Over the last few months, we have helped students that wants to improve their Chemistry grades by conducting Programmes such as:

• Small Group Essential Concepts Class
• Chemistry Intensive Revision Bootcamps
• Series of Chemistry Mastery Workshops

GCE ‘O’ Level Chemistry Exams will commence in 27 days time. Are you looking for a proven system to Improve Your Chemistry Grades exponentially in a short period? Yes. You can do that, but it requires your 100% Commitment, 150% Participation and 200% DESIRE TO SCORE LIKE A WINNER!

Here is what i have for committed students:

A Final Chemistry Revision Programme especially catered for Singapore students (Programme will be held in Singapore) who still have not scored what you deserved.

If you have failed your Chemistry Prelims or have never passed your Chemistry before despite many tuition classes or school lessons, this will be your last chance to score the marks you truly deserve.

Here’s what GCE ‘O’ Level Chemistry Final Leap Programme will do for you:

• Equip you with the Essential Chemistry concepts using Accelerated Learning Techniques & Association Strategies so that you can understand better and retain more during this short period of time
• Expose you to the Secrets of Lnking Concepts on examination questions so that you can Score!
• Help you to Regain the Confidence required to fight the Chemistry examination victoriously
• Shock you on how you can Score in Chemistry easily just by Applying Step-by-Step Strategies

All based on real GCE ‘O’ Level exam-based questions.

Here’s what I want you to do next:
Click here to tell me what you need to SCORE in your O Level Chemistry. Leave your contact details so that we can get in touch with you asap.

Click >> Testimonials from students

I do not care much how you fare for your Chemistry previously; I just need to know that you believe you want to do much better for NOW!

Tell me What you need to SCORE in Chemistry?

PS: Priorities will be given to students that have never passed their Chemistry exam before.

PPS: This will be a 1-to-1 customized coaching by myself, i can only accept 1-2 students

PPS: Non-local students - my sincere apology not able to coach you personally. Visit this blog-site for more tipsRelated Articles:

• O Level Chemistry Examination - Kick Start in 18 Days time
• How to Revise for O Level Chemistry Effectively & Quickly
• The Chemistry Essential Concepts Coaching Program by Sean
• ‘O’ Level Chemistry Intensive Revision Program - Officially Sold Out
• Announcement: Organic Chemistry Mastery Workshop

The O Level Chemistry Examination not only tests the number of chemical facts and definitions you have remembered, but also if you know how to apply the chemistry concepts and solve application problems.

About 30% of the marks are given for recall of facts and definitions, the rest are for understanding and applications of chemistry concepts.

Following are Skills required to DO WELL in O Level Chemistry Exam:

• Knowledge of DEFINITIONS, CHEMICAL FORMULAE, UNITS & SYMBOLS
• Knowledge of CHEMISTRY CONCEPTS such as Reactivity Series of Metals & Its Applications
• Knowledge of FACTS such as Uses of Petroleum Fractions
• Knowledge of OBSERVATIONS that occurs in many experiments
• Ability to use FLOW-CHARTS to solve questions related to Qualitative Analysis
• Ability to SKETCH, PLOT and INTERPRET graphs and diagrams
• Knowledge of the SOCIAL, ECONOMIC and ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS of Chemistry such as effects of pollutions
• Ability to use CHEMICAL CALCUALTIONS to solve problems related to Mole Concepts and Chemical Reactions

As you can see, a large part of the marks will come from Definitions and essential Chemistry Concepts. You will DO WELL if you know all the above points..

But if you are looking for a QUICK FIX to get you the As that you truly deserve, then you would need to know exactly what the examiners are asking you so that you know how to answer accordingly to score FULL MARKS.

I am currently busy writing the finishing touches to a new book called “Up Your Chemistry Grades Now!”.

How do you like the idea of scoring the marks you truly deserve by knowing what examiners are looking out for? Yes! It is exactly what this book is for.

For now, I would like to invite you (especially the graduating students) to take a peep at some of the main highlights of the book which include:

- Gloosary of terms & KEY DEFINITIONS you need to know
- Examination tips and strategies
- Common Errors Made by Most Students and How to Avoid them
- Tips and Strategies of studying for killer topics

This Introductory section is ready now! I am certain you will love this!

To get hold of this Introductory section, simply go to this url
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=HYomO&m=1ckHRWlKR6mZoH&b=UyH3dEFljAcdNmzEoirjPA
(I am only limiting to 100 copies, so act fast!)

