Chemical Principles: Particles and Forces

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE 2024
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
Not available
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

For the full unit details, please download the latest version of the qualification specification. This is available for download on the relevant qualifications page.

Unit Learning Outcomes

To view the assessment criteria and any additional content, please expand the relevant learning outcome below.

1. — Understand the structure of atoms, molecules and ions.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1.

    Explain the structure of the atom in terms of position, mass and charge of the particles using appropriate symbols to represent them.

  • 1.2.

    Explain atomic and mass number, using them to determine the structure of the atom.

  • 1.3.

    Describe the formation of ions.

  • 1.4.

    Explain the existence of isotopes.

2. — Understand the arrangement of electrons in an atom and the distribution of elements in the Periodic Table.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1.

    Explain the electronic configuration of atoms and ions in terms of s, p and d orbitals.

  • 2.2.

    Explain the structure of the Periodic Table in terms of the properties of the elements and their electronic arrangements.

3. — Understand the nature of elements, compounds and mixtures.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1.

    Explain the nature of elements, compounds, and mixtures.

4. — Be able to calculate atomic mass from mass spectra data.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1.

    Explain the structure and functions of the main parts of a mass spectrometer.

  • 4.2.

    Explain why atomic mass values may not be whole numbers

  • 4.3.

    Calculate relative atomic mass from mass spectra data.

5. — Understand bonding and intermolecular forces.

Assessment Criteria

  • 5.1.

    Explain ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding.

  • 5.2.

    Deduce the shapes and bond angles of simple molecules.

  • 5.3.

    Explain the nature of van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding.

  • 5.4.

    Explain the anomalous behaviour of water resulting from hydrogen bonding.

  • 5.5.

    Explain physical properties in terms of structure and bonding.

6. — Be able to apply the mole concept.

Assessment Criteria

  • 6.1.

    Convert masses in grams to moles using relative molecular mass.

  • 6.2.

    Calculate reacting masses and volumes using the mole concept.

  • 6.3.

    Use the mole concept to calculate empirical and molecular formulae.

  • 6.4.

    Carry out an experiment to determine the formula of a compound.