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WJEC GCSE Chemistry Revision

Adaptive practice aligned to the Welsh Joint Education Committee (Eduqas) specification. 10 topics, exam-style questions, and instant AI feedback.

About WJEC GCSE Chemistry

WJEC is the principal exam board in Wales and also offers qualifications in England under the Eduqas brand. Their specifications are known for accessible language and clear assessment objectives.

GCSE Chemistry explores the composition, structure, and reactions of matter. You will study atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, energy changes, rates of reaction, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, the atmosphere, and sustainable development.

Topics in WJEC GCSE Chemistry

1 Atomic Structure
2 Bonding & Structure
3 Quantitative Chemistry
4 Chemical Changes
5 Energy Changes
6 Rates & Equilibrium
7 Organic Chemistry
8 Chemical Analysis
9 Atmosphere
10 Resources

Study Tips for WJEC Chemistry

1

Practise mole calculations and balancing equations daily. These are skills that improve with repetition, and they appear across multiple topics so getting confident with them early saves time later.

2

Learn the reactivity series and the rules for predicting displacement reactions by heart. A mnemonic like Please Stop Calling Me A Careless Zebra In Lovely Hong Kong Can Provide Some Guidance helps with the order.

3

For bonding, draw dot-and-cross diagrams for ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding until you can do them without thinking. Understanding bonding properly makes questions on properties and structure much easier.

4

Use colour-coded revision notes to group reactions by type — combustion, neutralisation, oxidation, displacement — so you can see patterns across different topics.

Exam Tips for WJEC Chemistry

1

In calculation questions, always show your working clearly and include units in your final answer. Even if you get the wrong number, you can still earn method marks for a correct approach.

2

For questions about required practicals, describe what you would actually do step by step. Mention specific equipment, safety precautions, and how you would ensure your results are reliable by repeating measurements.

3

When asked to compare substances — for example ionic and covalent compounds — structure your answer clearly by discussing one property at a time for both substances, rather than writing everything about one then everything about the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many papers are in GCSE Chemistry?

There are two papers if you take separate Chemistry, each 1 hour 45 minutes. Paper 1 covers topics 1-5 (atomic structure through energy changes) and Paper 2 covers topics 6-10 (rates through sustainable development).

Do I need to remember all the equations?

Some equations are provided on a formula sheet, but you are expected to recall key equations like the formula for relative formula mass calculations, concentration, and certain reaction equations. Check your exam board specification for the exact list.

What is the hardest topic in GCSE Chemistry?

Most students find quantitative chemistry (moles, concentrations, and yield calculations) the most difficult. Organic chemistry and rates of reaction can also be tricky. The key is to practise the mathematical elements regularly.

Is GCSE Chemistry harder than Biology?

Chemistry tends to be more mathematical and abstract, while Biology has more content to memorise. Which one feels harder depends on your strengths. If you are comfortable with numbers and logic, Chemistry may suit you well.

Other Exam Boards for GCSE Chemistry

AQA GCSE Chemistry Edexcel GCSE Chemistry OCR GCSE Chemistry

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