PS: For the Graduating Students taking exams in 2 weeks time - i have decided to launch the book in these few days so that you can benefit from it, do come back to this website to get hold of this precious book.Related Articles:

• O Level Chemistry - Strategies to Predict Products of Electrolysis for Aqueuous Solutions
• GCE ‘O’ Level Chemistry Final Leap Programme - Final Revision
• Announcement: Organic Chemistry Mastery Workshop
• O Level Chemistry Examination - Kick Start in 18 Days time
• The Chemistry Essential Concepts Coaching Program by Sean

Coming here to look for important and useful Chemistry Tips again?

You have been studying hard, and have been spending lots of time surfing for Chemistry Tips in this website…

Today i am going to celebrate your little success (that you have been learning steadily all this while) by sharing with you some cool pictures that was sent to me by a close buddy of mine.
Enjoy….

Nice pictures of sculpturtes yeah?? Ok..time for you to go back to study….
Stay tuned to tomorrow’s blog-post…cos i am going to GIVE YOU A PRESENT!Related Articles:

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Today, we shall continue with the discussion on Isotopes where many students tends to lose marks in exams.

Definition of Isotopes:
–> Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons

Charareristics:

• Same proton or atomic number
• Different nucleon or mass number
• Same chemical properties (since chemical reactions involve electrons only)
• Slightly different physical properties (since relative masses of isotopes differ)

Just with the above information, it will allow you to score all the marks you need in examinations with questions related to Isotopes.

[[Very important thing to know the definitions of key chemistry terms  well. You can get ALL the KEY CHEMISTRY DEFINITIONS immediately by clicking >>> HERE]]

Most elements are commonly made up of isotopes. Only a few elements exist without isotopes.

Hydrogen has 3 Isotopes, with mass numbers 1, 2 and 3. They contain the same number of protons and electrons, but differ in number of neutrons.

Hydrogen-1 has no neutrons, Hydrogen-2 has one neutron and Hydrogen-3 has two neutrons.

Let’s check out an exam-based question related to Isotopes.

Question 1:
Uranium-235 and uranium-238 are two isotopes of uranium.
The table below shows the numbers of the particles in one atom of uranium-235.

Particle     Number
Electron    92
Neutron    143
Proton       92

(a) Define Isotopes.
(b) Suggest a reason why this is known as uranium-235.
(c) Give the numbers of particles found in an atom of uranium-238.

PS: Remember to leave your suggested answers in the “Leave A Reply” section below this post.Related Articles:

• O Level Chemistry - Atomic Structure
• Difference between Atom, Molecule & Particle
• O Level Chemistry - Definition of Redox
• Tips on assigning Oxidation Number (or States)
• Chemistry Question - Mole Concepts / Chemical Calculations

I realised that some students are confused between the  2 numbers that normally comes together with the Chemical Symbols, in the Periodic Table. It is imperative for Chemistry students to know this topic well, as this is the easiest topic to score in Chemistry exams.
 
In the periodic table, a symbol is used to designate an element, and each atom is characterized by a value of A and Z. The atomic number (Z) is at the lower left of the symbol, and atomic mass number (A) is at the upper left.

Atomic Number (Z): Its value is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus.

Atomic Mass Number (A): Its value is equal to the number of protons plus the number of neutrons in the nucleus.

Chemically, an atom is made of three species: Neutrons, Protons, and Electrons.

The nucleus of the atom contains the protons and neutrons. For most chemists, they focus their attention on the electrons, which govern the chemical properties and reactivity of any molecule.

Now, let’s check out a couple of questions to see how much you understand.

Question 1:
Which one of the following statements is correct?
Carbon has atomic number 6 and mass number 12. This means that in the nucleus of this atom there are:
a) 12 protons and no neutrons
b) 2 protons for every neutrons
c) 2 neutrons for every proton
d) Equal number of protons and neutrons

Question 2:
Deduce the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom of Antimony-122.

Question 3:
In the Periodic Table, the elements are arranged in order of
a) atomic number
b) mass number
c) number of neutrons
d) number of isotopes

PS: I emphasized again that the best way to learn is to participate.

