National 5 Chemistry
Resources Guide
November 2014
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Chemistry National 5 Resources Guide
This resource guide has been produced in response to requests from staff who attended the NQ Sciences events at Hampden Stadium in
December 2013. Those attending felt it would be useful to have a document which helped them navigate to the most relevant resources
quickly.
The following pages show the mandatory course key areas table from the SQA Chemistry National 5 Course and Unit Support Notes. An
additional fourth column has been included which contains hyperlinks to useful resources. Please note: Staff are not required to use the
resources listed – they are only included as helpful suggestions. Staff should also refer to the SQA website for the most up-to-date
course and unit support notes.
To further assist staff links to useful SQA documentation have been included at the beginning of each unit. The SQA documentation relating to
the course is shown here.
SQA documents
Web link
Course specification
http://bit.ly/1nBUKAY
Course assessment specification
http://bit.ly/1gyw4zn
Course and unit support notes (the original document which has been modified in the
succeeding pages)
General assessment information
Specimen examination paper and marking scheme
http://bit.ly/1iAy9js
Course Report 2014
http://bit.ly/1H8KUhg
http://bit.ly/1oqyg2V
http://bit.ly/1fXJ2LY
Education Scotland learning materials
National Qualifications Glow portal
http://bit.ly/1fXJnOI
Past papers guidance
http://bit.ly/1fXJ2LY
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NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Chemical Changes and Structure
Mandatory course key areas
Rates of reaction
Average rate of reaction calculated
from graph to show change in rate of
reaction as reaction progresses.
Unit specification: http://bit.ly/1p8URQ0
Suggested learning activities
Exemplification of key areas
Useful resources
Various videos are available
commercially from the Twig
website in both the Atoms and
bonding and Reactions sections.
Calculations of the average rate
of a chemical reaction from a
graph of the change in mass or
volume against time.
Learners can carry out a series
of experiments that involve
production of a gas, eg acid with
metal carbonate or metal.
Alternatively, an effervescent
tablet can be added to water.
Learners should be familiar with
the factors affecting rates of
reaction for this course.
Glow learner and staff resources – rate of
reaction and energy changes files
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm474919
3.asp
(Glow login required)
Learners can collect data
manually or by using datalogging technology. Learners
can construct graphs and
calculate the average rate of
reaction.
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Reaction rates
SSERC experiment – Rhubarb Rhubarb
PhET interactive simulation – Reactions and
rates
Alternative variables such as
colour and pH can be
investigated where equipment is
available.
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NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Atomic structure and bonding
related to properties of materials
Nuclide notation. Isotopes and relative
atomic mass. Ions. Ionic bonding.
Covalent molecular, covalent network
and ionic lattices.
Physical properties of chemicals
explained through bonding.
Chemical and ionic formulae,
including group ions.
Element top trumps, available
on the TES website or the Royal
Society of Chemistry website,
can be used to introduce nuclide
notation and isotopes. The
stability of different isotopes can
be discussed at this point.
Various interactive periodic
tables can be found online on
the Royal Society of Chemistry
website. They can be used to
show the properties of elements
that are not available.
A discussion of the noble gases’
lack of reactivity and possible
reasons why – relating to outer
electron number – can be used
to introduce the octet rule of
thumb.
Balloons can be used to
demonstrate the shape of
electron orbitals.
4
Learners should have
knowledge of sub-atomic
particles, their charge, mass and
position within the atom, the
structure of the periodic table,
groups, periods and atomic
number. They should also be
familiar with the seven diatomic
elements.
Glow resources, learner sheets, staff guides
and assessments on atomic structure,
bonding and chemical formulae and
equations files
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm474919
3.asp
(Glow login required)
Twig resources – Bonding types
When there is an imbalance in
the number of positive protons
and electrons the particle is
known as an ion.
Chemists use nuclide notation to
show the numbers of sub-atomic
particles in an atom or ion.
Isotopes are atoms of the same
element with different mass
numbers. Relative atomic mass
is the average mass of the
isotopes present, taking into
account their relative
proportions.
Twig video clip – Intermolecular forces
HWB learner activities – Bonding
BBC Knowledge and Learning video clip –
Mass and atomic numbers
BBC Knowledge and Learning video clip –
How mass and atomic numbers explain
atomic structure
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Atomic Numbers
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Isotopes
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
A wide variety of models can be
made and used to demonstrate
molecular shape.
