Chemistry of carbon
Downloads can take a few minutes, especially for larger files or slower connections.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Structure and bonding, where they explored how different types of chemical bonds affect the properties of substances. It deepens their understanding by focusing on the unique bonding properties of carbon, including the formation of various allotropes and complex molecules. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Organic chemistry, where they will apply their knowledge to explore carbon-based compounds and their reactions, reinforcing the importance of carbon in organic structures and chemical processes.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Covalent bonds form when non-metal atoms share electrons.
- Non-metal, covalent molecules form simple molecules or giant covalent (macromolecular) structures.
- Non-metals atoms in group 5 can form three covalent bonds; those in group 4, four covalent bonds.
- Simple molecules have low melting and boiling points because the intermolecular forces between them are weak, requiring little energy.
- Giant covalent structures have high melting and boiling points because the strong covalent bonds need a lot of energy to be broken.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Structure and bonding, where they explored how different types of chemical bonds affect the properties of substances. It deepens their understanding by focusing on the unique bonding properties of carbon, including the formation of various allotropes and complex molecules. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Organic chemistry, where they will apply their knowledge to explore carbon-based compounds and their reactions, reinforcing the importance of carbon in organic structures and chemical processes.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Covalent bonds form when non-metal atoms share electrons.
- Non-metal, covalent molecules form simple molecules or giant covalent (macromolecular) structures.
- Non-metals atoms in group 5 can form three covalent bonds; those in group 4, four covalent bonds.
- Simple molecules have low melting and boiling points because the intermolecular forces between them are weak, requiring little energy.
- Giant covalent structures have high melting and boiling points because the strong covalent bonds need a lot of energy to be broken.
Chemistry
Chemistry of carbon
This unit explores how material properties relate to bonding, bond strength, and structure, focusing on carbon compounds like diamond, graphite, and graphene. It covers nanoparticles, their uses and risks, surface area calculations, scale comparisons, and model representation techniques.
7 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Chemistry of carbon unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our AQA secondary combined science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for AQA secondary combined science programmes.