PPS: Leave down your suggested answers in the “Leave A Reply” section right below this post.Related Articles:

• O Level Chemistry - Isotopes
• Difference between Atom, Molecule & Particle
• Tips on assigning Oxidation Number (or States)
• Chemistry Question - Mole Concepts / Chemical Calculations
• GCE O Level Chemistry Intensive Topical Revision Bootcamps (in June 08)

If you have been shaking your legs, playing soccer everyday, playing online games for 3-4 per day, it might be time for you to take notice. You only have 2 weeks to prepare yourself.

I have been coaching several students under the FINAL LEAP PROGRAMME and i can see that many students are feeling the stress now.  They are studying very hard (and smart of course) to prepare themselves for the “academic war” in 2 weeks time. I congratulate their commitment cos there is a saying that: “80% of the Success is Just About Showing Up!”. With these, the other 20% must be Taking The Right Actions.

In Singapore, O Level Examination is known to be the 2nd major qualifying exams in their life - that will determine their career choices and flexibility to study what they desire. [the 1st qualifying exams is when they are 12 years old where they take their PSLE exams].

However, from my facebook account, i realised that O Level students in Singapore are still shaking their legs, shopping every other days, palying online games 3-4 hrs per day - all these indulgence even when they have not even passed their Chemistry and other exams before. Time to WAKE UP - if you are one of the students reading this blog. 

PS: Our new book “UP YOUR CHEMISTRY GRADES NOW!” will be having a pre-launch in the ebook version in the next few days (before we sent it to the publisher). Hope by doing so, we are in time to help these graduating students one final time. It will be split into 5 sections - each emphasizing important things you need to know to score in Chemistry Exams.

PPS: Book is suitable for Sec 3, 4 and 5 (under GCE O Level Exam system) or Grade 9 and 10 (under GCSE Exam system)Related Articles:

• GCE ‘O’ Level Chemistry Final Leap Programme - Final Revision
• How to Revise for O Level Chemistry Effectively & Quickly
• O Level Chemistry - Effectiveness of MANY Mock Exams in School?
• Formulae 1 Singapore Grand Prix - A lesson towards GCE O Level Chemistry Exam
• F-R-E-E O Level Chemistry Exam Questions

Today we will end the series by introducing the 3rd criterion:

Consider: Nature of Electrodes Used in Electrolysis

Different products are discharged at the electrode when different type of electrodes are used.
When we say different types of electrodes used, it simply means:

Inert Electrode (such as Carbon and Platinum) vs Reactive Electrode (such as Cu or Silver)

We shall once again look at it in a step-by-step simplified approach.

Lets consider 2 electrolysis reactions using Copper(II) Sulphate as the electrolyte.

Set-Up A: Inert Electrodes such as Platinum

At the +ve Anode:

• 4OH-(aq) –> 2H2O(l) + O2(g) + 4e-
• SO42- ions remain in solution

At the –ve Cathode:

• Cu2+(aq) + 2e- –> Cu(l)
• H+ ions remain in solution

Summary:

• Overall reaction is: 2CuSO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) –> 2Cu(s) + O2(g) + 2H2SO4(aq)
• Acidic solution of H2SO4(aq) formed at end of reaction

Set-Up B: Reactive Electrodes such as Copper

At the +ve Anode:

• Cu(s) –> Cu2+(aq) + 2e-
• Anode dissolves to form Cu2+ ions in aqueous solution

At the –ve Cathode:

• Cu2+(aq) + 2e- –> Cu(l)
• H+ ions remain in solution
• Cathode becomes coated with a layer of reddish-brown Cu

Summary:

• Cu is transferred from the anode to the cathode
• Cu cathode slowly increases in mass
• Cu anode decreases in mass
• Colour & Concentration of CuSO4 remain unchanged
• No effective loss of Cu2+ ions from the CuSO4 solution

Let’s check out 1 question to see how much you understand.

Question:
Aqueous copper(II) sulphate is electrolyzed using copper electrodes. Which observations will be made?
        Anode (+ve)             Cathode (-ve)               the electrolyte
A. anode dissolves           pink solid forms          blue colour fades
B. anode dissolves           pink solid forms           no change
C. colourless gas forms   colourless gas forms    no change
D. colourless gas forms   pink solid forms blue   colour fades

PS: Remember to leave down your answers in the “Leave A Reply” section below.