Models can be used to show
lattice structure.
Magnets can be used to
demonstrate electrostatic
attraction and repulsion.
Learners can engage in practical
activities on electrical
conductivity, melting point and
boiling point to explore the
effects of bonding.
In a covalent bond, the shared
pair of electrons is attracted to
the nuclei of the two bonded
atoms. More than one bond can
be formed between atoms,
leading to double and triple
covalent bonds. Covalent
substances can form either
discrete molecular or giant
network structures. Diagrams
show how outer electrons are
shared to form the covalent
bond(s) in a molecule and the
shape of simple two-element
compounds. Covalent molecular
substances have low melting
and boiling points due to only
weak forces of attraction
between molecules being
broken. Giant covalent network
structures have very high
melting and boiling points
because the network of strong
covalent bonds must be broken.
Times Educational Supplement PowerPoint –
Isotopes and calculating Ar
(Free registration with TES connect required)
Times Educational Supplement PowerPoint –
Structure and bonding
(Free registration with TES connect required)
Ionic bonds are the electrostatic
attraction between positive and
negative ions. Ionic compounds
form lattice structures of
oppositely charged ions. Ionic
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NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
compounds have high melting
and boiling points because
strong ionic bonds must be
broken in order to break down
the lattice. Dissolving also
breaks down the lattice
structure.
Ionic compounds conduct
electricity only when molten or in
solution due to the breakdown of
the lattice resulting in the ions
being free to move.
Experimental procedures are
required to confirm the type of
bonding present in a substance.
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NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Formulae and reaction quantities
Balanced equations, including state
symbols.
Gram formula mass, calculations
relating mass, volume of solutions,
concentration and moles.
Learners could prepare standard
solutions to reinforce use of
calculations.
Chemical and ionic formulae,
including compounds containing
group ions.
The chemical formula of a
covalent molecular substance
gives the number of atoms
present in the molecule. The
formula of a covalent network or
ionic compound gives the
simplest ratio of atoms/ions in
the substance.
Glow learner and staff resources – Chemical
formulae and reaction quantities file
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm474919
3.asp
(Glow login required)
Moles
The gram formula mass is
defined as the mass of one mole
of a substance. Using the
chemical formula of any
substance the gram formula
mass can be calculated using
the relative formula masses of
its constituent elements.
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– The mole and concentration of solutions
Jefferson Lab interactive learner resource –
Balancing equations
The concentration of solutions in
moles per litre. Calculations to
determine the concentration,
volume and mass of a
substance through the number
of moles present.
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NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Acids and bases
Dissociation of water into hydrogen
and hydroxide ions. pH is related to
the concentration of hydrogen and
hydroxide ions in pure water, acids
and alkalis.
Neutralisation. Titrations.
Learners can investigate the
comparative conductivity of
saline solution, tap water and
distilled water. These
measurements can be linked to
ion concentration to develop an
understanding of the
dissociation of water molecules.
Learners should have
knowledge of pH, acids and
bases, including neutralisation
reactions and salt formation.
A very small proportion of water
molecules will dissociate into an
equal number of hydrogen and
hydroxide ions.
Learners can use sequential
ten-fold dilution and full-scale pH
indicator or a pH meter to study
the effect of dilution on pH.
The pH is a measure of the
hydrogen ion concentration. A
neutral solution has an equal
concentration of hydrogen and
hydroxide ions.
Practical tasks could be carried
out to demonstrate the formation
of acids and alkalis from oxides.
A solution with a greater
concentration of hydrogen ions
than hydroxide ions is an acid.
When the reverse is true the
solution is known as an alkali.
The effect of dilution of an acid
or alkali with water is related to
the concentrations of hydrogen
and hydroxide ions.
When added to water, soluble
metal oxides produce metal
hydroxide solutions, increasing
the hydroxide ion concentration.
8
SSERC activities to introduce this topic:
Rainbow reaction experiment
Colourful flowers activity
Glow resources – Acids and alkalis and
neutralisation
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm474919
3.asp
(GLOW login required)
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Water and neutral solutions
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Neutralisation
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Ionic equations and spectator ions
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Hydrogen and hydroxide ions
Twig video clip – Acids and alkalis Part 2,
including quiz
PhET interactive resource – Acid–base
solutions
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Soluble non-metal oxides
increase the hydrogen ion
concentration.
