Understand Chemistry
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry course and assessment guide
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry combines secure subject knowledge with application, analysis and clear communication. This guide groups the official syllabus content into a readable learning journey and explains the usual assessment progression.
Know the papers.
Prepare with purpose.
Candidates follow a Core or Extended route and complete the paper combination specified for their subject. Science routes also assess practical competence.
Core route
Core papers assess the foundational syllabus and cap the available grade range. The exact paper combination depends on subject.
Extended route
Extended papers include Core and Supplement content and allow access to the full grade range.
Practical / alternative
Science practical skills are assessed through a practical test or an alternative-to-practical paper, depending on the entry route.
Written problem solving
Questions reward accurate knowledge, application in unfamiliar contexts, working and interpretation of data or diagrams.
Every area,
explained clearly.
Particles, atoms and quantitative chemistry
Models of matter and atomic structure establish the language used to explain chemical change.
States of matterParticle spacing, motion and energy explain solids, liquids, gases, diffusion and phase change.＋
Particle spacing, motion and energy explain solids, liquids, gases, diffusion and phase change. Heating and cooling curves connect energy to temperature.
Atoms, elements and compoundsAtomic structure, isotopes, ions and bonding distinguish substances.＋
Atomic structure, isotopes, ions and bonding distinguish substances. Formulae and diagrams represent how particles combine.
StoichiometryRelative masses, the mole, equations and concentrations quantify reactions.＋
Relative masses, the mole, equations and concentrations quantify reactions. Limiting reactants and yield connect calculation to laboratory outcomes.
Reactions, energetics and electricity
Patterns in reaction behaviour explain rate, reversibility and electron transfer.
ElectrochemistryElectrolysis decomposes ionic substances and produces predictable electrode products.＋
Electrolysis decomposes ionic substances and produces predictable electrode products. Half-equations connect observations to electron transfer.
Chemical energeticsExothermic and endothermic changes are represented by energy-level diagrams.＋
Exothermic and endothermic changes are represented by energy-level diagrams. Bond breaking and formation explain overall energy transfer.
Chemical reactions and ratesCollision theory explains how concentration, pressure, surface area, temperature and catalysts affect rate.＋
Collision theory explains how concentration, pressure, surface area, temperature and catalysts affect rate. Reversible reactions and equilibrium introduce dynamic balance.
Acids, bases and saltspH, indicators, neutralization and preparation methods organize aqueous reactions.＋
pH, indicators, neutralization and preparation methods organize aqueous reactions. Solubility rules guide the choice of salt-making method.
Periodic, organic and environmental chemistry
Classification reveals trends and supports applications from metals to fuels and polymers.
The Periodic TableGroups and periods connect electron arrangement to properties.＋
Groups and periods connect electron arrangement to properties. Trends in alkali metals, halogens, noble gases and transition elements support prediction.
MetalsReactivity, extraction, alloys and corrosion connect chemistry to material use.＋
Reactivity, extraction, alloys and corrosion connect chemistry to material use. Redox reasoning explains displacement and ore reduction.
Chemistry of the environmentWater treatment, atmospheric composition, pollutants and climate-related gases connect chemistry to environmental systems.＋
Water treatment, atmospheric composition, pollutants and climate-related gases connect chemistry to environmental systems. Tests identify key gases and ions.
Organic chemistryFuels, homologous series, functional groups, polymers and fermentation organize carbon chemistry.＋
Fuels, homologous series, functional groups, polymers and fermentation organize carbon chemistry. Structural formulae and reaction conditions communicate transformations.
Experimental techniquesApparatus, separation, purification and qualitative analysis build practical competence.＋
Apparatus, separation, purification and qualitative analysis build practical competence. Observations and measurements must support valid conclusions.
A student-friendly summary of the Cambridge International IGCSE syllabus. Centres should confirm the syllabus version and component option for their examination series.
Content is presented as an original student-friendly explanation. Always use the official syllabus for the examination year as the final authority.