Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry
11.1Formulae, functional groups and terminology
Formulae, functional groups and terminology in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.
Subtopic32 practice questions2 lessons
Learning objectives
What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.
- 11.1.1Draw and interpret displayed formulae, showing every atom and every bond in a molecule.
- 11.1.2Write and interpret the general formulae of the homologous series of alkanes (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂), alkenes (CₙH₂ₙ), alcohols (CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH) and carboxylic acids (CₙH₂ₙ₊₁COOH).
- 11.1.3Identify a functional group as the atom or group of atoms that determines the chemical properties of a homologous series.
- 11.1.4State that a homologous series is a family of similar compounds with similar chemical properties because they have the same functional group.
- 11.1.5State that a saturated compound has molecules in which all the carbon–carbon bonds are single bonds.
- 11.1.6State that an unsaturated compound has molecules in which one or more carbon–carbon bonds are not single bonds.
- 11.1.7Supplement: state that a structural formula shows unambiguously how the atoms in a molecule are arranged, for example CH₂=CH₂, CH₃CH₂OH and CH₃COOCH₃.
- 11.1.8Supplement: define structural isomers as compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae, for example CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ and CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃ for C₄H₁₀, and CH₃CH₂CH=CH₂ and CH₃CH=CHCH₃ for C₄H₈.
- 11.1.9Supplement: describe the general characteristics of a homologous series: the same functional group and general formula, successive members differing by a –CH₂– unit, a trend in physical properties and similar chemical properties.
Lessons
- Full access
Organic formulae and homologous series
30 min
- Full access
Structural isomerism
30 min
Join to read every lesson, or see what Full access includes.
Sample question
A sample question on this topic. Answer it, check it, then read the worked answer.
Turn Formulae, functional groups and terminology into a strength.
Practise with instant marking, see your mastery grow and get a study plan built around your exam date.