Learners can carry out acid–
base titrations to acquire skills of
accurate measurement.
Accurate and precise end-point
detection should be
emphasised.
Neutralisation reactions
For the neutralisation reactions
of acids with alkalis or metal
carbonates, the reacting species
is determined by omission of
spectator ions.
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
–Titrations
Titration is an analytical
technique used to determine the
accurate volumes involved in
chemical reactions such as
neutralisation. An indicator is
used to show the end-point of
the reaction.
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NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Nature’s Chemistry
Unit specification: http://bit.ly/1g8ebNF
Mandatory course key areas
Suggested learning activities
Exemplification of key areas
Useful resources
Homologous series
The study of cycloalkanes and
branched-chain alkanes and alkenes
(up to C8).
Royal Society of Chemistry –
rsc-oilstrike.org.
Alkenes are described as
unsaturated hydrocarbons and
can undergo addition reactions
that convert them into alkanes.
Glow resources, learning outcomes,
summaries and assessment materials
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm475670
4.asp
(Glow login required)
To include their physical, chemical
properties, general formulae,
systematic names, structural formulae,
uses, reactions and isomers.
Reactions – combustion and addition.
Scholar animations (including
naming animations).
Chemsketch (can get 3D models
of hydrocarbons).
Chemsketch is available for
schools free of charge.
Hydration of alkenes.
Practical Chemistry website –
practicalchemistry.org
Experiments formulae identified
and drawn.
Learners can investigate the
structure of isomers using
molecular models.
10
The cycloalkane family is a
homologous series of
hydrocarbons that are identified
by name and the general
formula.
Cycloalkanes with no more than
eight carbon atoms in their
longest chain are named from
their full structural formulae,
shortened structural formulae
and molecular formulae.
Structural formulae can be
drawn and molecular formulae
written from systematic names.
Isomers, including alkanes,
branched alkanes, alkenes,
Royal Society of Chemistry learner activity –
Oil strike
Times Educational Supplement PowerPoint –
Crude oil
(Free registration with TES connect required)
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Hydrocarbons and homologous series
Times Educational Supplement PowerPoint –
Alkane series interactive models
(Free registration with TES connect required)
Times Educational Supplement PowerPoint –
Cyclic compounds interactive models
(Free registration with TES connect required)
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
branched alkenes and
cycloalkanes.
Isomers have different
properties.
Everyday consumer products
Uses of alcohols and carboxylic acids,
including their physical AND chemical
properties. For straight-chain alcohols
and carboxylic acids (C1–C8) general
formulae, systematic naming,
structural formulae. Functional groups
in alcohols, carboxylic acids and
esters. Manufacture of esters as a use
of alcohols and carboxylic acids. Uses
of esters.
A number of alcohols can be
examined to establish common
properties. The miscibility of
alcohol in water and the pH of
the resultant solutions could be
tested.
The flammability of meths in
camping stoves can be
demonstrated whilst methanol
can be discussed as a fuel in
drag racing and speedway.
Examine a number of products,
such as screen wipes,
disinfectant wipes and hand
gels, which contain isopropyl
alcohol (propan-2-ol).
Vinegar offers learners an
introduction to carboxylic acids
using a familiar example. Obtain
a qualitative measure of the
concentration of ethanoic acid in
Times Educational Supplement PowerPoint –
Hexane isomers – Interactive models
(Free registration with TES connect required)
Alcohols
An alcohol is identified from the
–OH group and the ending ‘-ol’.
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters:
Alcohols
Straight-chain alcohols are
named from the structure
formulae. Given the names of
straight-chain alcohols structural
and molecular formulae can be
written.
Times Educational Supplement interactive
model – Alcohol series
(Free registration with TES connect required)
Times Educational Supplement interactive
model – Functional group
(Free registration with TES connect required)
Alcohols are effective solvents,
highly flammable and burn with
very clean flames, resulting in
their use as a fuel.
Carboxylic acids
Carboxylic acids can be
identified by the carboxyl
ending, the COOH functional
group and the ‘-oic’ name
ending.
