specification overview
Cambridge International A Level Chemistry (9701) is a two-year linear qualification covering physical, inorganic and organic chemistry plus analysis, sat as five papers. It's graded A*-E (or a-e for AS Level only), with two dedicated practical papers (Paper 3 hands-on, Paper 5 planning and analysis) alongside three theory papers.
subject content
1-8. Physical chemistry (AS)
Papers 1, 2- Atomic structure; atoms, molecules and stoichiometry
- Chemical bonding; states of matter
- Chemical energetics; electrochemistry
- Equilibria; reaction kinetics
9-12. Inorganic chemistry (AS)
Papers 1, 2- The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity
- Group 2 and Group 17 elements
- Nitrogen and sulfur
13-22. Organic chemistry and analysis (AS)
Papers 1, 2- Introduction to organic chemistry; hydrocarbons
- Halogen compounds; hydroxy compounds; carbonyl compounds
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives; nitrogen compounds
- Polymerisation; organic synthesis; analytical techniques
23-26. Physical chemistry (A Level)
Paper 4- Chemical energetics (entropy, Gibbs free energy)
- Electrochemistry (electrode potentials)
- Equilibria (Kc, Kp, solubility, buffers)
- Reaction kinetics (rate equations, mechanisms)
27-28. Inorganic chemistry (A Level)
Paper 4- Group 2 (extended)
- Chemistry of transition elements
29-37. Organic chemistry and analysis (A Level)
Paper 4- Extended organic mechanisms; aromatic hydrocarbons
- Halogen, hydroxy and carbonyl compounds (extended)
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives; nitrogen compounds
- Polymerisation and organic synthesis
- Analytical techniques including NMR
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Multiple choice on AS content (topics 1-22) | 1h 15m | 40 | 15.5% | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper 2 | Structured questions on AS content (topics 1-22) | 1h 15m | 60 | 23% | Short-answer and structured questions |
| Paper 3 | Advanced Practical Skills, practical work with structured questions | 2h | 40 | 11.5% | Practical work with structured questions |
| Paper 4 | A Level structured questions on A Level content (topics 23-37); AS content assumed | 2h | 100 | 38.5% | Structured questions |
| Paper 5 | Planning, Analysis and Evaluation, practical-skills questions on paper | 1h 15m | 30 | 11.5% | Structured questions on planning, analysis and evaluation |
The full A Level route is all five papers. Students can also stage the qualification: Papers 1-3 in year 1 for the standalone AS Level (grades a-e), then Papers 4-5 in year 2 to complete the A Level.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of scientific phenomena, facts, laws, concepts and applications. | 40% |
| AO2 | Handling, applying and evaluating information, including translating between forms, manipulating data, drawing conclusions and applying knowledge to new situations. | 40% |
| AO3 | Experimental skills and investigations: planning, recording, analysing and evaluating experimental methods and data. | 20% |
key tips for success
Take Papers 3 and 5 seriously
The two practical papers are worth 23% of the A Level combined. Practise a range of practical contexts, including ones outside the syllabus content.
AS content is assumed on Paper 4
Paper 4 covers topics 23-37 but assumes you still remember 1-22. Revise AS content as part of your Paper 4 preparation.
Practise Paper 1 timing
Paper 1 is 40 marks in 75 minutes: under two minutes per question. Time yourself early so you don't get caught out.
Master mechanisms and curly arrows
Nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic addition and aromatic substitution mechanisms all come up. Practise drawing full mechanisms with correctly-placed arrows.
Build calculation fluency
Moles, Kc/Kp, Gibbs free energy, buffer pH, these calculations recur across the papers. Drill them until automatic.
Know which route you're on
Three routes: AS only, staged A Level over two years, or complete A Level in one series. Confirm which route with your school so you prepare the right papers.
Where to next
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