IB MYP 4-5 Chemistry -Topic wise- Study Notes - New Syllabus
MYP Chemistry (Years 4–5) Study Notes
A complete, conceptually ordered roadmap for mastering MYP Chemistry. Topics progress logically — from the nature of matter to modern applications.
Topic 1: Matter and the Particle Model
Topic 2: Pure Substances, Mixtures, and Separation
Topic 3: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Topic 4: Chemical Bonding and Structure
Topic 5: Chemical Reactions and Conservation of Mass
Topic 6: Quantitative Chemistry and Stoichiometry
Topic 7: Energy Changes and Rates of Reaction
Topic 8: Acids, Bases, and Salts
Topic 9: Metals, Reactivity, and Extraction
Topic 10: Organic Chemistry and Carbon Compounds
Topic 11: Environmental and Atmospheric Chemistry
Topic 12: Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity
This progression ensures that each topic builds conceptually upon the previous one — guiding students from foundational particle understanding to complex applied chemistry.
Topic 3: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Atoms, elements, and compounds
- Subatomic particles — protons, neutrons, electrons
- Atomic number and mass number
- Isotopes and relative atomic mass
- Electron configuration and valency
- Periodic table layout — groups and periods
- Metals, non-metals, noble gases, and transition metals
- Periodic trends: reactivity, atomic radius, ionization
Topic 5: Chemical Reactions and Conservation of Mass
Topic 7: Energy Changes and Rates of Reaction
- Endothermic and exothermic reactions
- Energy profiles and bond energy
- Collision theory and activation energy
- Factors affecting rate — temperature, concentration, surface area, catalysts
- Reversible reactions and equilibrium (qualitative)
Topic 8: Acids, Bases, and Salts
- Properties of acids and bases
- Indicators and the pH scale
- Neutralisation reactions
- Acid + base, metal, or carbonate reactions
- Preparing soluble and insoluble salts
- Titrations and concentration calculations
Topic 9: Metals, Reactivity, and Extraction
- Reactivity series of metals
- Displacement and redox reactions
- Corrosion and methods of prevention
- Extraction of metals (electrolysis, carbon reduction)
- Uses of metals and alloys
- Electrochemical cells
Topic 10: Organic Chemistry and Carbon Compounds
- Introduction to organic compounds
- Hydrocarbons – alkanes and alkenes
- Alcohols and carboxylic acids
- Esterification and naming esters
- Fractional distillation of crude oil
- Combustion and pollution from fuels
Topic 11: Environmental and Atmospheric Chemistry
- Composition of the atmosphere
- Combustion of fuels and pollutant formation
- Greenhouse gases and global warming
- Acid rain and air pollution
- Ozone layer and CFCs
- Sustainability and recycling of materials
- Water purification and treatment
Topic 12: Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity
- Structure of the nucleus and isotopes
- Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation
- Balancing nuclear equations
- Half-life and decay curves
- Uses and risks of radioactivity
- Applications in medicine and industry