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters:
Carboxylic acids
Straight-chain carboxylic acids
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NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
different vinegars: A marble chip
is attached to the inside of the
lids of a number of 35 mm film
canisters using a small piece of
reusable poster tack. Equal
volumes of a variety of vinegars
are poured into the film cans
until they are one third full. The
lids are placed onto the cans
and the cans inverted at the
same time. Ethanoic acid reacts
with the marble, liberating
carbon dioxide gas which builds
up until the lid seal breaks and
the can shoots into the air like a
rocket. The order in which the
vinegar ‘rockets’ take off is a
measure of the concentration of
ethanoic acid in each.
The concentration of ethanoic
acid in vinegars can be
determined quantitatively by
measuring the volume of carbon
dioxide liberated when excess
carbonate salt is added to
vinegar.
Many carboxylic acids have
unpleasant smells. (Great care
12
can be identified and named
from the structural formulae.
Given the name of straight-chain
carboxylic acid the structural
formulae can be drawn.
Vinegar is a solution of ethanoic
acid. Vinegar is used in
household cleaning products
designed to remove limescale (a
build-up of insoluble carbonates
on plumbing fixtures) and as a
preservative in the food industry.
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
must be taken in handling
undiluted carboxylic acids as
they are highly corrosive.) Many
learners may describe the smell
as ‘like vomit’. It can be
worthwhile commenting on the
accuracy of the description as
vomit contains carboxylic acids
known as fatty acids, which are
released from fats and oils
during digestion.
To demonstrate both the acidic
nature of ethanoic acid and its
use as a food preservative,
pickled eggs can be produced
by placing boiled eggs (still in
their shells) in jars containing
vinegar. The acid will dissolve
the shell to leave a pickled egg
in vinegar. Pickles (food
preserved in vinegar) can be
stored for a long time because
the low pH prevents the growth
of harmful bacteria and fungi.
A smelling session is one way of
reinforcing the use of the ‘fruity’
type of scent/flavour associated
with esters. Foam-fruit-type
Esters
An ester can be made by
reacting a carboxylic acid and
an alcohol.
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters:
Esters
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NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
sweets, pear drops and other
fruit-flavoured sweets often have
distinctive ester scents.
Examples of esters responsible
for fruit smells include 3-methyl1-butyl ethanoate = banana,
methyl butanoate = apple,
propyl ethanoate = pear.
Esters can be quickly
synthesised on a test-tube scale
by learners.
Learners work in pairs to
synthesise different esters and
identify their properties.
Websites provide extensive lists
of the esters found in fruit.
Learners could research the
uses of esters.
14
Some uses of esters are in food
flavouring, industrial solvents,
fragrances and materials.
Twig video clip – Esters and perfumes
Twig video clip – Natural versus artificial
National Stem Centre Triple Science Support
Programme quick guide – Esters
Times Educational Supplement animation –
Making esters
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Energy from fuels
Energy calculations involving Eh =
cm∆T.
(There is no requirement to calculate
enthalpy per mole.)
Calculations based on balanced
equations.
The flammability of meths in
camping stoves can be
demonstrated whilst methanol
can be discussed as a fuel in
drag racing and speedway.
A demonstration of the
flammability of alcohol is
provided by the ‘whoosh bottle’
demonstration. A mixture of
alcohol and air in a large
polycarbonate bottle is ignited.
The resulting rapid combustion
reaction, often accompanied by
a dramatic ‘whoosh’ sound and
flames, demonstrates the large
amount of chemical energy
released in the combustion of
alcohols.
Equally, the ‘alcohol gun’
experiment or the ‘flaming
pumpkin’ could be
demonstrated. Risk
assessments should be carried
out before doing any of these
experiments. A more mysterious
element can be introduced with
Alkanes and alcohols can be
used as fuels. Combustion
reactions are exothermic
reactions. The opposite of this is
an endothermic reaction.
When a substance is combusted
the reaction can be represented
using a balanced formulae
equation. The quantities of
reactants and products in these
reactions can be calculated.
SSERC experiments:
Whoosh bottle
Dynamite soap
BBC Learning Zone video clip – Rocket test
BBC Learning Zone video clip – Toffeepowered rocket-bike
Twig video clip – Vegetable oils as fuel
(includes staff resource)
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Energy of fuels (calculation)
IGP Energy data source – Higher alcohols
Different fuels provide different
quantities of energy and this can
be measured experimentally and
calculated using Eh = cm∆T.
15
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
the ‘non-burning £5 note’
experiment.
The heat energy released when
alcohol burns can be measured.
