Acids, Alkalis, and the pH Scale

Write correct chemical formulae for elements, simple covalent molecules, and binary ionic compounds using chemical symbols and valency rules.

Deduce empirical and molecular formulae from atomic models, 2D diagrams, and experimental reacting data.

Write and balance full stoichiometric chemical equations reflecting the principle of conservation of mass.

Deduce the formulae of complex ionic compounds using monoatomic and polyatomic ion charges.

Apply state symbols (s, l, g, aq) accurately across diverse reaction types and physical state changes.

Construct balanced net ionic equations and electron half-equations for precipitation, neutralisation, and redox processes.

Perform, describe, and explain chemical tests to identify oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and chlorine gas.

Explain metal reactivity trends based on positive ion formation, and describe reactions of metals with water and steam.

Predict products of metal-acid reactions, write full equations, and analyse electron transfer in terms of oxidation and reduction.

Deduce reactivity orders from experimental data involving aqueous displacement and solid metal competition reactions.

Relate metal extraction methods (carbon reduction vs electrolysis) to the reactivity series and chemical reduction.

Define acids and alkalis, measure relative acidity and alkalinity using indicators and pH meters, and classify solutions.

Relate acidity to aqueous hydrogen ions (H+) and alkalinity to hydroxide ions (OH-), and explain neutrality at the particle level.

Quantify the inverse logarithmic relationship between hydrogen ion concentration [H+] and integer pH values.

Distinguish between acid strength (degree of ionisation) and concentration (amount of solute per volume), and compare their properties.

Predict products and write balanced equations for reactions of acids with metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and metal carbonates.

Plan and describe laboratory techniques to prepare pure, dry samples of soluble salts from insoluble bases and carbonates.

Carry out and evaluate acid-base titrations to prepare soluble salts from soluble alkalis and calculate solution concentrations.

Explain the movement of ions during electrolysis of molten salts and write half-equations for electrode reactions.

Apply electrode competition rules to predict aqueous electrolysis products and write half-equations for brine, copper sulfate, and industrial cells.