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Required practicals (Paper 1)

Paper 1 · Exam

Key steps (method)

  • Learn the aim, key apparatus, and key variables (IV/DV/control).
  • Know the risk assessment basics (corrosive acids, flames, hot apparatus).
  • Write a clear method and include repeats / averages where relevant.
  • Practicals are often assessed via analysis + evaluation (errors, improvements).

Common mistakes

  • Not controlling variables (e.g. concentration, temperature, surface area).
  • Vague evaluation (“human error”) instead of specific sources of uncertainty.
  • Forgetting quality of measurements (resolution, repeats, anomalies).

Exam-style questions (quick)

  1. Identify IV/DV/control variables for a given practical and explain why.
  2. Describe a method to make a pure dry salt and how to check it’s pure.
  3. Suggest improvements to reduce uncertainty in a rate practical.