Chemistry for the CSCA test

After this unit you know how the course works, read the key chemistry terms in English, and know where to start.

1. 1How to get the most from this courseHow the three levels fit together, how the exercise after each lesson works, and how to read the «To review» list after each result.
2. 2The language of chemistry in EnglishThe English names of elements, compounds and lab tools, such as mole, solution and precipitate, and how to read the question text.
3. 3Find where to startTake the free practice test to see which units you start from Foundation and which you can take straight in the Syllabus.

After this unit you write formulas, name compounds in English and balance equations.

1. 1Elements, symbols and formulasCommon element symbols, valency, and writing a chemical formula.
2. 2Naming inorganic compounds in EnglishAcids, bases, salts and oxides, and polyatomic ions.
3. 3Writing and balancing equationsBalancing an equation step by step, and the states of the substances in it.

After this unit you tell physical from chemical change and work out ratios without slips.

1. 1States of matter and their changesThe three states, and physical and chemical change.
2. 2Ratios and percentages in chemistryMass ratios and the percentage of an element in a compound.

After this unit you solve any syllabus calculation starting from the balanced equation.

1. 1Classifying matterElements, compounds, mixtures, solutions and colloids.
2. 2The mole and molar massAvogadro's number, and converting between mass, moles and number of particles.
3. 3Molar volume of gasesThe volume of one mole of gas at standard conditions, and gas calculations.
4. 4Solution concentrationMolarity, dilution, and preparing a solution of known concentration.
5. 5Calculations from the equationMole ratios between reactants and products.
6. 6Limiting reactant and yieldHow to find the reactant that runs out first, and how to compute percentage yield.

After this unit you predict the products of common reactions and write their equations.

1. 1Sodium and its compoundsSodium with water and oxygen, and sodium carbonate and hydrogen carbonate.
2. 2Aluminium, iron and their compoundsThe amphoteric nature of aluminium hydroxide, and iron(II) and iron(III) ions.
3. 3Chlorine and the halogensChlorine's properties and preparation, and the reactivity trend of the halogens.
4. 4Sulfur, nitrogen and their compoundsSulfur oxides and sulfuric acid, ammonia and nitric acid.
5. 5Silicon and inorganic materialsSilicon and silicon dioxide, and their use in materials.
6. 6Organic compounds: hydrocarbonsAlkanes, alkenes and benzene, naming and isomers.
7. 7Alcohols, carboxylic acids and estersFunctional groups and esterification.
8. 8Sugars, proteins and polymersThe main biomolecules, and addition polymerisation.

After this unit you explain how substances behave from atomic structure and bonding, and apply the laws of energy, rate and equilibrium.

1. 1Atomic structure and electron configurationProtons, neutrons and electrons, isotopes, and electron configuration.
2. 2The periodic table and its trendsPeriods and groups, and the trends in radius, electronegativity and reactivity.
3. 3Chemical bonding and molecular shapesIonic, covalent and metallic bonds, polarity, and intermolecular forces.
4. 4Redox reactionsOxidation numbers, oxidising and reducing agents, and balancing the equation.
5. 5Ionic reactions in solutionIonic equations, when a reaction happens, and which ions can coexist.
6. 6Energy in chemical reactionsExothermic and endothermic reactions, and thermochemical equations.
7. 7Reaction rate and chemical equilibriumWhat changes the rate, Le Chatelier's principle, and the equilibrium constant.
8. 8Acids, bases and pHStrong and weak electrolytes, calculating pH, and salt hydrolysis.
9. 9Galvanic cells and electrolysisAnode and cathode, electrode reactions, and uses in corrosion and plating.

After this unit you choose the right tool and method for an experiment and explain its result.

1. 1Lab tools and safetyThe English names of lab tools, what each is for, and safety rules.
2. 2Separating and purifying mixturesFiltration, evaporation, distillation and extraction, and when to use each.
3. 3Identifying ions and gasesTests for common ions, and identifying gases.
4. 4Preparing and collecting gasesChoosing the apparatus, the collection method and the drying agent.
5. 5Chemistry in life and the environmentSubstances in daily life, and pollution and how to reduce it.

After this unit you spread your time across the paper and rule out wrong options quickly.

1. 1Reading a chemistry question in English, fastThe words that flip a question's meaning, such as not, except and at least, and how to catch them on the first reading.
2. 2Managing time on the paperA pace of about 75 seconds a question, based on the official paper format, and when to leave a question and come back.
3. 3Ruling out options and quick checksEstimating, plugging in the options, and checking units and signs before you commit to an answer.

After this unit you move between Syllabus units within one set without losing your pace.

1. 1Mixed set: calculations and substancesVaried questions from the first two units at the official pace.
2. 2Mixed set: theories and experimentsVaried questions from units three and four at the official pace.
3. 3Mixed set: every unitQuestions from all four units in random order, as on the paper.

After this unit you know your strong and weak points in every unit before your test date.

1. 1First full practice testA full paper in the official format, then a unit-by-unit reading of your result.
2. 2Your mistake logGo back to every question you missed and name the cause: an idea, a calculation, the reading, or time.
3. 3Final reviewA plan for the last days before the test, built from your «To review» list.
4. 4Before test dayWhat to check before you start. The test's rules and instructions are on csca.cn and on your admission ticket.