AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 2 Revision Checklist

Paper 2 of AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 covers topics 5.6–5.10. RAG-rate each spec statement below. Required practicals, Higher-only and Triple-only content are flagged.

This checklist is taken straight from the official AQA Chemistry 8462 specification (sections 5.6–5.10). Every spec statement is listed as an "I can…" objective so you can plan revision sessions, see what's left and walk into the exam knowing nothing has slipped through the cracks.

Specification code 8462/2 · 47 sub-topics across 5 sections.

5.6 The rate and extent of chemical change

9 sub-topics · 1 required practical · 1 Higher-only.

Measuring rates — Calculate mean rate as quantity used / time or product formed / time.
Calculating rate from a graph — Draw and use tangents (Higher).
Required practical: effect of concentration on rateRequired practical — Sodium thiosulfate + HCl (disappearing cross) and/or marble chips + HCl mass loss.
Factors affecting rate — Concentration/pressure, surface area, temperature, catalyst.
Collision theory and activation energy
Catalysts — Lower activation energy; not used up; specific to particular reactions.
Reversible reactions — Use ⇌; describe energy changes in forward vs reverse reaction.
Equilibrium — Define dynamic equilibrium in a closed system.
Le Chatelier's principle (Higher)Higher — Predict effect of changing concentration, temperature, pressure.

5.7 Organic chemistry

12 sub-topics · 1 Higher-only.

Crude oil, hydrocarbons and alkanes — General formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂; first four members.
Fractional distillation — Describe the process and uses of fractions.
Properties of hydrocarbons — Trends in boiling point, viscosity, flammability with chain length.
Combustion of fuels — Complete vs incomplete; products and pollutants.
Cracking — Catalytic and steam cracking; balanced equations; uses of alkenes.
Alkenes (Chemistry only)Triple only — General formula CₙH₂ₙ; test with bromine water.
Reactions of alkenes (Chemistry only)Triple only — Combustion and addition reactions with H₂, H₂O, halogens.
Alcohols (Chemistry only)Triple only — First four members; reactions with sodium, combustion, oxidation, with water.
Carboxylic acids (Chemistry only)Triple only
Addition polymerisation — Identify monomer and repeat unit; draw equations.
Condensation polymerisation (Chemistry only, Higher)HigherTriple only
Amino acids, proteins, DNA (Chemistry only)Triple only

5.8 Chemical analysis

9 sub-topics · 2 required practicals.

Pure substances and formulations — Define pure (chemistry vs everyday); examples of formulations.
Chromatography — Distinguish pure substances from mixtures; calculate Rf.
Required practical: chromatography (already in 5.1) and identification of unknownRequired practical
Tests for gases — Hydrogen (squeaky pop), oxygen (relit splint), CO₂ (limewater), chlorine (damp litmus).
Flame tests (Chemistry only)Triple only — Li (red), Na (yellow), K (lilac), Ca (orange-red), Cu (green).
Metal hydroxide precipitates (Chemistry only)Triple only — With NaOH for Al³⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺.
Tests for anions (Chemistry only)Triple only — Carbonate, halide and sulfate ion tests.
Instrumental methods (Chemistry only)Triple only — Compare speed, accuracy and sensitivity to chemical tests; flame emission spectroscopy.
Required practical: identifying ions (Chemistry only)Required practicalTriple only

5.9 Chemistry of the atmosphere

5 sub-topics.

Evolution of the atmosphere — Origin of oxygen (algae and plants) and decrease of CO₂.
Greenhouse gases — Identify main greenhouse gases and describe the greenhouse effect.
Human activities & climate change — CO₂ and methane; potential effects and difficulties in modelling.
Carbon footprint — Define; actions to reduce carbon footprint.
Atmospheric pollutants from fuels — CO, soot, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur — sources and effects.

5.10 Using resources

12 sub-topics · 1 required practical.

Finite and renewable resources
Potable water — Production from fresh water vs seawater (distillation, reverse osmosis).
Required practical: analysis and purification of waterRequired practical
Waste water treatment (Chemistry only)Triple only
Alternative methods of extracting metals (Chemistry only)Triple only — Bioleaching and phytomining.
Life cycle assessment (LCA)
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Corrosion and its prevention (Chemistry only)Triple only — Conditions for rusting; barrier and sacrificial protection.
Alloys as useful materials (Chemistry only)Triple only
Ceramics, polymers and composites (Chemistry only)Triple only
Haber process (Chemistry only)Triple only — Conditions, equation; effect of pressure and temperature on yield.
NPK fertilisers (Chemistry only)Triple only

How to use this checklist

RAG-rate every sub-topic. Red = haven't studied; Amber = revised but shaky; Green = confident.
Revise reds first. Your marginal mark gains are biggest where you're weakest.
Re-rate after every past paper. The list updates with your actual performance, not your feelings.
Don't binge. 25-minute focus blocks (try the Pomodoro timer) beat 3-hour sessions.

Suggested revision order

Rates of reaction first — graphs are guaranteed marks if you can read them.
Organic chemistry: learn homologous series patterns, not every molecule.
Chemical analysis: chromatography Rf calculations are easy marks.
Atmosphere: practise a 6-mark answer on greenhouse gases.
Finish with Using resources — Haber process for Higher Triple.

Related resources

Frequently asked questions

What topics are on AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 2?

Paper 2 (8462/2) covers topics 5.6–5.10: Rates of reaction, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere, and Using resources. 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks.

Which required practicals appear on Paper 2?

Effect of concentration on rate, analysis/purification of water, and (Triple only) identifying ions.

Source: AQA Chemistry 8462 specification (sections 5.6–5.10).

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