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By Marcus Ng
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chapter 1
Experimental Chemistry
1.1 Measurements
Physical Quantity SI Unit Apparatus Accuracy
Digital Stopwatch 0.01 s
Time Second (s)
Analog Stopwatch 0.1s
Mercury Thermometer 0.01 K
Temperature Kelvin (K)
Alcohol Thermometer 0.01 K
Electronic Balance
Mass Kilogram (kg)
Beam Balance
Beaker
Measuring Cylinder 1 cm3 (1 ml)
Volume Cubic Meter (m3)
Pipette* 0.1 cm3 (0.1 ml)
Burette 0.1 cm3 (0.1 ml)
Important Points to remember:
1. When measuring Time: Digital Stopwatch is more accurate than Analog Stopwatch
2. When measuring Length: Micrometer is more accurate than Vernier Calipers, which
are both more accurate than a Ruler
3. When measuring Volumes: Pipettes are only used for specific volumes
(10 cm3, 25 cm3 or 50 cm3)
4. When measuring Volumes: Burettes are the most accurate, followed by a Measuring
Cylinder and lastly a Beaker
6. When measuring Temperature: Mercury Thermometers are more expensive and toxic
then Alcohol Thermometers.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
1.2 Separation Techniques
Technique Purpose
Filtration
*Note: When given a soluble salt and insoluble salt, add water to dissolve the soluble salt.
When given a soluble salt and organic compound, add water to dissolve the soluble salt.
Crystallization
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Distillation
Fractional Distillation
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
1.3 Collection of Gases
Properties of Gases
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
1.4 Purity of a Substance
3. Chromatography
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chromatography
solvent line
start line
Extinguish a
Colourless & lighted splint
Hydrogen H2
Odourless with a pop
sound
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chapter 2
Kinetic Particle Theory
2.1 Three States of Matter
Particles vibrate
Particles can slide over Particles are in
Motion about a fixed
each other random motion
position
Diagrammatic
Representation
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
2.2 Melting & Freezing
During melting, the particles of a solid gain energy and vibrate until they overcome the
forces of attraction between the particles, moving faster and further apart. At this
point, there is no rise in temperature as all heat energy is used to separate the particles
at this point.
This is the melting point, at which the temperature remains constant until the whole solid
has melted into a liquid.
Graphical Representation
Temperature/ K
b c
a
Time/min
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
2.3 Boiling & Condensation
During boiling, the particles of a liquid gain energy, sliding over each other until they
overcome the forces of attraction between the particles, moving faster, randomly and
very far apart. At this point, there is no rise in temperature as all heat energy is used to
separate the particles at this point.
This is the boiling point, at which the temperature remains constant until the whole liquid
has boiled into a gas.
Boiling Evaporation
Occurs at boiling point Occurs at any temperature below boiling point
Occurs throughout the liquid Occurs only at the surface of the liquid
Bubbles observed No bubbles observed
Occurs quickly Occurs slowly
2.4 Sublimation
Example of Substances that sublimes are Carbon Dioxide, Naphthalene (Mothballs) and
Iodine
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chapter 3
Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding
3.1 Atomic Structure (& Symbols to represent Atomic Structure)
Atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter.
( )
( )
Common Isotopes
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
3.2 Electron Arrangement
Hydrogen 1
Carbon 2.4
Oxygen 2.6
Silicon 2.8.4
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Easy Reference Table (Please try to not rely on this. learn to derive these information from a periodic table)
Symbol Element Proton Number Electronic Configuration
Hydrogen 1 1
Helium 2 2
Lithium 3 2.1
Beryllium 4 2.2
Boron 5 2.3
Carbon 6 2.4
Nitrogen 7 2.5
Oxygen 8 2.6
Fluorine 9 2.7
Neon 10 2.8
Sodium 11 2.8.1
Magnesium 12 2.8.2
Aluminum 13 2.8.3
Silicon 14 2.8.4
Phosphorus 15 2.8.5
Sulphur 16 2.8.6
or Chlorine 17 2.8.7
Argon 18 2.8.8
Potassium 19 2.8.8.1
Calcium 20 2.8.8.2
1. Atoms are generally naturally unstable. (With the exception of Group 0/ Group 8
elements)
2. This is due to the lack of a stable octet (or duplet) structure, with fully filled shells.
3. Atoms can form ions by gaining or losing valence electrons, in their attempt to obtain
a stable octet (or duplet) structure, with fully filled shells.
