WJEC A Level Chemistry
WJEC A Level Chemistry Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions Exam Questions
Free WJEC A Level Chemistry exam questions for Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers formulae and equations, atomic structure, radioactivity, electronic configuration, mole calculations, bonding, solid structures, periodic table and acid-base equilibria.
Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions exam questions
7 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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A-Level Chemistry Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About WJEC A Level Chemistry Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions
Unit 1 is the first AS unit of the WJEC A Level Chemistry course and it counts towards the full A Level. It covers the language of chemistry (formulae, equations and oxidation states), atomic structure including radioactivity and electronic configurations, chemical calculations, bonding and intermolecular forces, solid structures, the s-block and halogens, and simple equilibria and acid-base reactions. It underpins every later unit, especially Unit 3 Physical and Inorganic Chemistry. Examiners reward precise definitions, explanations based on nuclear charge, shielding and distance, and careful working in mole and titration calculations with correct significant figures.
What you need to know
- 1.1 Formulae and equations Construct formulae from ions, write balanced and ionic equations with state symbols and use oxidation states to identify oxidation and reduction.
- 1.2 Basic ideas about atoms Isotopes and mass spectrometry; alpha, beta and gamma radiation, nuclear equations and half-life; successive ionisation energies; electronic configurations in s, p and d orbitals; emission spectra as evidence for energy levels.
- 1.3 Chemical calculations Relative masses, moles, empirical formulae, reacting masses, gas volumes and the ideal gas equation, solution concentration, titrations, percentage yield, atom economy and percentage error.
- 1.4 and 1.5 Bonding and solids Ionic, covalent, dative and metallic bonds; electronegativity and polarity; VSEPR shapes; London forces, permanent dipoles and hydrogen bonds. Structures of NaCl, CsCl, diamond, graphite and ice.
- 1.6 The Periodic Table Group 1 and 2 reactions, thermal stability of carbonates, solubility trends, flame colours; Group 7 oxidising power, displacement reactions and halide tests with silver nitrate and ammonia.
- 1.7 Equilibria and acid-base reactions Dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier's principle and Kc expressions; Bronsted-Lowry theory; pH of strong acids; acid-base titrations and standard solutions.
Common mistakes in Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions
- Forgetting that ions in CsCl have a coordination number of 8 while in NaCl it is 6.
- Writing nuclear equations that do not balance mass and atomic numbers.
- Rounding intermediate values in titration calculations, which changes the final answer.
- Explaining melting temperature trends of simple molecules using covalent bond strength instead of intermolecular forces.
- Saying the halide test can use hydrochloric acid to acidify. Dilute nitric acid must be used so no chloride is added.
Try three Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions exam-style questions
1. Write a nuclear equation for the beta decay of carbon-14. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
14 6 C gives 14 7 N + 0 -1 e (beta particle); mass and atomic numbers balance.
2. Calculate the volume occupied by 0.0500 mol of an ideal gas at 101 kPa and 298 K. (R = 8.31 J K-1 mol-1) (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
V = nRT / p = 0.0500 x 8.31 x 298 / 101000; = 1.23 x 10^-3 m3 (1.23 dm3).
3. Describe how to distinguish aqueous solutions of sodium chloride and sodium bromide. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Acidify with dilute nitric acid then add silver nitrate solution; NaCl gives a white precipitate, NaBr a cream precipitate; the white precipitate dissolves in dilute ammonia, the cream one only in concentrated ammonia.
Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions FAQs
What does WJEC A Level Chemistry Unit 1 cover?
It covers formulae and equations, atomic structure and radioactivity, chemical calculations, bonding, solid structures, the s-block and halogens, equilibria and acid-base reactions.
Does WJEC Unit 1 count towards the full A Level?
Yes. WJEC A Level Chemistry is unitised, so Unit 1 is an AS unit that also contributes to the final A Level grade.
What should I practise most for Unit 1?
Practise mole and titration calculations, nuclear equations and half-life problems, and explanations of periodic trends using nuclear charge, shielding and atomic radius.
