Master the vocabulary required for OCR A-Level Chemistry with this comprehensive revision glossary containing 250+ essential chemistry definitions and key scientific terms aligned with the OCR A specification. Presented in a clear alphabetical question-and-answer format, this resource provides concise, exam-focused definitions that help students develop a precise understanding of the terminology frequently assessed in OCR examinations. It is an ideal study aid for active recall, quick revision, classroom learning, and strengthening scientific literacy before assessments.
This revision guide provides extensive coverage of Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry terminology, including acids and bases, activation energy, addition polymerisation, alkanes, alkenes, alkyl groups, amount of substance, atom economy, atomic orbitals, Avogadro constant, bond enthalpy, Boltzmann distribution, catalysts, carbocations, carbanions, coordination bonds, covalent bonding, cracking, dehydration, dynamic equilibrium, electrophiles, electrophilic addition, elimination reactions, empirical formula, enthalpy changes, esterification, free radical substitution, functional groups, giant ionic lattices, giant covalent structures, greenhouse effect, Hess' Law, homologous series, hydrolysis, intermolecular forces, ionisation energy, Le Chatelier’s Principle, limiting reagents, molecular formula, nucleophiles, nucleophilic substitution, oxidation and reduction, oxidation numbers, periodicity, polymers, rate of reaction, reaction mechanisms, redox reactions, relative atomic mass, stereoisomerism, stoichiometry, structural isomerism, substitution reactions, thermochemistry, van der Waals forces, volatility, and water of crystallisation. The glossary is designed to reinforce accurate scientific language while supporting the conceptual understanding required for high-mark responses in OCR A-Level Chemistry examinations.
This resource is particularly valuable for students preparing for OCR A-Level Chemistry examinations, Paper 1 (H432/01), Paper 2 (H432/02), Paper 3 (H432/03), mock examinations, end-of-topic assessments, and university entrance examinations. It also serves as an excellent reference for classroom teaching, independent revision, tutor-led sessions, and students transitioning from GCSE Chemistry to advanced Level study by providing a complete glossary of the most important chemistry terminology.
The content aligns with the OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432) Specification and reflects terminology and definitions presented in authoritative academic references, including the OCR A Level Chemistry A Specification (OCR), Ritchie, R., & Gent, M. OCR A Level Chemistry Student Books 1 & 2 (Oxford University Press), Clayden, J., Greeves, N., & Warren, S. Organic Chemistry (2nd ed., Oxford University Press), Atkins, P., & de Paula, J. Atkins' Physical Chemistry (Oxford University Press), Housecroft, C. E., & Sharpe, A. G. Inorganic Chemistry (Pearson), and the IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology (Gold Book), all recognised references supporting advanced chemistry education and scientific terminology.
Relevant Students:
OCR A-Level Chemistry students, Year 12 Chemistry students, Year 13 Chemistry students, Sixth Form students, College Chemistry students, A-Level Chemistry examination candidates, GCSE to A-Level transition students, Foundation Year Chemistry students, Chemistry tutors, Science teachers, university applicants for Chemistry, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Biomedical Science, Chemical Engineering, Natural Sciences, Environmental Science, Materials Science, and STEM students requiring a strong understanding of chemistry terminology.
Keywords
OCR A-Level Chemistry, OCR Chemistry Glossary, OCR Chemistry Definitions, A-Level Chemistry Vocabulary, Chemistry Key Terms, Chemistry Definitions, OCR Revision Notes, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemistry Terminology, Acids and Bases, Activation Energy, Addition Polymerisation, Alkanes, Alkenes, Atom Economy, Avogadro Constant, Atomic Orbitals, Bond Enthalpy, Boltzmann Distribution, Catalysts, Carbocations, Carbanions, Covalent Bonding, Coordination Bond, Dynamic Equilibrium, Electrophiles, Electrophilic Addition, Elimination Reactions, Empirical Formula, Enthalpy Changes, Esterification, Functional Groups, Giant Covalent Lattice, Giant Ionic Lattice, Hess Law, Hydrolysis, Ionisation Energy, Le Chatelier Principle, Limiting Reagent, Molecular Formula, Nucleophiles, Nucleophilic Substitution, Oxidation, Reduction, Periodicity, Polymers, Rate of Reaction, Redox Reactions, Relative Atomic Mass, Stereoisomerism, Stoichiometry, Structural Isomerism, Substitution Reactions, Thermochemistry, Van der Waals Forces, Chemistry Exam Preparation
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OCR A Level Chemistry
acid - ANSWER ✔✔A species that is a proton donor.
activation energy - ANSWER ✔✔The minimum amount of kinetic
energy that particles need to have in order to react when they collide
addition polymer - ANSWER ✔✔A very long molecular chain formed
by repeated addition reactions of many unsaturated alkene molecules
(monomers).
addition polymerisation - ANSWER ✔✔The process in which
unsaturated alkene molecules (monomers) add on to a growing polymer
chain one at a time to form a very long saturated molecular chain (the
addition polymer).
,addition reaction - ANSWER ✔✔A reaction in which a reactant is
added to an unsaturated molecule to make a saturated molecule.
adsorption - ANSWER ✔✔The process that occurs when a gas, liquid
or solute is held to the surface of a solid or, more rarely, a liquid.
alicyclic hydrocarbon - ANSWER ✔✔A hydrocarbon with carbon
atoms joined together in a ring structure.
aliphatic hydrocarbon - ANSWER ✔✔A hydrocarbon with carbon
atoms joined together in straight or branched chains.
alkali - ANSWER ✔✔A type of base that dissolves in water forming
hydroxide ions, OH- (aq) ions.
alkanes - ANSWER ✔✔The homologous series with the general
formula: CnH2n+2.
alkyl group - ANSWER ✔✔An alkane with a hydrogen atom removed,
e.g. CH3, C2H5; alkyl groups are often shown as 'R'.
amount of substance - ANSWER ✔✔The quantity whose unit of the
mole. Chemists use 'amount of substance' as a means of counting
atoms.
, anhydrous - ANSWER ✔✔A substance that contains no water
molecules.
anion - ANSWER ✔✔A negatively charged ion.
atom economy - ANSWER ✔✔atom economy = molecular mass of
the desired product ×100 sum of molecular masses of all products
atomic orbital - ANSWER ✔✔A region within an atom that can hold
up to two electrons, with opposite spins.
atomic (proton) number - ANSWER ✔✔The number of protons in the
nucleus of an atom
acid - ANSWER ✔✔A species that is a proton donor.
activation energy - ANSWER ✔✔The minimum energy required to
start a reaction by the breaking of bonds.
addition polymer - ANSWER ✔✔A very long molecular chain formed
by repeated addition reactions of many unsaturated alkene molecules
(monomers).
addition polymerisation - ANSWER ✔✔The process in which
unsaturated alkene molecules (monomers) add on to a growing polymer
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