Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

This paper is designed to test candidates’ familiarity with laboratory practical procedure.

Questions may be set from the following experimental contexts:
• simple quantitative experiments involving the measurement of volumes;
• speeds of reaction;
• measurement of temperature based on a thermometer with 1 °C graduations;
• problems of an investigatory nature, possibly including suitable organic compounds;
• simple paper chromatography;
• filtration;
• identification of ions and gases as specified in the Core curriculum.

Questions may be set requiring candidates to do the following:
• record readings from diagrams of apparatus
• describe, explain or comment on experimental arrangements and techniques
• complete tables of data
• draw conclusions from information given
• interpret and evaluate observations and experimental data
• describe tests for gases and ions, and/or draw conclusions from such tests
• plot graphs and/or interpret graphical information
• identify sources of error and suggest possible improvements in procedures
• plan an investigation, including suggesting suitable techniques and apparatus.

 Source
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry
Syllabus code 0620
For examination in June and November 2011