4. Metals usually lose electrons, forming Positive Ions, also known as Cations.
5. Non-Metals usually gain electrons, forming Negative Ions, also known as Anions.
Example
Lithium can lose a valence electron to form Li+, a positive ion (cation) with a fully
filled valence shell of 2 electron, with an electronic configuration of 2.
Magnesium can lose two valence electrons to form Mg2+, a positive ion (cation) with
a fully filled valence shell of 8 electron, with an electronic configuration of 2.8
Oxygen can gain two valence electrons to form O2-, a negative ion (anion) with a
fully filled valence shell of 8 electron, with an electronic configuration of 2.8
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
3.4 Ionic Bonding
1. Ionic Bonds are formed when metallic atoms give their valence electrons to non-
metallic atoms. This enables both the metallic and the non-metallic atoms to achieve
a stable octet (or duplet) structure, with fully filled valence shells.
2. These ions formed are oppositely charged, and attract each other through strong
electrostatic forces of attraction, thus forming the ionic bond.
Examples
Na + Cl → NaCl
Sodium (Na) can lose a valence electron to Chlorine (Cl), forming NaCl, with the
positively charged Na+ ion, and the negatively charged Cl- ion.
Mg + O → MgO
Magnesium (Mg) can lose two valence electrons to Oxygen (O), forming MgO, with the
positively charged Mg2+ ion, and the negatively charged O2- ion.
Mg + 2 Cl → MgCl2
Magnesium (Mg) can lose two valence electrons, one to each Chlorine (Cl), forming
MgCl2, with the positively charged Mg2+ ion, and 2 negatively charged Cl- ions.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
3.5 Structure of Ionic Compounds
1. A solid ionic compound has a giant lattice structure with alternating positively and
negatively charged ions.
2. The ions are held in fixed positions by strong electrostatic forces of attraction.
Ionic compounds are usually The ions are arranged in a highly regular fashion,
crystalline solids at room with strong electrostatic forces of attraction (ionic
temperature bonds) between the ions.
Ionic compounds have high The electrostatic forces of attraction between the
melting and boiling points oppositely charged ions is very strong and extends
over the entire crystalline structure. Large amounts
of energy is required to separate the ions
Ionic compounds cannot conduct In the solid structure, the ions are held in fixed
electricity when solid, but do so in positions. When molten or in aqueous solution, the
molten or in aqueous form. ions are mobile, so a flow of charge is possible.
Most ionic compounds are water Water molecules are polar, and are attracted to the
soluble, but insoluble in organic charged ions in the ionic compound. This helps to
solvents. pull the crystalline structure as the solid dissolves.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
3.7 Covalent Bonding
1. Covalent bonding occurs when the electrons are shared, so as to achieve a stable
octet/duplet structure.
2. Each pairs of shared electrons forms one covalent bond.
3. Covalent bonding occurs mainly between non-metals
Examples
H + H → H2
Two hydrogen atoms can share an electron each to form a covalent H-H bond, giving
both atoms a stable duplet structure.
O + O → O2
Two oxygen atoms can share two electrons each to form two covalent O-O bonds,
giving both atoms a stable octet structure.
H + H + O → H2O
Each hydrogen atom shares one electron with the oxygen atoms, forming 2 O-H
covalent bonds.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
3.8 Physical Properties of Simple Covalent Compounds
Simple Covalent Compounds are Simple Covalent Compounds have generally non-
soluble in organic solvents but polar molecules, and thus would be unable to
not in water. dissolve in a solvent like water with strong hydrogen
bonding, but would be soluble in a organic solvent
like ethanol, petrol or trichloromethane.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chapter 4
Stoichiometry & Mole Concept
4.1 Chemical Formulae
Number of Atoms/Ions are denoted by subscript.
