreaseClone May / June 202211 Which gas diffuses the fastest at room temperature?A carbon dioxideB nitrogenC ammoniaD sulfur dioxidePart 2: Structured QuestionsAnswer all questions. 1 Bromine is a halogen. It melts at t°C and boils at 59°C. A sample of pure bromine is slowly heated from –10°C to 80°C. Its temperature is measured every minute and the results are shown on the graph.Time / minTemperature / °C80°Ct°C B CD EFAñ10°C(a) Fill in the state symbols in brackets for the chemical reactions that reach equilibrium in the region DE.Br2 ( ) L Br2 ( ) [2](b) What is true about t°C?[2]01 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 2 8/26/25 3:12 PM
Chapter 1 States of Matter 3 (c) What is the physical state of region AB?[1](d) If an impure bromine is used, what would happen to the line of the graph?[1](e) Describe the arrangement of particles in region EF.[2][Total: 8]2 All metals and non-metals change state.(a) Calcium is a metal that will change from solid to liquid and then gas.MeltingFreezingABSolid calcium Liquid calcium Gas calcium(i) State the process each represented by A and B.A: [1]B: [1](ii) Describe, based on the kinetic particle theory, the arrangement and separation of the particles in the liquid calcium.[2](iii) State two physical properties of gas calcium.[2](b) Chlorine is a green gas that melts at –100°C and boils at –34°C.(i) Describe the arrangement and movement of particles in chlorine gas.[3]01 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 3 8/26/25 3:12 PM
4 Cambridge IGCSETM Ace Your Chemistry (ii) ffle graph shows how the pressure of chlorine gas changes when the temperature increases. ffle volume is kept constant.TemperaturePressure ofchlorine gasDescribe and explain how the pressure of chlorine gas changes with temperature.[3][Total: 12]3 Substances can change their states. ffle changing of state is affected by the temperature.ffle observation of an ice cream afler 5 minutes is as shown below.A BAfter 5 minutes atroom temperature(a) Name the change of state of the ice cream.[1](b) Describe the arrangement and movement of particles of ice cream in situation A.[3](c) Explain, in terms of the kinetic particle theory, why ice cream changes from A to B.[3]01 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 4 8/26/25 3:12 PM
Chapter 1 States of Matter 5 (d) Draw the arrangement of particles of ice cream in situation B.[2][Total: 9]4 ffle diagram shows the cooling curve of pure liquid S.Temperature / °Ct0t1t3t2Time / min(a) From t0 to t1, S is a liquid.Describe the movement and arrangement of particles at this stage.[2](b) Explain, using particle theory, why the temperature remains constant from t1 to t2.[3](c) State the physical state between t2 to t3.[1](d) Draw how the curve would change when another substance is added to liquid S.Temperature / °Ct0t1t3t2Time / min[1]01 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 5 8/26/25 3:12 PM
6 Cambridge IGCSETM Ace Your Chemistry (e) Draw and label the heating curve of pure liquid S.Temperature / °Ct0t1t3t2Time / min[2][Total: 9]5 Helium is a type of gas used to fill balloons. ffle balloons ffioat in the air.(a) What is the property of helium that supports its usage?[1](b) Draw the arrangement of particles in helium gas and describe their movement.[3](c) Explain, in terms of the kinetic particle theory, why balloons are inffiated.[2](d) If the balloon is kept outside the house under the hot sun, it bursts.Explain, in terms of the kinetic particle theory, why the balloon bursts.[3](e) ffle balloon filled with helium deffiated faster than the balloon filled with nitrogen. Explain why.[2](f) A long latex balloon is twisted and made into the shape of an animal.01 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 6 8/26/25 3:12 PM
Chapter 1 States of Matter 7 Explain why the balloon can be compressed.[2][Total: 13]6 An experiment is set up to observe the diffusion of ammonia and hydrogen chloride gases in a glass tube.Ammonium chlorideCotton wool soakedin ammoniaCotton wool soakedin hydrochloric acid(a) Describe, in terms of particles, why diffusion occurs in gases and liquids.[2](b) A cotton wool soaked in ammonia and another cotton wool soaked in hydrochloric acid are placed at the opposite ends of a glass tube. A ring of ammonium chloride forms nearer to the end of the tube containing cotton wool soaked in hydrochloric acid.(i) Explain why the ring forms closer to the end of the tube mentioned.[2](ii) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction that forms the white ring in the experiment.[2](c) A crystal of potassium manganate(VII) is placed in cold water and in hot water.ColdwaterHotwaterDescribe and explain how diffusion occurs in both beakers. In your answer, compare the rate of diffusion and relate your explanation to the movement of particles at different temperatures.[2][Total: 8]01 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 7 8/26/25 3:12 PM
