GCSE CHEMISTRY

This book was written to cover the chemistry content of all the UK GCSE Chemistry syllabuses at the time (2002). It is aimed at students likely to achieve grades from A* to B, and written in a way that wouldn't cause problems for students going on to do chemistry at a higher level.

However, since then, GCSE syllabuses have changed, particularly in the order in which they do things, and with more stress on making chemistry "relevant" - some would argue, more dumbed down!

This book will therefore no longer match the approach of some modern GCSE chemistry syllabuses. It does, however, contain virtually all the chemistry that you will need for the new syllabuses (almost certainly more than you will need), presented in a logical order that will help you to make a smooth transition from GCSE to A level (or its equivalent) if that's what you want to do later.

If you are working in another system, GCSE in the UK is an exam taken at the end of a (usually) two year course at the age of 16. Anyone taking a similar introductory chemistry course may find the book helpful.

On this page you will find a description of how the book is organised, together with a summary of the contents. You will also find direct links to the book on both the Longman and the Amazon.co.uk sites.

Education in Chemistry, May 2003

"I was impressed with this new book, . . ."

"The text is clearly laid out with excellent diagrams and illustrations."

"This is an excellent textbook."

School Science Review (issue 307)

". . will stretch and enthuse those with some ability in chemistry."

"It would certainly help to bridge the gap between GCSE and AS level."

How to get hold of the book

Schools or colleges would probably find it best to go to the Longman GCSE Chemistry website, but this site isn't really set up for individual purchases.

You can, of course, buy the book through normal book sellers, but if you want to buy online, you will find a direct link to Amazon.co.uk coming up.

Non-UK students can also buy the book from Amazon.co.uk, but will obviously have to pay a slightly higher delivery charge.

What the book covers

The book is organised into 6 sections plus an important appendix. Each section is made up of a number of related chapters.

There are questions at the end of each chapter to test understanding, and a set of GCSE-style exam questions at the end of each section. Answers to all the questions are provided on the supporting website - although these are password-protected so that only teachers can get at them!

Section A: Particles

This covers an introduction to atomic structure and bonding (including metallic bonding and intermolecular forces) and the relationship between the structures of elements and compounds and their physical properties.

There is also a chapter on how to write formulae and equations, and a final one on the factors affecting rates of reaction together with explanations.

Section B: Some essential background chemistry

This is a lengthy section which covers the important lab-based chemistry:

• Reactivity series

• Acids and their reactions

• Salts

• Simple analysis

• Periodic Table: including some history, the structure of the table, the noble gases, Groups 1 and 7, and an introduction to transition metals

• Electrolysis and electrochemical cells

• Energy changes in reactions

Section C: Large scale chemistry

This covers the extraction of several metals, and the chemistry of salt and limestone. It introduces reversible reactions leading to the Haber and Contact Processes.

Section D: Air, water and earth

Discusses the atmosphere (including its evolution and some environmental problems), water (including hardness, water treatment, and an introduction to colloids) and types of rock.

Section E: Organic chemistry

An introductory look at the oil industry and some simple organic compounds (alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and a brief look at esters). Structural isomerism is explained where it arises.

There are also chapters on food and drugs, and enzymes.

Section F: Sums

This section deals with all the calculations involving relative atomic masses and moles up to and including simple titration and electrolysis calculations.

Appendices

The most important appendix explains how to maximise your score when writing up coursework practical investigations to satisfy the requirements of UK GCSE examiners. The fully written out investigation is available from the website accompanying the book. (See below.)

The website

There is a website to accompany the book which you can find by following this link. You may find this useful even if you don't end up buying the book!

You will find lots of links to other other useful chemistry web sites, a fully written up example of a coursework investigation, and a set of worksheets. Answers to all the questions in the book are available, but only to teachers who have purchased the book from Longman. The answers are password-protected for obvious reasons!