Charge of ions are denoted by superscript.
Metals and/or positive cations are placed first in the chemical formula.
Brackets are used for repeated clusters of atoms (like anions)
o E.g. Magnesium Nitrate = Mg(NO3)2
Mono- is a prefix for indicating only 1 of a particular atom/ cluster of atoms
o Carbon Monoxide = CO
Di- is a prefix indicating 2 of a particular atoms/cluster of atoms
o Carbon Dioxide = CO2
Tri- is a prefix indicating 3 of a particular atoms/cluster of atoms
o Dinitrogen Trioxide = N2O3
Prefixes are only used for covalent molecules. For ionic compounds, the formulae have to be
deduced from the valency of the components.
For transition metals, the valency is indicated in brackets
o Iron (II) has a valency of 2, Iron (III) has a valency of 3.
Common Ions
Name Formulae Name Formulae
+ -
Ammonium NH3 Nitrate NO3
2- -
Carbonate CO2 Nitrite NO2
2- 2-
Chromate (VI) CrO4 Oxide O
2- 3-
Dichromate (VI) Cr2O7 Phosphate PO4
- 2-
Ethanoate CH3CO2 Sulphate / Sulfate SO4
- 2-
Hydrogencarbonate HCO2 Sulphite / Sulfite SO3
- 2-
Hydroxide OH Sulphide / Sulfide S
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
4.3 Relative Atomic Mass (Element) & Relative Molecular Mass
The relative atomic mass (Ar) of an element is the average mass of one atom of an element compared to
of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.
Relative Atomic Mass (Ar) may sometimes have the same values as the mass number, but they are
conceptually DIFFERENT from each other.
o Mass number refer to the number of protons and neutrons in an atom. They can differ betweens
isotopes of the same elements. Atoms of different elements can have the same mass number.
o Relative Atomic Mass (Ar) refers to the AVERAGE mass of atoms of a particular element in
accordance with isotopic composition.
Relative Atomic Mass (Ar) has no units.
The relative molecular mass (Mr) of a substance is the average mass of one molecule of the substance
compared with of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.
Examples:
23
1 Mole of Ca = 6 x 10 atoms
23
1 Mole of Na = 6 x 10 atoms
23
1 Mole of Cl2 = 6 x 10 Molecules
23
1 Mole of Cl2 = 2 x 6 x 10 atoms (Since 1 molecule of Cl2 = 2 atoms of Cl)
23
= 12 x 10 atoms
23
1 Mole of NaCl = 2 x 6 x 10 atoms (Since 1 molecule of NaCl = 1 atom of Na +1 atom of Cl)
23
= 12 x 10 atoms
23
1 Mole of NaOH = 3 x 6 x 10 atoms (Since 1 molecule of NaOH = 1 atom of Na +1 atom of O + 1
atom of H)
23
= 18 x 10 atoms
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
4.5 Molar Mass
The mass (in grams) of 1 mole of a substance, is called its molar mass.
o The molar mass of a substance is equal to its relative atomic mass or relative molecular mass.
E.g. The relative atomic mass (Ar) of Helium is 4.0. The molar mass of Helium is 4.0 g. The
23
mass of 1 mole of Helium atoms is 4.0 g. The mass of 6. x 10 Helium atoms is 4.0 g.
E.g. The relative molecular mass (Mr) of Carbon Dioxide is 44.0. The molar mass of Carbon
23
Dioxide is 44.0 g. The mass of 6.02 x 10 Carbon Dioxide molecules is 44.0 g.