PPS: To learn everthing on Redox & Electrolysis, please visit the section right below called “Table of contents for Secrets of Redox & Electrolysis“Related Articles:

• O Level Chemistry - Strategies to Predict Products of Electrolysis for Aqueuous Solutions
• O Level Chemistry - Definitions of Electrolysis
• O Level Chemistry - Strategies to Predict Products of Electrolysis for Aqueuous Solutions
• O Level Chemistry - Products of Electrolysis of Molten Compound
• O Level Chemistry - Secrets of Redox & Electrolysis Series

Over the weekend, we have seen some dramatic moments in Singapore’s frist ever Formulae 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix. There were plenty of thrills and spills.

We will look into some highlights and see how it is associated with students taking their O Level Chemistry exams in less than 3 weeks time.

Before last night, the drivers’ championship race was a tight race, with Ferrari’s Massa just a point behind leader Hamilton. Yesterday, on lap 18, Massa entered the pit as the race leader for 16 laps (he was leading the pack after starting at Pole Position - a 1st car line-up position he earned on Saturdays race). His crew’s signal that he could leave the pit came too early, and he drove off with a huge part of the refuelling rig still attached to his car.

With no other choice, he had to drive all the way to the end of the pitlane to clear the other nine teams’ garages (defending constructors’ race champions Ferrari’s garage is the first in the pits) before he could pull over. Massa could only sit helplessly for more than an agonising minute as Ferrari’s pit crew has to first serviced teammate Kimi Raikkonen’s car before sprinting roughly 250m to Massa’s and detach the hose. To make matters worse, Massa was hit with a drive-through penalty for pulling out dangerously close to another car, and he rejoined the race in 18th place.

Here is a lesson for students that had done really well in their Preliminary Examinations.

Do not get complacent even you have been getting A1s for Chemistry for Preliminary Exams or other previous qualifying exams. So many times, we have seen “smart” students crying when they only get a B for Chemistry when results for O Levels are released. You need to be focussed and consistent all the way before the finals.

Back to the race which was won by Renault’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso. For former two-time drivers’ champion, this is his first win in over a year and was a sweet victory following a disastrous qualifying session on Saturday. He was fastest in the second and third practice sessions. But his engine failed halfway through qualifying and crashed out. On saturday, a frustrated Alonso threw his hands up in the air while leaving his car. He had the pace to contend for pole position, but instead start 15th out of 20 cars on the starting grid yesterday.

Many enthusiats have already written him off. But yesterday, after climbing out of his car after the race, Alonso raised his arms, this time in jubilation. Many written him off - but he has never given up hope, and kept chasing and performing, till he have the final smile on the track.

Here is a lesson for students that have failed in their Preliminary or other Qualifying Exams:

There is no such thing as absolute failure. In fact, there is no such thing as failure - there is only unsuccessful method learned and strategies used. Just get the right method and have the correct mindset, and you can be the eventual Winner. We have seen many cases where students that failed their Prelims - and came back to top their cohort or to score the As they wished for so long..

You won’t know the final outcome until the finish line. There is still 3 weeks for you to prepare for your O Level Chemistry Examination - enough time for you to pull up something remarkable like Alonso. Question is - Do you believe you can do it & whether You want to do it!

Until next time next blog-post, i wish you the best during your exam preparation.

PS: Drop me a comment or two, i would love to hear from you.Related Articles:

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Today, we are going to look at the 2nd criterion, that is:

Effect of Concentration of Solution on Effective Discharge

• It applies only to ANIONS
• Only for Concentrated Solutions
• An increase in the concentration of an anion tends to promote its discharge

Example:

Consider Electrolysis of concentrated NaCl solution using carbon electrodes.
2 types of anions are attracted to the anode: Cl- and OH- ions

According to the reactivity series, OH- ions should be discharged preferentially (as we have seen in the previous post on diluted aqueous solutions). However, Cl- ions are far more numerous than OH- ions and so are discharged instead.

Try out this question to see if you understand this concept.

Question:

What would you observe when a concentrated solution of HCl is electrolyzed using Platinum electrode? Explain your observations and write down the equations involved.

PS: Remember to leave down your comments and suggested answers in the “Leave Your Reply” section below.Related Articles:

• O Level Chemistry - Strategies to Predict Products of Electrolysis for Aqueuous Solutions
• O Level Chemistry - Strategies to Predict Products of Electrolysis for Aqueuous Solutions
• O Level Chemistry - Secrets of Redox & Electrolysis Series
• O Level Chemistry - Products of Electrolysis of Molten Compound
• O Level Chemistry - pH Scale

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyJL2z6xO2w

Click here to download of the slides in pdf format & send it to at least one other friends who is taking exams.Related Articles:

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