Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Past Papers
GradeMax provides comprehensive IGCSE Chemistry revision with real past paper questions organized by topic. Practice principles of chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and more.
9 years of papers (2017–2025) · 31 topics · Mark schemes included · Free download
IGCSE Chemistry Topics
Practice topic-wise Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry past paper questions with mark schemes
States of Matter
Particle model of solids, liquids and gases. Diffusion, melting and boiling points, separation techniques.
Atoms, Elements and Compounds
Atomic symbols, formulae of compounds, mixtures vs pure substances, relative atomic mass.
Atomic Structure
Protons, neutrons and electrons; atomic number; mass number; isotopes; electron configuration.
Relative Formula Masses and Moles
Relative formula mass (Mr), mole calculations, reacting masses, percentage composition, molar volumes of gases.
Chemical Formulae and Equations
Balancing equations, ionic equations, state symbols, empirical and molecular formulae, limiting reagents.
Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonding, formation of ions, lattice structure, properties of ionic compounds, testing for ions.
Covalent Substances
Covalent bonding, dot-and-cross diagrams, molecular and giant covalent structures (diamond, graphite), properties.
Metallic Crystals
Metallic bonding, structure of metals, delocalized electrons, properties of metals and alloys.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis of molten and aqueous solutions, electrode reactions, half-equations, industrial electrolysis (brine, aluminium).
Group 1 – Alkali Metals
Properties and reactions of Li, Na, K with water and oxygen. Trend in reactivity down the group.
Group 7 – Halogens
Properties of F, Cl, Br, I; reactions with metals and hydrogen; displacement reactions; trend in reactivity.
Oxygen and Oxides
Properties of oxygen; combustion; acidic, basic and amphoteric oxides; rusting and corrosion prevention.
Sulfur and Sulfur Dioxide
Properties of sulfur and SO₂; sulfuric acid manufacture (Contact process); acid rain.
Nitrogen and Ammonia
Haber process for ammonia manufacture; uses of ammonia; nitrogen cycle; fertilisers.
Metals and Alloys
Physical and chemical properties of metals; structure and uses of steel, brass, bronze, and other alloys.
Reactivity Series
Order of reactivity; displacement reactions; reactions of metals with water, acids and oxygen.
Extraction of Metals
Reduction with carbon, electrolysis; blast furnace for iron; extraction of aluminium; recycling metals.
Making Salts
Acids and bases; neutralisation; methods of making soluble and insoluble salts; precipitation; pH scale.
Tests for Ions and Gases
Flame tests, precipitate tests, tests for anions; identifying gases (H₂, O₂, CO₂, Cl₂, NH₃).
Energetics
Exothermic and endothermic reactions; enthalpy changes (ΔH); bond energies; activation energy; energy profile diagrams.
Rates of Reaction
Factors affecting rate: concentration, temperature, surface area, catalysts; collision theory; measuring reaction rate.
Reversible Reactions and Equilibria
Reversible reactions; dynamic equilibrium; Le Chatelier's principle; industrial applications (Haber, Contact).
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Homologous series; functional groups; naming organic compounds; structural isomers; crude oil and fractional distillation.
Alkanes
Structure, properties and reactions of alkanes; complete and incomplete combustion; cracking; uses of alkanes.
Alkenes
Structure and properties of alkenes; addition reactions; bromine water test; polymerisation; compared to alkanes.
Ethanol
Production by fermentation and hydration; properties; oxidation to ethanoic acid; uses and social impacts.
Carboxylic Acids and Esters
Properties of carboxylic acids; esterification; hydrolysis; uses of esters; reactions with alkalis and metals.
Polymerisation
Addition polymerisation (alkenes); condensation polymerisation; structure and properties of polymers; environmental issues.
Gases in the Atmosphere
Composition of air; history and evolution of the atmosphere; greenhouse effect; global warming; air pollution.
Water
Water treatment and purification; temporary and permanent hardness; removing hardness; water as a solvent.
Industrial Chemistry
Raw materials; economic factors in industrial processes; life cycle assessment; recycling; sustainability.
IGCSE Chemistry Past Papers by Year
IGCSE Chemistry — Frequently Asked Questions
What topics are in Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (4CH1)?
Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry has 5 sections: Section 1 (Principles of Chemistry — states of matter, atomic structure, bonding, electrolysis), Section 2 (Inorganic Chemistry — groups 1 & 7, reactivity, extraction), Section 3 (Physical Chemistry — energetics, rates, equilibrium), Section 4 (Organic Chemistry — alkanes, alkenes, polymers), Section 5 (Chemistry in Society — atmosphere, water, industrial chemistry).
How do you balance chemical equations?
To balance equations: 1) Write the unbalanced equation, 2) Count atoms of each element on both sides, 3) Add coefficients to balance atoms (never change subscripts), 4) Check all atoms are balanced.
What is the reactivity series?
The reactivity series orders metals by reactivity: K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, C, Zn, Fe, Pb, H, Cu, Ag, Au (most to least reactive). More reactive metals displace less reactive ones from solutions and react more vigorously with acid and water.
How many papers are in IGCSE Chemistry?
Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry has two papers: Paper 1 (2 hours, 110 marks) and Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks). Both are written exams covering all topics.
What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonding?
Ionic bonding involves transfer of electrons between metals and non-metals, forming charged ions held by electrostatic attraction in a lattice. Covalent bonding involves sharing of electrons between non-metals, forming molecules or giant covalent structures.