Mole =
The number of moles present in a sample =
Chapter 5
Chemical Reactions
Not part of the N-Level Syllabus
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chapter 6
Acid, Bases and Salts
6.1 pH
+
pH measures the concentration of H ions in a solution
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14
o Acids have a pH value of less than 7
The lower the pH, the stronger the acid
Sulphuric Acid in Car Batteries (pH 1) is a much stronger acid than lemon juice (pH 2)
o Bases and Alkalis have a pH value of greater than 7
The higher the pH, the stronger the base/ alkali
Sodium Hydroxide in bleach (pH 13) is a much stronger base than ammonia in fertilizer (pH 11)
o Neutral solutions (like water) have a pH of exactly 7
6.2 pH Indicators
The most accurate way of measuring pH is using a pH meter
An approximate way of measuring pH is using an indicator
An indicator can tell the pH by with colour changes
Universal Indicator
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Red Orange Yellow Green Green-Blue Blue Violet
Litmus
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Red Blue
Phenolphthalein
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Colourless Pink - Purple
Methyl Orange
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Red Yellow
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Red Grey Green
Bromothymol Blue
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Yellow Blue
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
6.3 Acids
Properties of Acids
Acids are sour
o Lemon's sourness is from citric acid
o Vinegar's sourness is from ethanoic acid
Acids have pH of less than 7
o Acids change Blue Litmus paper Red
Organic acids are acids that contain the -COOH group
o Examples of organic acids are Ethanoic Acid and Citric Acid
Mineral acids are acids that are not organic
o Mineral acids are much stronger acids than organic acids
o Examples of mineral acids are Hydrochloric Acid and Nitric Acid
Example 1
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
Example 2
H2SO4(aq) + Ca(OH)2(aq) → CaSO4(aq) + 2 H2O(l)
Example 1
2 HCl(aq) + 2 Na(s) → 2 NaCl(aq) + H2(g)
Example 2
H2SO4(aq) + Mg(s) → MgSO4(aq) + H2(g)
Example 1
2 HCl(aq) + Na2CO3(s) → 2 NaCl(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Example 2
H2SO4(aq) + CaCO3(s) → CaSO4(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Common Acids
Bases are substances that react with an Acid to form a Salt and Water Only
Properties of Bases
Edible bases taste bitter
Alkalis feel slippery
Bases have pH of more than 7
o Bases change Red Litmus paper Blue
Bases are usually Metal oxides or Metal hydroxides
Soluble Bases are called alkalis
o Group I hydroxides are readily soluble
o Group II hydroxides are sparingly soluble
o Group III or Transition Metal hydroxides are generally insoluble
Example 1
NH4Cl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + NH3(g) + H2O(l)
Example 2
(NH4)2SO4(aq) + Ca(OH)2(aq) → CaSO4(aq) + NH3(g) + 2 H2O(l)
Example 1
2 NaOHaq) + CuSO4(s) → Na2SO4(aq) + Cu(OH)2(s) (Blue precipitate)
Example 2
2 NaOHaq) + MgCl2(s) → 2 NaCl(aq) + Mg(OH)2(s) (White precipitate)
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Common Bases
6.7 Oxides
Oxides are formed when elements burn in Oxygen
There are 4 types of Oxides: Acidic, Basic, Amphoteric and Neutral
Non-Metallic oxides are acidic
o They have similar properties as acids, as well as undergo similar reactions as acids
o They form acids when dissolved in water
Carbon Dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3)
Metallic oxides are basic
o They have similar properties as bases, as well as undergo similar reactions as bases
Some Metallic oxides are amphoteric
o They show both acidic and basic properties
They can neutralize both acids and bases.
Aluminum oxide can react with hydrochloric acid to form aluminum chloride and water
Aluminum oxide can react with sodium hydroxide to form sodium aluminate and water
o Some examples are Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3), Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Lead (II)
Some Non-Metallic oxides are neutral (Pure)
o They show neither acidic nor basic properties
o Some examples are Dihydrogen Oxide, Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Oxide (NO)
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
6.9 Preparation of Salts
The method to prepare a salt depends on its solubility
Salt
Insoluble Soluble
Titration Crystalization
Step 3: Wait for the insoluble salt to precipitate out. Stirring or heating may speed the reaction along.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
6.11 Crystallization method
The crystallization method is used to prepare a soluble salt that does not contain Group I or
Ammonium ions.
