OCR A Level Chemistry (A) — Module

2: Foundations in Chemistry
Complete + Implicit Knowledge Checklist

2.1 Atoms and Reactions

2.1.1 Atomic Structure and Isotopes

Core specification points

Define protons, neutrons, electrons and their relative charges and masses.

Define isotopes, atomic number (Z), mass number (A).

Use mass spectrometry data to calculate relative isotopic mass and Ar.

Define relative atomic mass (Ar), relative molecular mass (Mr) and relative formula
mass.

Implicit/basic knowledge examiners assume

Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus; electrons are in shells/orbitals around it.

Atoms are electrically neutral because number of protons = number of electrons.

Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons and electrons, but
different neutrons.

Isotopes behave chemically the same (same electron configuration).

The nucleus is tiny compared to the whole atom, but contains almost all the mass.

Electrons move in orbitals, not fixed circular paths.

Know that atomic radii are measured in picometres (pm) or 10⁻¹⁰ m range.

Understand “mass spectrometer peaks” correspond to isotopes and their relative

abundance.
2.1.2 Amount of Substance

Core specification points

Define mole, Avogadro’s constant (6.022 × 10²³ mol⁻¹).

Use equations linking moles, mass, molar mass, concentration, volume.

Use ideal gas equation: pV = nRT.

Calculate empirical and molecular formulae.

Calculate percentage yield and atom economy.

Implicit/basic knowledge examiners assume

1 mole of any gas at RTP (298 K, 101 kPa) occupies 24.0 dm³.

Units conversions:

1 dm³ = 1000 cm³

1 cm³ = 1 mL

1 m³ = 1000 dm³

1 atm = 101325 Pa.

R (gas constant) = 8.31 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹.

Temperatures in gas law equations must be in Kelvin (K = °C + 273).

Always use absolute pressure in Pascals (Pa), not kPa or atm unless converted.

Solutions of acids/bases are often monoprotic or diprotic — know how many H⁺/OH⁻
each produces (e.g. H₂SO₄ gives 2 H⁺ per molecule).

Know typical concentration units: mol dm⁻³.

Understand that mass spectra and empirical formula questions often involve ratios and
rounding to nearest whole numbers.

In titrations, the meniscus should be read at eye level from the bottom.
 2.2 Electrons, Bonding, and Structure
2.2.1 Electron Structure

Core specification points

Order of orbital filling: 1s → 2s → 2p → 3s → 3p → 4s → 3d → 4p.

Electron configurations in shells, sub-shells, orbitals (full and shorthand).

Successive ionisation energies and trends explained by nuclear charge, distance,

shielding.

Implicit/basic knowledge examiners assume

The maximum number of electrons in:

s subshell = 2

p subshell = 6

d subshell = 10

4s fills before 3d but empties first when forming ions.

Hund’s rule — electrons fill singly before pairing up in orbitals.

Ionisation energy = energy to remove 1 mole of electrons from 1 mole of gaseous atoms.

Across a period, ionisation energy increases (↑ nuclear charge, ↓ atomic radius).

Down a group, ionisation energy decreases (↑ shielding, ↑ distance).

Large jumps in successive ionisation energies indicate a new shell has been reached.

Know how to explain anomalies (e.g. the dip between Mg → Al and P → S).

2.2.2 Bonding and Structure

Core specification points
Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding definitions.

Shapes of molecules and bond angles using electron-pair repulsion theory.

Electronegativity and bond polarity.

Intermolecular forces (London, permanent dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonding).

Relationship between bonding type and physical properties.

Implicit/basic knowledge examiners assume

Ionic bonds = electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Covalent bonds = shared pair of electrons between two atoms.

Dative covalent bond (coordinate bond) = shared pair from one atom only.

Metallic bonding = positive ions in a lattice + delocalised electrons.

Electron pairs repel each other and arrange to be as far apart as possible.

Lone pairs repel more strongly than bonding pairs → smaller bond angles.

Typical bond angles:

Linear = 180°

Trigonal planar = 120°

Tetrahedral = 109.5°

Trigonal pyramidal = 107°

Bent = 104.5°

Octahedral = 90°

Electronegativity increases across a period, decreases down a group.

Polar molecules have an uneven distribution of charge and a net dipole moment.
 Hydrogen bonds form when H is bonded to N, O, or F and has a lone pair donor.

Hydrogen bonding causes:

Higher melting/boiling points (e.g. water, HF)

Ice to be less dense than water

Ionic solids conduct electricity when molten or in solution, not as solids.

Simple molecular structures have low melting points due to weak IMF, not weak covalent
bonds.

Giant covalent lattices (diamond, graphite, SiO₂) have very high melting points.

2.3 Redox Reactions

Core specification points
Define oxidation/reduction in terms of electron transfer and oxidation numbers.

Assign oxidation numbers using rules.

Write and balance redox equations using half-equations.

Identify oxidising and reducing agents.

Implicit/basic knowledge examiners assume

Oxidation = loss of electrons, Reduction = gain of electrons (OIL RIG).

Oxidising agent gains electrons; reducing agent loses electrons.

Common oxidation states:

Group 1 = +1

Group 2 = +2

Oxygen = usually −2 (except peroxides = −1)

 Hydrogen = +1 (except metal hydrides = −1)

Halogens = usually −1 (unless bonded to oxygen)

Oxidation number of an element in its uncombined state = 0.

In compounds, sum of oxidation numbers = 0; in ions = ionic charge.

Transition metals can have variable oxidation states (Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, etc.).

Redox balancing must conserve both atoms and charge.

Acids provide H⁺; alkalis provide OH⁻ in balancing half-equations.

Extra “Examiner Expectation” Chemistry Facts

You should know the names and charges of common ions (e.g. sulfate SO₄²⁻, nitrate
NO₃⁻, carbonate CO₃²⁻, ammonium NH₄⁺, hydroxide OH⁻).

Common acids and bases:

HCl → H⁺ + Cl⁻

H₂SO₄ → 2H⁺ + SO₄²⁻

HNO₃ → H⁺ + NO₃⁻

NaOH → Na⁺ + OH⁻

Be able to write ionic equations (showing only ions that react).

Understand the difference between strong and weak acids/bases qualitatively.

Know how to describe experimental techniques briefly:

Using a burette and pipette accurately.

Heating to constant mass.

 Avoiding systematic errors (zeroing balance, rinsing apparatus).

Know basic SI units (mol, kg, m³, K, Pa, J).

Know that metallic elements are found on the left of the periodic table, non-metals on the
right.

Recognise common molecular substances: H₂, N₂, O₂, F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂.