AQA GCSE Chemistry specification (8462)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Chemistry exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA GCSE Chemistry specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
This GCSE Chemistry specification aims to develop students’ scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of chemistry. It encourages the application of this understanding to the world around them and to scientific developments. Learners are equipped to evaluate evidence, form hypotheses, and develop investigative skills. The course highlights the relevance of chemistry in everyday life and its role in society, industry and the environment. Practical skills are integrated through required practical activities that support knowledge and provide opportunities for inquiry-based learning.Subject content breakdown
4.1 Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures
- Development and structure of the atom
- Isotopes and relative atomic mass
- Periodic table arrangement and group properties
4.2 Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding
- States of matter and changing states
- Properties of substances related to structure and bonding
- Nanoscience and nanoparticles
4.3 Quantitative chemistry
- Conservation of mass and balanced equations
- Relative formula mass, moles and calculations
- Concentration of solutions and limiting reactants
- Atom economy and percentage yield
4.4 Chemical changes
- Reactivity series and extraction of metals
- Reactions of acids with metals, bases, and carbonates
- Neutralisation and preparation of salts
- Electrolysis and its applications
4.5 Energy changes
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Reaction profiles and bond energy calculations
4.6 The rate and extent of chemical change
- Factors affecting rate: temperature, concentration, surface area, catalysts
- Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium
- Le Chatelier’s Principle
4.7 Organic chemistry
- Carbon compounds and homologous series
- Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids
- Polymers: addition and condensation
- Crude oil, fractional distillation and combustion
4.8 Chemical analysis
- Purity, formulations and chromatography
- Identification of ions and gases through test reactions
4.9 Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Earth’s early atmosphere and its evolution
- Greenhouse gases and climate change
- Atmospheric pollutants and their effects
4.10 Using resources
- Finite and renewable resources
- Potable water and water treatment
- Life cycle assessments and recycling
- Sustainable development and alternative materials
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- Topics 4.1 to 4.5
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks, 50% of GCSE
- Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
Paper 2
- Topics 4.6 to 4.10
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks, 50% of GCSE
Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
- Foundation and Higher Tier available
- 8 required practical activities embedded across the course
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Chemistry isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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