Step 1: Choosing the reactants. (Use the acid containing the anion, and the metal/ oxide/ carbonate.)
Step 2: Mix the reactants. Let the metal/ metal oxide/ metal carbonate be in excess.
Step 3: Wait for the reaction to complete. Stirring or heating may speed the reaction along.
Step 4: Filter out the excess metal/ metal oxide/ metal carbonate
Step 5: Heat the filtrate till saturated (when a thin layer of crystals are formed.
The Titration method is used to prepare a soluble salt that contains Group I or Ammonium ions.
This method is based on the neutralization reaction.
Step 1: Choosing the reactants. (Use the acid containing the anion & the hydroxide containing the cation.)
3
Step 2: Pipette out 25 cm of one of the reactants into a conical flask. Add a few drops of indicator
Step 4: Add the reactant in the burette into the conical flask drop by drop. Stop when the colour changes.
Step 5: Heat the filtrate till saturated (when a thin layer of crystals are formed.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chapter 7
Periodic Table
7.1 Periodic Trends (An Overview)
The Periodic Table is an arrangement of elements with an increasing number of Protons
o Number of valence electrons increases across a period (Left to right) from 1 to 8.
The Periodic Table is arranged in vertical groups and horizontal periods.
o Elements of the same period have the same number of electron shells.
o Elements of the same group have the same number of valence electrons.
o Elements of the same group have similar chemical properties & form compounds with similar
chemical formulae.
A zig-zag diagonal line divides the metals and non metals.
o Elements near the line are called metalloids & have characteristics of both metals & non-metals.
7.2 Electronegativity
Electronegativity refers to the ability to gain electrons
Less electronegative elements have a greater metallic character.
Elements become more electronegative across the period (Left to right)
o Elements become less metallic across the period
Elements become less electronegative down a group (Top to Bottom)
o Elements become more metallic down a group
Chlorine is the most electronegative element, while Francium is the least Electronegative.
Note: Only Group I (Alkali Metals), Group VII (Halogens) are examinable.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
7.3 Group I Metals: Alkali Metals
Group I Elements reacts with water to form Alkalis and hydrogen gas (Thus the name Alkali Metals).
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chapter 8
Metals
8.1 Physical Properties of Metals
High Boiling and Melting point.
o General exception to these are Mercury and Group I and Group II Metals
Good Conductor of Heat and Electricity
o Due to sea of delocalized electrons
Malleable (Ability of being flattened) & Ductile (Ability to be pulled into wires)
o Due to metallic bonding, in which the layers of atoms can easily slide over each other.
8.2 Alloys
An alloy is a mixture of metal with another element
o This second element may be both either a metal or a non metal
Pure metals are usually too soft to be used.
Alloys strengthens metals to be used by disrupting the orderly arrangement of the metal atoms with
foreign atoms of different sizes.
Some metals, like iron, oxidize or rusts easily.
o Hence alloys of these metals may be used in place of the metals due to their resistance to
oxidization or corrosion.
Examples:
Most Reactive
Potassium Sodium Calcium Magnesium Aluminum Carbon Zinc Iron
K Na Ca Mg Al C Zn Fe
Sn Pl H Cu Hg Ag Au
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
8.4 Chemical Reactions of Metal
All metals undergo displacement reactions
o A more reactive metal is able to displace a less reactive metal from its compounds
o E.g. Displacement of the less reactive copper by the more reactive zinc
o E.g. Displacement of the less reactive lead by the more reactive magnesium
Most Metals can react with water to produce hydrogen gas and either hydroxides or metal oxides.
o E.g. Reaction of Sodium with cold water
Most Metals can react with acids to produce salts and hydrogen gas
o E.g. Reaction of Calcium with Hydrochloric Acid
Potassium K
Reacts vigorously with cold water to Reacts explosively with acids to produce
produce hydroxides and hydrogen gas salts and hydrogen gas
Sodium Na
Reacts slowly with cold water to produce Reacts vigorously with acids to produce
Calcium Ca hydroxides and hydrogen gas salts and hydrogen gas
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
8.5 Chemical Reactions of Metal Compounds
The oxides of the less reactive metals can be reduced by carbon to produce the metal & CO2 only.
