IB DP Chemistry explores matter at the atomic and molecular level, providing a strong foundation for understanding the material world. Students develop experimental skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Atomic structure: electron configurations, isotopes, mass spectrometry. Bonding: ionic, covalent, metallic; VSEPR shapes; intermolecular forces. Energetics: enthalpy changes, Hess's law, calorimetry. Kinetics: rate factors, collision theory, rate expressions. Equilibrium: Le Chatelier's principle, Kc. Acids & bases: pH, strong/weak acids, buffers. Redox: oxidation states, electrochemical cells. Organic: nomenclature, functional groups, reaction mechanisms.
HL adds depth: electron orbitals (s, p, d hybridisation), Born-Haber cycles, entropy & Gibbs free energy, rate law and order of reaction, pH curves & indicators, transition metals & colour, advanced organic mechanisms (SN1/SN2, E1/E2), spectroscopy (IR, ¹H NMR, mass spec).
Students complete 40 hours (SL) or 60 hours (HL) of practical work. The IA is an individual investigation (report, ~6–12 pages) contributing 20% of the final grade. Popular topics: investigating factors affecting rate of reaction, vitamin C content in fruit, enthalpy of combustion of alcohols.
IB Chemistry requires solid arithmetic and algebra — calculating molar masses, using the ideal gas equation (PV = nRT), equilibrium expressions, pH calculations (logarithms), and enthalpy calculations. HL adds rates of reaction calculations and Gibbs free energy (ΔG = ΔH − TΔS). A strong foundation in MYP-level maths is sufficient; AA SL or AI SL alongside is recommended.
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