8 Cambridge IGCSETM Ace Your Chemistry 7 (a) ffle diagram below shows a sealed container that contains oxygen gas at room temperature.Oxygen gas Solid oxygenDescribe how the arrangement and movement of oxygen molecules would change if the gas were cooled until it became a solid.[3](b) Use ideas from the kinetic theory to answer the following questions.(i) A sealed container holds oxygen gas.Explain why the pressure inside the container increases when the temperature is raised.[2](ii) A student compares the rate of diffusion of oxygen and bromine gases at the same temperature using the same apparatus. ffle results are shown in the table below.gas temperature / °C difiusion rate in cm³/minoxygen 25 1.00bromine 25 0.58oxygen 50 1.08• Explain why oxygen diČuses faster than bromine.[2]• Explain why oxygen diČuses faster at higher temperatures.[1][Total: 8]01 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 8 8/26/25 3:12 PM
Chapter 1 States of Matter 9 8 A student carried out an experiment to investigate the melting point of naphthalene and wax. A heating curve for naphthalene and wax is shown as follows.(a) What is the melting point of naphthalene?[1](b) Compare the differences between arrangement and movement of particles for solid naphthalene and liquid naphthalene.[2](c) Wax is an impure substance. How to distinguish it from the graph?[1][Total: 4]9 (a) Using the kinetic particle theory, describe how particles are arranged and how they move in each of the three states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.[3](b) A beaker contains a small crystal of solid iodine (I2) and is lefl open at room temperature.(i) State what happens to the iodine (does it melt, boil, sublimate or evaporate?). Explain your answer.[3](ii) ffle iodine vapour slowly spreads across the room. Use the kinetic particle theory to explain how this happens.[2][Total: 8]Temperature / °CNaphthaleneWaxTime / min050607080902 4 6 8 1001 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 9 8/26/25 3:12 PM
10 Cambridge IGCSETM Ace Your Chemistry Clone May / June 202310 (a) A fixed amount of gas is trapped in a sealed syringe and kept at room temperature.(i) ffle syringe plunger is pushed inwards, reducing the volume of gas. Using kinetic theory, explain how the pressure changes.[2](ii) ffle gas is then heated at constant volume. Describe what happens to the pressure and explain why.[3](b) Two sealed transparent bottles are placed side by side.Bottle A contains a gas.Bottle B contains a liquid.Describe and compare the following for the substances in both bottles:• the arrangement of the particles• the movement of the particles• whether they have ĕxed volume• whether they have ĕxed shape[4][Total: 9]01 Ace Chemistry_Chapter 1_1-10_Final.indd 10 8/26/25 3:12 PM
Cambridge IGCSETM Ace Your Chemistry is crafted to help students master key Chemistry concepts while equipping them with effective examination strategies and scienti¿c reasoning skills needed for academic success.This workbook is fully aligned with the latest Cambridge Chemistry syllabuses for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), IGCSE Chemistry (9–1) (0971) and O Level Chemistry (5070)—covering both the 2023–2025 and 2026–2028 syllabus frameworks. The progression of the content is structured to meet the learning needs of Year 10 and Year 11 students at the Extended Level.Key features include:• Comprehensive topical coverage with exam-style multiple choice and structuredquestions• Selected specimen and past-paper questions for authentic exam practice• Clear explanations and detailed answer keys for self-assessment and independent learningWhether used in the classroom or for independent revision, this workbook serves as a reliable resource for students aiming to achieve excellence. It not only reinforces content knowledge but also builds the scienti¿c thinking and problem-solving skills required for progression to Cambridge International AS and A Level, higher education or careers in science and technology.About the AuthorLim Mei Sim is a dedicated and experienced Chemistry tutor with over 14 years of teaching expertise in the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus. She holds both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Science from the University of Malaya. Her strong academic background and passion for science education have shaped her commitment to helping student succeed.During her university years, Mei Sim served as a laboratory assistant, guiding undergraduates in performing experimental assignments and strengthening her own understanding of practical Chemistry. Her teaching career began while she was pursuing her Master’s Degree, and since then, she has consistently inspired students to reach their full potential in Chemistry.Over the past 14 years, she has conducted numerous intensive revision sessions speciÚcally tailored for students preparing for the IGCSE Chemistry Extended papers. With her clear explanations, exam-oriented strategies and personalised support, her students have maintained an outstanding 100% pass rate, with over 90% achieving A or A* under her guidance.Mei Sim’s teaching philosophy centres on building a strong foundation in scientiÚc concepts while cultivating analytical thinking. Her goal is not only to help students excel in exams, but also to nurture a deep and lasting appreciation for the subject of Chemistry.Cambridge IGCSETMACE YOUR ChemistryWORKBOOKDA2205ISBN: 978-1-78187-356-42nd EditionSuite G7-G8, Davina House, 137-149 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7ET, United Kingdom.E-mail: [email protected]