o E.g. Reduction of Zinc oxide
The oxides of the less reactive metals can be reduced by hydrogen to produce the metal & H 2O only.
o E.g. Reduction of Lead oxide
Some of the carbonates of the less reactive metals can be decomposed upon heating.
o E.g. Decomposition of Copper Carbonate
Very reactive metals form very stable compounds, hence they can only be extracted by electrolysis.
o All metals above carbon on the reactivity series can only be extracted by electrolysis.
Less reactive metals can be extracted through reduction by carbon, hydrogen or more reactive metals
o All metals below carbon on the reactivity series can only be extracted through reduction
Metals with low reactivity can be found usually in the free state, or can be extracted through heating.
o This refers to metals like mercury, silver and gold.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
8.7 Extraction of Iron
Iron is extracted from haematite (Fe2O3) through reduction in a blast furnace.
1. Haematite (Iron (III) Oxide), Limestone (Calcium Carbonate) and Coke (Carbon) are fed into the
blast furnace
2. Hot air is fed into the bottom of the furnace
3. The Coke burns in the hot air to form carbon dioxide.
6. The molten iron form is filled with sand particles, which can be removed using the limestone
7. The Limestone is decomposed by heat to produce calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
8. The calcium oxide reacts with the sand to form slag (calcium silicate)
9. The slag is less dense than iron. Hence it floats on the molten iron & is removed from the top tap
10. The molten iron is removed from the bottom tap
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
8.8 Recycling of metals
Metal ores resources are finite and limited. Hence it is important to recycle metals
Some advantages of recycling include
o Recycling saves energy required to extract metals from ores
o Recycling reduce emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, produced in the extraction of
metals like iron from ores
o Recycling preserves scarce non-renewable raw materials
o Recycling reduces environmental air pollution and water pollution.
o Recycling reduced the amount of land required for the disposal of metals through landfills
o It is cheaper to recycle some metals like aluminum, than to extract them from the earth's crust
Some disadvantages of recycling include
o Recycling is a time consuming process
o Recycling takes up a high amount of effort and human resources.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chapter 9
The Environment
9.1 Air
Air comprises of
o ≈ 78% Nitrogen Gas (N2)
o ≈ 21% Oxygen Gas (O2)
o ≈ 1% Argon Gas (Ar)
o Very small amounts of Carbon Dioxide and other rare gases.
Greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are responsible for the green house effect,
which traps heat in our earth's atmosphere.
The green house effect is essential to sustaining life as the earth would otherwise be too cold to
survive.
However, too much greenhouse gas leads to global warming, which results in
o Melting of polar caps
o Rising sea levels causing floods in low lying land
o Changing weather patterns such as increase in rainfall in some areas, and possibly causing
floods
o Changing weather patterns such as decrease in rainfall in some areas, resulting in an increase in
number of deserts, as well as possible famine due to crop distruptions.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
9.5 Sulphur Dioxide and Sulphuric Acid
Sulphur Dioxide is a strong Reducing Agent
o It is a good bleaching agent (The reducing properties reduces the coloured dyes)
o It is a good disinfectant (The reducing property effectively kill bacteria)
o It is a good food preservative (The reducing property effectively kill bacteria)
o It is used to manufacture Sulphuric Acid
Although Sulphur Dioxide has many uses, it is also a serious pollutant when released to the
environment
o As it is water soluble, it can dissolve to form acid rain
The main source of Sulphur Dioxide is from the combustion of fossil fuels
o Factories burning fossil fuels containing sulphur impurities
o Petrol and diesel engines burning fossil fuels containing sulphur impurities
Volcanos are also another secondary source of Sulphur Dioxide
o Solid calcium hydroxide or calcium oxides can be added to water bodies and soil to counter the
effects of acid rain
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
9.7 Summary of Air Pollutants
Pollutant Source Hazard Preventive measures
CO - Cars internal It is a poisonous gas that - Install catalytic converters in cars
combustion engine combines with haemoglobin, - Reduce number of cars on road
Carbon - Forest fires reducing the efficiency to - Create efficient engines to ensure
Monoxide transport oxygen, leading to complete combustion
cell death.