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NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Chemistry in Society
Mandatory course key areas
Metals
Metallic bonding and resulting
electrical conductivity. Balanced ionic
equations for reactions of metals,
extraction of metals and reduction
reactions. Electrochemical cells
including a non-metal electrode.
Reactions of metals: electron flow,
redox reaction, oxidation, reduction.
Fuel cells and rechargeable batteries.
Unit specification: http://bit.ly/1ifO4D0
Suggested learning activities
Exemplification of key areas
Useful resources
Internet search ‘metallic
bonding’. This will provide
numerous websites to illustrate
the bonding and what happens
when a voltage is applied to it.
Metallic bonding can explain the
conductivity of metal.
Balanced ionic equations can be
written to show the reaction of
metals with water, oxygen and
acids.
Glow resources, learning outcomes,
summaries and assessment materials.
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm475670
4.asp
(Glow login required)
Ion–electron equations can be
written for electrochemical cells,
including those involving nonmetals. Combinations of these
reactions form redox equations.
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Properties of metals
The following internet site
should provide details of various
experiments to reduce metal
compounds
Internet search:
rsc.org/Education Learn
Chemistry
Carry out electrolysis of molten
lead bromide.
Internet search: bbc.co.uk
Learning Zone clips secondary
chemistry
This should provide many short
video clips covering various
Fuel cells and rechargeable
batteries are two examples of
technologies that utilise redox
reactions.
The percentage of a particular
metal in an ore can be
calculated. From the balanced
equations for the extraction of
metals the reducing agent can
be identified.
BBC Learning Zone video clip – Alkali metals
Times Educational Supplement PowerPoint –
Structure and Bonding
(Free registration with TES connect required)
HWB learner activities – The Periodic Table,
structure and bonding
BBC Learning Zone video clip – Extracting
copper
BBC Learning Zone video clip – Extraction of
iron
17
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
chemical reactions including
those involving metals.
Internet search: Stem Central
This should bring up a website
with resources and video clips
related to fuel cells and a whole
lot more.
Make a lead/acid cell to show a
declarable battery.
Aluminium extraction.
Internet search:
• rsc.org/Education Alchemy
• Iron and steel
Internet search:
• rsc.org/Education Alchemy
• bbc.co.uk Learning Zone clips
secondary chemistry
Twig video clip – Oxygen and combustion
Twig video clip – Oxidation reactions
Twig video clip – Redox reactions
Twig video clip – Electrolysis
Twig video clip – Extraction of aluminium
Times Educational Supplement PowerPoint –
Aluminium extraction, including ion electron
equations
(Free registration with TES connect required)
HWB IWB resource – Electrolysis of
aluminium oxide
National Stem Centre Quick Guide – Fuel cell
resources
Times Educational Supplement video clip –
Hydrogen fuel cells
(Free registration with TES connect required)
Glow resources, learning outcomes,
PowerPoints, summaries and assessment
materials
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm474919
3.asp
(Glow login required)
SSERC experiment – Salt and battery
18
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Properties of plastics
Addition and condensation
polymerisation, including polythene,
and polyesters. Representation of the
structure of monomers and polymers.
Natural polymers.
Polyesters.
Identifying polymers.
Internet search:
rsc.org/Education/polymer
For addition polymers: identify
monomer, polymer, repeating
unit and naming polymers.
Plastics can be made by the
processes of addition and
condensation polymerisation.
The structure of a polymer can
be drawn from the structure of
its monomers and vice versa.
The type of polymer can be
identified from its structure.
SSERC experiment – Gloopy and gooey
BBC Knowledge and Learning video clip –
The structure, properties and uses of Bakelite
BBC Learning Zone video clip – Making
polythene – cracking and polymerisation
BBC Learning Zone video clip – The
structure and uses of vulcanised rubber
Novel materials could be
investigated for the following
properties: conductivity,
solubility, colour changing, water
absorption.
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Properties of plastics
Smart materials.
SSERC experiment – Plastic fantastic
Twig video clip – Plastics and polymers
Twig video clip – Invention of nylon
Glow resources, learning outcomes,
PowerPoints, summaries and assessment
materials
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm482659
8.asp
Hydrogels
(Glow login required)
19
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Glow365 resources, learning outcomes,
PowerPoints, summaries and assessment
materials – Hydrogels
Assignment materials
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm482712
7.asp
(Glow login required)
BBC Learning Zone video clip – Uses of
polymers
Imagination Station learner resources – How
do baby diapers work?
