Cambrıdge O-Level Chemıstry (5070)
O-Level Chemistry Syllabus 2026–2028
Topics & Exam Format
The Cambridge O-Level Chemistry (5070) exam is an internationally recognized qualification for students aged 14 to 16. O-Level Chemistry Syllabus, valid for 2026–2028, develops fundamental chemistry knowledge, practical skills, and analytical thinking.
In this syllabus guide
O-Level Chemistry Syllabus (2026–2028)
Based on the official Cambridge O-Level Chemistry (5070) syllabus. These 12 core topics cover fundamental chemistry concepts, practical skills, and analytical thinking.
1. States of Matter
Solids, liquids, gases, diffusion, kinetic particle theory
2. Atoms, Elements & Compounds
Atomic structure, isotopes, bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic)
3. Stoichiometry
Mole concept, calculations, empirical formula, percentage yield
4. Electrochemistry
Electrolysis, fuel cells, ionic half-equations
5. Chemical Energetics
Exothermic/endothermic, bond energies, enthalpy
6. Chemical Reactions
Rate of reaction, equilibrium, redox, catalysts
7. Acids, Bases & Salts
Properties, neutralization, preparation of salts
8. The Periodic Table
Groups I, VII, transition elements, noble gases
9. Metals
Reactivity series, extraction, corrosion, alloys
10. Chemistry of the Environment
Water, fertilisers, air quality, climate change
11. Organic Chemistry
Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, polymers
12. Experimental Techniques
Titration, chromatography, ion/gas tests, separation
Exam Format (5070)
| Paper | Duration | Marks | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 1 hour | 40 | Multiple choice questions (30%) |
| Paper 2 | 1 hour 45 minutes | 80 | Structured theory questions (50%) |
| Paper 3 or 4 | 1h 30m / 1 hour | 40 | Practical test or alternative to practical (20%) |
🎯 Assessment Objectives
| Objective | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and Understanding | 50% |
| AO2 | Data Analysis and Problem Solving | 30% |
| AO3 | Experimental Skills | 20% |
Key Changes in the 2026–2028 Syllabus
✅ No Significant Content Changes
Compared to the 2023 syllabus, the core content remains stable, allowing continuity in teaching and preparation.
📘 Simplified Examples & Definitions
Some examples and definitions have been simplified for clarity, making the syllabus more accessible.
🔬 Stronger Emphasis on Experimental Skills
Greater focus on practical skills, especially for Paper 3 (Practical Test) and Paper 4 (Alternative to Practical).
📊 Topic Order Unchanged
The sequence of topics remains the same, ensuring familiar progression for students and teachers.
Detailed Learning Outcomes (Cambridge 5070)
Below are the complete learning outcomes for each topic. Click to expand.
1. State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases
2. Describe the structures of solids, liquids and gases in terms of particle separation, arrangement and motion
3. Describe and explain changes of state in terms of kinetic particle theory
4. Interpret and explain heating and cooling curves
5. Describe and explain effects of temperature and pressure on gas volume
1. Describe and explain diffusion in terms of kinetic particle theory
2. Describe and explain the effect of relative molecular mass on diffusion rate
Describe differences between elements, compounds and mixtures
Structure of atom, relative charges/masses, proton number, mass number, electronic configuration (1–20), group and period relationship
Definition, same chemical properties, symbols, calculate relative atomic mass from isotopic abundances
Formation of ions, giant lattice structure, properties of ionic compounds, dot-and-cross diagrams
Covalent bond formation, dot-and-cross diagrams for H₂, Cl₂, H₂O, CH₄, NH₃, CO₂ etc., properties of simple molecular compounds
Graphite, diamond, SiO₂ structures and uses
Electrostatic attraction between positive ions and delocalised electrons, properties of metals
Molecular vs empirical formula, deduce formula from charges, word and symbol equations, state symbols
Relative atomic mass (Aᵣ), relative molecular mass (Mᵣ)