CFCs - CFC based - Destroys the Ozone layer - Use CFC-free products
aerosol products
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
9.8 Treatment of Water
The main steps in the treatment of raw water are:
o The water is first screened to remove large solids impurities
Alum is added to cause fine suspended particles to clump together and settle in the
sedimentation tank
Lime is added to reduce acidity
o Addition of activated carbon to remove foul smells and taste
Filtration removes any remaining solid particles
o Chlorination is carried out to disinfect the water by killing the harmful bacteria
Fluoride is sometime added to prevent tooth decay
Sand and
Raw water is Mixing Sedimentation Clear water
Gravel filter
screened Chamber Tank tanks
beds
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
Chapter 10
Organic Chemistry
10.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry is the study of Carbon based compounds
o Except for Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide and metal Carbonates
Most organic compounds also have hydrogen, and some also have oxygen.
o Organic compounds with carbon and hydrogen atoms are called hydrocarbons
Important reminder: Carbon Atoms only can form 4 bonds around each one
In organic chemistry, there are many compounds with similar chemical properties, and have a general
formula
o This family of compounds is known as a homologeous series
o All compounds in a homologus series typically have a common functional group, and differ by a -
CH2 unit.
o Compounds in a homologeous series have similar chemical properties but different physical
properties like boiling and melting points
No. Of Carbons
1 2 3 4
Meth- Eth- Prop- But-
Methane Ethane Propane Butane
Alkanes -ane
CnH2n + 2
CH4 C2H6 C3H8 C4H10
Functional
Groups
Ethene Propene Butene
Alkenes -ene
CnH2n
C2H4 C3H6 C4H8
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
10.2 Petroleum and Crude Oil
Crude oil is a mixture of many thousands of different hydrocarbons with different properties.
o To make crude oil useful, batches of similar compounds with similar properties need to be sorted
and separated by fractional distillation.
o In fractional distillation, the crude oil is heated to make it vaporise. The vapour is then cooled.
o Different fractions of the oil are collected at different temperatures.
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
10.3 Isomerism
Organic compounds with same chemical formula but different structural formula are known as
isomers
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
10.4 Alkanes
Alkanes are organic compounds with only Carbon and Hydrogen atoms with NO Functional groups
Alkanes have the general formula of CnH2n + 2
Alkanes are generally unreactive.
CH3CH2CH2CH3
Or
HCH3 CH3CH3 CH3CH2CH3
CH3CHCH3
CH3
10.4a Combustion
Alkanes undergo Combustion
o Alkanes burn in Oxygen to form Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
10.5 Alkenes
Alkenes are organic compounds with a double bond between 2 carbon atoms
Alkanes have the general formula of CnH2n
Alkenes are unsaturated organic compounds (Has 1 or more double bonds)
o Alkanes are saturated organic compounds (Has no double bonds)
H2C=CHCH2CH3 Or
Or CH3CH=CHCH3
H2C=CH2 H2C=CHCH3
H2C=CCH3
CH3
10.5a Combustion
Alkenes undergo Combustion
o Alkenes burn in Oxygen to form Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour
Note: This can be used as a test to differentiate Alkanes from Alkenes. Alkenes can decolourise bromine
in the absence of light, while Alkanes cannot decolourise bromine in the absence of light
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
10.5d Addition Reaction with Hydrogen Gas
Alkenes can undergo addition reactions with Hydrogen Gas
o This process is known as hydrogenation
Hydrogenation is used to change vegetable oil into margarine
Hydrogenation is used to change Alkenes to Alkanes
o
Reaction Conditions: 200 C with Nickel Catalyst
C2H4 + H2 → C2H6
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry
©2014 Marcus Ng Chemistry Notes for Secondary School N-Levels Combined Chemistry