20
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Fertilisers
The Haber process to produce
ammonia. Commercial production of
nitrate fertilisers.
Percentage mass compositions of
fertilisers.
Ammonia internet search:
rsc.org/Education Alchemy
Could discuss the history of the
Haber process and Fritz Haber
himself.
Produce ammonia via heating
an ammonium salt and a solid
base such as soda lime and
testing pH via damp litmus
paper.
The Haber process is one of the
most important reactions in the
production of fertilisers and is an
example of a reversible reaction.
Ammonia is the starting material
for the commercial production of
nitric acid, which is used to
produce ammonium nitrate.
Education Scotland staff resource –
Agrochemicals
Royal Society of Chemistry video clip – The
fountain experiment
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Properties of fertilisers
Ammonia fountain experiment
(internet search).
Nitric acid.
Internet search:
rsc.org/Education Alchemy
21
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Nuclear chemistry
Radiation process, alpha, beta and
gamma radiation. Specific properties
mass, charge and ability to penetrate
different materials. Nuclear equations.
Uses of radioisotopes.
Half-life. Use of isotopes to date
materials.
Find out about the uses of
radioisotopes.
Find out about the benefits and
problems associated with
radioisotopes, eg carbon dating.
Analyse such information in
terms of the nature of the
radiation emitted and its
consequent properties, the
intensity of the radiation emitted
and the half-life of the
radioisotope(s) present.
Internet search: Institute of
Physics teaching radioactivity.
Internet search: uses of isotope
ratios. These are used
extensively in analysis across
science disciplines.
Radioactive elements can
become more stable by giving
out alpha, beta or gamma
radiation. These types of
radiation have specific
properties such as their mass,
charge and ability to penetrate
different materials.
The time for half of the nuclei of
a particular isotope to decay is
fixed and is called the half-life.
The half-life for a particular
isotope is a constant so
radioactive isotopes can be
used to date materials.
Nuclear equations can be
written to describe nuclear
reactions.
Radioactive isotopes are used in
medicine and industry.
BBC Learning Zone video clip – Atoms and
isotopes
BBC Knowledge and Learning revision guide
– Effects of radiation
Education Scotland advice and guidance for
practitioners – Nuclear chemistry (See
Appendix 2 for analysis of Nuclear
Chemistry resource)
Phet interactive resource – Alpha Decay
Institute of Physics staff resource – Teaching
radioactivity: Summary and suggestions
BBC Learning Zone video clip – Introduction
to radioactivity
BBC Learning Zone video clip – A
comparison of alpha, beta and gamma
Furry Elephant learner resource – Alpha,
beta and gamma penetration
Twig video clip – Radioactive half-life
Science Geek learner resource – Balancing
nuclear equations
22
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Radiochemistry Society learner resource –
Medical isotopes: general concepts
Institute of Physics Inside story interactive
resources – Medical uses of radiation, MRI,
PET and radiotherapy
23
NATIONAL 5 CHEMISTRY RESOURCES GUIDE
Chemical analysis
Techniques for monitoring the
environment and methods for reducing
pollution and titration with calculations.
Water analysis, soil analysis.
These could be modified with
various salts if necessary.
Chemical ion tests with silver
nitrate for halide ions or carrying
out other precipitation reactions
to determine other ions.
Chemists play an important role
in society by monitoring our
environment to ensure that it
remains healthy and safe, and
that pollution is tackled as it
arises.
A variety of methods exist which
enable chemists to monitor the
environment both qualitatively
and quantitatively, such as acid–
base titration, precipitation,
flame testing.
Glow resources, learning outcomes,
PowerPoints, summaries and assessment
materials
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nqcours
ematerials/subjects/c/nqresource_tcm474919
3.asp
(Glow login required)
(Chemical formulae and reaction quantities
file contains the titration calculation.)
SSERC experiment – Flame colours
Times Educational Supplement – Flame test
PowerPoint
Times Educational Supplement – Hydrogen
fuel cells
http://www.tes.co.uk/teachingresource/Hydrogen-fuel-cells-6170770/
Times Educational Supplement – Structure
and bonding
http://www.tes.co.uk/teachingresource/Structure-and-Bonding-6187299/
(Free registration with TES connect required)
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