Edexcel GCSE Chemistry specification (1CH0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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 Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
This GCSE Chemistry qualification enables learners to deepen their understanding of the material world. The course develops scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding, fostering an appreciation of chemistry’s relevance to personal, social, environmental, technological and economic issues. Learners are encouraged to apply this understanding to new situations and to analyse evidence to form well-reasoned conclusions. The specification integrates practical skills and theoretical content, supporting learners in developing the ability to think scientifically and work experimentally with confidence.Subject content breakdown
1. The nature and development of chemistry
- Understanding of scientific methods and development of models
- Application of scientific thinking and inquiry
2. The particulate nature of matter
- Solids, liquids and gases and their properties
- Diffusion and changes of state
- Internal energy and particle movement
3. Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures
- Atomic models, subatomic particles, and isotopes
- Development and organisation of the Periodic Table
- Group and period trends
4. Chemical bonding, structure and properties
- Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding
- Properties and structures of materials
- Nanoscience and materials applications
5. Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical equations and conservation of mass
- Moles, empirical/formula masses, and reacting masses
- Concentrations of solutions and gas volume calculations
6. Chemical changes
- Acids, alkalis, and neutralisation
- Reactions of acids with metals, bases and carbonates
- Electrolysis, redox, and reactivity series
7. Energy changes in chemistry
- Exothermic and endothermic processes
- Energy transfer in reactions and bond energy calculations
8. The rate and extent of chemical change
- Factors affecting rate of reaction
- Catalysts and reversible reactions
- Equilibria and Le Chatelier’s Principle
9. Organic chemistry
- Crude oil and hydrocarbons
- Alkanes, alkenes, and functional groups
- Polymers and synthetic/natural materials
10. Chemical analysis
- Pure substances, formulations and separation techniques
- Instrumental and chemical methods of analysis
- Tests for ions and gases
11. Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Composition and evolution of Earth’s atmosphere
- Greenhouse gases, climate change and pollutant effects
12. Using Earth’s resources
- Finite and renewable resources
- Water treatment and sustainability
- Life cycle assessments and recycling
Assessment structure
Component 1: Structures, properties and reactions
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of qualification
- Covers topics 1–6
- Includes multiple choice, structured, short and extended response questions
Component 2: Chemical reactions, rates and Earth chemistry
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of qualification
- Covers topics 7–12
Includes multiple choice, structured, short and extended response questions
- Practical skills assessed through written papers based on required activities
- Separate assessments for Foundation and Higher tiers
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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