Mole concept, mass–mole calculations, molar gas volume (24 dm³ at r.t.p.), concentration calculations (g/dm³ and mol/dm³), titration calculations, empirical/molecular formula, percentage yield and purity
Definition, anode/cathode/electrolyte, transfer of charge, products from molten lead(II) bromide, concentrated NaCl, dilute H₂SO₄, aqueous CuSO₄ (inert and copper electrodes), prediction of products, ionic half-equations, electroplating
How it works, advantages vs petrol engines
Exothermic/endothermic definitions, enthalpy change (ΔH), activation energy (Eₐ), reaction pathway diagrams, bond breaking/making, calculate enthalpy change using bond energies
Identify and describe differences
Collision theory, catalysts, effect of concentration, pressure, surface area, temperature, practical methods for investigating rates, interpreting graphs
Reversible reactions (⇌), equilibrium conditions, Le Chatelier's principle (temperature, pressure, concentration, catalyst), Haber process, Contact process
Oxidation/reduction definitions (oxygen, electrons, oxidation number), oxidising/reducing agents, tests with KMnO₄ and KI
H⁺ and OH⁻ ions, acids as proton donors, reactions with metals, bases, carbonates, neutralisation, indicators, strong vs weak acids
Acidic, basic, amphoteric oxides (Al₂O₃, ZnO)
Soluble salts by titration or excess solid, insoluble salts by precipitation, solubility rules, water of crystallisation
Periods and groups, metallic/non-metallic change, group number and ion charge, predicting properties
Trends in melting point, density, reactivity
Trends in density, reactivity, displacement reactions, appearance of halogens
Properties: high density, high melting point, variable oxidation numbers, coloured compounds, catalysts
Unreactive, monatomic, full outer shell
Physical properties (conductivity, malleability, melting point), chemical reactions with acids, water, oxygen
Aluminium (aircraft, cables, food containers), copper (wiring)
Brass, stainless steel, harder/stronger structure, uses
Order (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, C, Zn, Fe, H, Cu, Ag, Au), displacement reactions, reactions with water and acid, aluminium oxide layer
Rusting conditions, barrier methods, sacrificial protection, galvanising
Iron from hematite (blast furnace), aluminium from bauxite (electrolysis, cryolite, anodes)
Tests for water, purity, natural water substances (dissolved oxygen, metal compounds, sewage, nitrates, phosphates), beneficial and harmful effects, domestic water treatment
Ammonium salts, nitrates, NPK fertilisers
Composition of clean air, pollutants (CO₂, CO, particulates, CH₄, NOₓ, SO₂), adverse effects, greenhouse effect, global warming, reducing strategies, catalytic converters, photosynthesis
Structural formula, displayed formula, general formulae (alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids), structural isomers, functional groups, homologous series, saturated/unsaturated
Naming alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters (up to 4 carbons)
Fossil fuels, petroleum fractional distillation, properties of fractions, uses
Saturated, unreactive except combustion and substitution with chlorine (photochemical)
Unsaturated, cracking, test with aqueous bromine, addition reactions (Br₂, H₂, steam)
Ethanol production (fermentation, catalytic addition), combustion, uses as solvent and fuel
Reactions with metals, bases, carbonates; ethanoic acid formation; esterification
Addition vs condensation polymerisation, repeat units, polyamides, polyesters, nylon, PET, proteins as natural polyamides, environmental challenges of plastics
Apparatus for measurement, advantages/disadvantages, solutions, saturated solutions
Burette, pipette, indicator, end-point
Paper chromatography, locating agents, Rf values
Filtration, crystallisation, distillation, fractional distillation
Tests for anions (CO₃²⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, SO₃²⁻), cations (NaOH and NH₃ tests), flame tests (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cu²⁺), gases (NH₃, CO₂, Cl₂, H₂, O₂, SO₂)
📌 The syllabus is based on the official document published by Cambridge International (5070) for 2026–2028.
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