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IB Chemistry SL Study Guide & Review

Study the current IB Chemistry SL syllabus by translating between particles, observations, equations, calculations and practical evidence, then applying those connections across Structure, Reactivity, Paper 1 and Paper 2.

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  1. 01Learn concepts
  2. 02Practise questions
  3. 03Review mistakes

Syllabus knowledge tree

Explore the IB Chemistry SL syllabus

The current IB Chemistry SL syllabus connects three Structure groups with three Reactivity groups, moving from models of matter to the drivers, extent, rate and mechanisms of chemical change. Use the Unit and Topic map to select the next exact objective.

6
syllabus groups
21
mapped topics

Preview the course map

Explore the course units and topics. Sign in to open the full mastery workspace and see your progress.

Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter
1.1 Introduction to the particulate nature of matter
1.2 The nuclear atom
1.3 Electron configurations
1.4 The mole
1.5 Ideal gases
Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure
2.1 The ionic model
2.2 The covalent model
2.3 The metallic model
2.4 From models to materials
Structure 3. Classification of matter
3.1 The periodic table
3.2 Functional groups: Organic compounds
Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions?
1.1 Measuring enthalpy changes
1.2 Energy cycles
1.3 Energy from fuels
Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far?
2.1 Amount of chemical change
2.2 Rate of chemical change
2.3 Extent of chemical change
Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change?
3.1 Proton transfer reactions
3.2 Electron transfer reactions
3.3 Electron sharing reactions (Radicals)
3.4 Electron-pair sharing reactions

How to study IB Chemistry SL

IB Chemistry SL is easiest to learn when every topic is translated between five representations: a particle model, an observable change, a symbolic equation, a quantitative relationship and experimental evidence. Use the syllabus map to connect Structure with Reactivity rather than memorising six groups independently. Before calculating, name the species, model and governing relationship; after calculating, check units, scale and whether the result is chemically plausible. At SL, keep calculations and explanations inside the standard-level syllabus while making every equation and trend chemically justified.

Build the model in Concept, retrieve definitions and relationships in Mastery, then use the Question Bank to mix calculations, explanations and practical data. Mark errors by concept, equation choice, algebra, units, data-booklet use or chemical communication. Repair the category and answer a matched question; copying a worked solution without identifying the failure does not complete the cycle.

Practise Chemistry topics in different ways

Use a method that fits the representation and reasoning demanded by each Chemistry topic instead of treating every problem identically.

Particles, bonding and properties

Atomic structure, bonding, molecular shape and intermolecular forces

Draw the particle or bonding model, predict a measurable property, then justify the prediction through forces, structure and energy. Compare similar substances so the explanation identifies the decisive difference.

Practise Structure

Amounts and quantitative change

The mole, gases, stoichiometry, energetics and equilibrium

Write the chemical relationship before substituting values. Track units and significant figures, estimate the expected scale, then explain what the numerical result means for particles or reaction extent.

Practise quantitative questions

Patterns and mechanisms

Periodic trends, acids and bases, redox and organic reactions

State the reacting species and electron or proton movement. Use equations and curly-arrow or half-equation logic where required, then connect the mechanism to the observed product, trend or condition.

Practise mechanisms

Practical and data reasoning

Graphs, uncertainties, calibration, conclusions and method evaluation

Separate raw observation from inference. Process data with units, use uncertainty when judging a pattern, and make each proposed improvement address a named limitation in the method or evidence.

Open experimental questions

Where to start

Choose the exact topic or diagnose the weakness first, then repeat one consistent model–retrieve–apply cycle.

Choose your starting point

  1. I know the topic

    Open the exact Structure or Reactivity topic and identify every representation it connects before practising.

    Browse the syllabus

  2. I do not know what is weak

    Use mixed questions first to locate whether the problem is conceptual, quantitative or experimental.

    Start diagnostic

Use the three-step learning loop

  1. Build the chemical model

    Explain the particles, interactions and observable evidence clearly before selecting an equation or experimental procedure.

    Study a Concept

  2. Retrieve the relationship

    Reconstruct definitions, equations, required conditions and units without looking back at the worked example.

    Use Mastery

  3. Apply and diagnose

    Solve a short set, label the exact error category and repeat one matched problem.

    Practise questions

IB Chemistry SL assessment format

External assessment contributes 80% and the scientific investigation contributes 20%. Both papers require deliberate use of chemical models, calculations, experimental evidence and the Chemistry data booklet at SL.

Paper / componentQuestionsTime% of grade
Paper 155 marksPaper 1A multiple-choice questions and Paper 1B data-based or experimental-work questions.How to prepare: Practise selecting equations and data-booklet values quickly, then justify options through particles, units and experimental evidence rather than recognition alone.1 hour 30 minutes36%
Paper 250 marksShort-answer and extended-response questions across Structure and Reactivity.How to prepare: Mix multi-step calculations with explanations that connect structure, interactions and observations; audit algebra, units and chemical language separately.1 hour 30 minutes44%
Scientific investigation24 marksOne individual scientific investigation, internally assessed and externally moderated.How to prepare: Practise designing controlled measurements, processing uncertainty appropriately and evaluating whether the evidence supports the chemical conclusion.10 recommended course hours20%

SourceInternational Baccalaureate Organization · IB Chemistry guide — first assessment 2025IB Chemistry · First assessment 2025

IB Chemistry SL questions

Use a diagnostic if you cannot identify the weakness; otherwise open the exact syllabus Topic. Rebuild its particle model and governing relationships, then answer a short set and classify errors before choosing what to review.

Write the chemical relationship and units before inserting numbers. Estimate the likely scale, calculate, then check significant figures and whether the result is chemically plausible. Separate equation-choice errors from algebra and unit errors.

Use it during normal practice, not only in full papers. Learn where constants, equations and tables are located, but still decide which relationship applies and explain the chemistry behind the value or trend.

Paper 1 rewards rapid retrieval, quantitative control and data handling; Paper 2 requires connected calculations and explanations. The scientific investigation also needs experimental design, processing, conclusion and evaluation, so revision should include all three modes.