7.1Descriptive Chemistry
Inorganic chemistry — EST 2 Chemistry Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 7 parts Lesson 1 of 3 1 quiz
Inorganic chemistry EST Chemistry notes: Describe properties of main groups.A more reactive halogen displaces a less reactive halide: Cl2 + 2KBr → 2KCl + Br2.Flame coloursLi red, Na yellow-orange, K lilac, Ca brick red, Cu blue-green.Metal oxides dissolve to form bases; nonmetal …
- Inorganic chemistry EST Chemistry: what to do next
- Alkali metals
- Alkaline earth metals
- Noble gases
- Transition metals
- Allotropes
Section 1 of 7Inorganic chemistry
Section 2 of 7Process & sequence
Predicting behaviourwrite these steps in this order; each step is a marking point.
- Find group
- Common ion
- Metal or nonmetal
- Oxide type
- Reactivity trend
Section 3 of 7Keep going
Inorganic chemistry EST Chemistry: what to do next
These Inorganic chemistry EST Chemistry notes covered the key ideas, worked examples and exam technique for this topic. Check your Inorganic chemistry EST Chemistry understanding with the practice questions below, then reread any Inorganic chemistry EST Chemistry point you were unsure about before moving on.

Section 4 of 7Compare
| Group | Reaction with water | Trend down group |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2M + 2H2O → 2MOH + H2 (vigorous) | More reactive |
| 2 | Slower; Mg reacts with steam | More reactive |
| 17 | Cl2 + H2O → HCl + HOCl | Less reactive |
| 18 | No reaction | — |
| Oxide | Bonding | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Na2O, MgO | Ionic | Basic |
| Al2O3 | Ionic/covalent | Amphoteric |
| SiO2 | Giant covalent | Weakly acidic |
| P4O10, SO3 | Molecular | Acidic |
| Gas | Test | Result |
|---|---|---|
| H2 | Lighted splint | Squeaky pop |
| O2 | Glowing splint | Relights |
| CO2 | Limewater | Turns milky |
| NH3 | Damp red litmus | Turns blue |
| Cl2 | Damp litmus | Bleached |
Section 5 of 7Key terms
Section 6 of 7Command terms
Section 7 of 7Exam technique
Keywords the mark scheme looks for in this lesson
How to get full marks (examiner guidance)
Marked practiceQuizzes for this lesson
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