Chemical Equilibria Syllabus

A-Level Chemistry Physical Chemistry Overview

Core Concepts

What students study

Reversible reactions
Dynamic equilibrium
Closed systems
How far reactions proceed

Equilibrium Position

Le Chatelier's principle

Predict the effect of changing temperature
Predict the effect of changing pressure
Predict the effect of changing concentration
Understand the effect of catalysts on rate but not equilibrium constant

Calculations

Quantitative skills

Write expressions for Kc
Write expressions for Kp
Calculate equilibrium constants from data
Interpret large and small K values
Use partial pressures in gas equilibria

Acid-Base Equilibria

Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases
Strong and weak acids and bases
pH calculations
Acid dissociation constant (Ka)
Ionic product of water (Kw)
pKa and related calculations
Buffers, titration curves, and indicator choice

Applications

Industrial equilibria such as the Haber process
In some syllabuses, the Contact process
Explaining why compromise conditions are used in industry

Exam Board Differences

Exam Board	Main Equilibria Coverage
AQA	Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier's principle, Kc, Kp, and acid-base equilibria including Ka and Kw.
Edexcel	Equilibrium I, Equilibrium II, and Acid-base Equilibria as separate topic areas.
Cambridge International	Equilibria at AS Level, then advanced acid-base equilibria, buffers, Ksp, and partition coefficients at A Level.

Sources