Cambridge (CIE) O Level Chemistry specification (5070)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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 Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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 Cambridge (CIE) O Level Chemistry (5070) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge O Level Chemistry aims to provide learners with a thorough understanding of chemical concepts, theories, and practical applications. The course is designed to foster scientific curiosity, experimental skills, and problem-solving abilities in a real-world context. It encourages students to develop accurate observation, methodical work habits, and effective communication using scientific language. Learners explore the positive impact of scientific knowledge on society and the environment while building a foundation for further study or careers in science.Subject content breakdown
1 States of matter
- Properties and structure of solids, liquids, and gases explained by kinetic particle theory.
- Changes of state, heating and cooling curves, effects of temperature and pressure on gases.
- Diffusion and influence of molecular mass.
2 Atoms, elements and compounds
- Differences between elements, compounds, and mixtures.
- Atomic structure, proton number, mass number, electronic configurations.
- Isotopes and relative atomic mass.
- Formation and properties of ions, ionic bonds, covalent bonds, metallic bonding.
- Structure and properties of simple molecules, giant covalent structures, and metallic substances.
3 Stoichiometry
- Chemical formulae, equations, state symbols.
- Relative masses, moles, Avogadro constant.
- Calculations involving mass, concentration, volume, empirical and molecular formulae, percentage yield.
4 Electrochemistry
- Electrolysis processes, electrodes, charge transfer, electrolysis products.
- Ionic half-equations and electroplating.
- Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells and their comparison with conventional engines.
5 Chemical energetics
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions, enthalpy change, activation energy.
- Energy diagrams, bond energy calculations.
6 Chemical reactions
- Physical vs chemical changes.
- Rates of reaction influenced by concentration, temperature, surface area, catalysts.
- Reversible reactions, equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s principle.
- Redox reactions, oxidation numbers, identification of oxidising and reducing agents.
7 Acids, bases and salts
- Properties of acids, bases, and alkalis.
- Neutralisation reactions, indicators, strength of acids.
- Classification and preparation of oxides and salts.
- Solubility rules and crystallisation.
8 The Periodic Table
- Arrangement, groups, periods, periodic trends.
- Group I alkali metals, Group VII halogens, transition elements, noble gases.
9 Metals
- Properties, uses, alloys, reactivity series.
- Corrosion, prevention methods, extraction of metals (iron, aluminium).
10 Chemistry of the environment
- Water testing and treatment.
- Fertilisers and their role.
- Air composition, pollutants, effects, greenhouse gases, global warming.
- Photosynthesis and its role in the carbon cycle.
11 Organic chemistry
- Formulae, structural isomerism, homologous series, naming conventions.
- Fuels, fractional distillation, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids.
- Polymerisation, environmental concerns of plastics, natural polymers.
12 Experimental techniques and chemical analysis
- Experimental design, apparatus, titration, chromatography, separation techniques.
- Identification of ions and gases, flame tests.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Multiple Choice
- 1 hour, 40 marks, 30% of total
- 40 compulsory four-option questions
- Assesses knowledge and problem-solving (AO1 & AO2)
Paper 2: Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of total
- Compulsory short-answer and structured questions
- Assesses knowledge and problem-solving (AO1 & AO2)
Practical Assessment (one of the following):
Paper 3: Practical Test
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 40 marks, 20% of total
- Hands-on laboratory work
- Assesses experimental skills (AO3)
Paper 4: Alternative to Practical
- 1 hour, 40 marks, 20% of total
- Written questions based on practical scenarios
- Assesses experimental skills (AO3)
Both practical papers require understanding of:
- Measurements, rates of reaction, separation techniques, electrolysis, qualitative analysis, titrations, solubility, displacement reactions, temperature changes, corrosion, and experimental planning.
Notes for qualitative analysis are provided in both Paper 3 and Paper 4.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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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