Chemistry (Grade 10) Exam Survival Guide

Must-do topics

• Matter & Atomic Structure: atoms, elements, periodic table trends, isotopes.
• Chemical Bonding: ionic vs covalent, Lewis structures, polarity.
• Reactions: types (synthesis, decomposition, single/double replacement, combustion), balancing equations, conservation of mass.
• Stoichiometry: mole concept, molar mass, conversions, percent yield.
• States of Matter & Solutions: gas laws, solubility, acids & bases (pH scale).
• Energy in Reactions: endothermic vs exothermic, activation energy.

Top traps

• Thinking mass disappears in reactions (violates conservation).
• Mixing ionic vs covalent properties (conductivity, melting point).
• Wrong mole conversions (forgetting Avogadro’s number).
• Treating pH 1 vs pH 2 as “1 step stronger” (actually ×10).

Quick checks

• Balance: H₂ + O₂ → H₂O.
• Predict bond type: NaCl vs H₂O.
• Convert: 2 mol CO₂ → grams.
• Gas law: if volume ↓, pressure?
• Identify: pH 3 solution = acid or base?

You will make

• Periodic Trends Chart (atomic size, electronegativity).
• Balancing Equations Practice Sheet.
• Mole Conversion Flow Map.
• pH Testing Lab with Household Items.