Combined Science

‘O’ Level Revision

ar y notes
• With summ
ve r in g s yll a bus objectives
co
SEC questions
• Model ZIM
and answers
Combined Science
'O' Level Revision Book
ring
ar y notes cove
• With summ
ives
syllabus object and
d el Z IM SEC questions
• M o
answers
Published by:
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A Practical Approach to Combined Science | ‘O’ Level Revision Book

ISBN: 978-0-7974-8527-3

First Published in January 2023

Copyright © Secondary Book Press

Editor in Chief: Munyaradzi Gunduza

Development Editor: Joseph Gomba and Phinias Bhidhi
Text and design layout: Blessed Mudzingwa

Acknowledgements
Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders. In the event of unintentional omissions
or errors, any information that would enable the publisher to make the proper arrangements will be
appreciated.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without prior permission of the copyright owner.
Contents

Biology
Topic 1: Laboratory rules and safety....................................................................................................1
Topic 2: Cells and levels of organisms.................................................................................................5
Topic 3: Nutrition............................................................................................................................... 11
Topic 4: Respiratory system...............................................................................................................18
Topic 5: Transport systems.................................................................................................................21
Topic 6: Reproductive systems...........................................................................................................30
Topic 7: Health and diseases..............................................................................................................39

Chemistry
Topic 8: Separation.............................................................................................................................44
Topic 9: Matter...................................................................................................................................47
Topic 10: Acids, bases and salts.........................................................................................................55
Topic 11: Industrial processes............................................................................................................58
Topic 12: Oxidation and reduction.....................................................................................................62

Physics
Topic 13: Data presentation................................................................................................................66
Topic 14: Measurements ...................................................................................................................68
Topic 15: Force...................................................................................................................................71
Topic 16: Machines............................................................................................................................74
Topic 17: Energy................................................................................................................................75
Topic 18: Magnetism .........................................................................................................................81
Topic 19: Electricity...........................................................................................................................83

Examination Papers
Test 1 ..................................................................................................................................................86
Test 2 ..................................................................................................................................................99
Test 3 ................................................................................................................................................109
Test 4 ................................................................................................................................................120
Test 5 ................................................................................................................................................130
Test 6 ................................................................................................................................................141
Test 7 ................................................................................................................................................152
Test 8 ................................................................................................................................................162
Test 9 ................................................................................................................................................171
Test 10 ..............................................................................................................................................181
Answers..............................................................................................................................................190
 INTRODUCTION

Combined Science is a systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural
world through observation, experimentation and testing of theories against the evidence obtained.
Combined Science O Level Revision Book covers all the topics and concepts that are found in the
ZIMSEC Syllabus and are structured according to the New Curriculum expectations.

It summarises the main topics that are in the syllabus whilst equipping students with relevant
information in their preparation for the O Level Combined Science examinations.

You must work your way through this study guide to improve your understanding, identify your areas
of weakness and correct your own mistakes.

To ensure a high-quality pass, you should also substantiate your knowledge with other textbooks and
your class notes. We are confident that this Combined Science study guide can help you prepare well
so that you pass the ZIMSEC O Level examinations.

Overview of the examination for Combined Science 'O' Level Study Guide

The examination questions have been arranged topically and in the respective order in which they
are taught, for example, Biology Section, Chemistry Section and Physics Section. The questions are
structured typical of ZIMSEC exam standard.

Paper 1 (4003/1), theory, consists of 40 compulsory multiple choice questions that weighs 30% of the
whole examination. All the sections are equally distributed throughout the paper in their order. It is
written in an hour.

Paper 2 (4003/2), theory, consist of 15 questions, 6 of which are in section A and 3 questions for each
section: B, C and D. In section A candidates are supposed to answer all questions which sums up to
40 marks and in Section B, C and D candidates are supposed to answer two questions which sum up
to 20 marks for each section. Section A is a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Section B
consists of Biology, Section C consists of Chemistry and Section D consists of Physics. It weighs 40%
of the whole examination and it is written in 2 hours.

Paper 3 (4003/3), practical, consists of 2 compulsory questions of 20 marks each from any two sections
of the syllabus. It weighs 30% of the whole examination and it’s written in 1 hour 30 minutes.

i
How to use this study guide

This study guide covers selected aspects of the different topics from Form 1 to 4 Combined Science
curriculum in the order that it is usually taught. The selected aspects of each topic are presented in the
following way:

• An explanation of terms and concepts

• Worked examples to explain and demonstrate
• Answers for you to use to check your own work
• Typical ZIMSEC examination papers are included in the study guide for you to practice.

Top 10 study tips

Try these study tips to make learning easier

• Have all your materials ready before you begin studying that is pencils, calculator, pens,
highlighters, paper and all the other necessary material.
• Be positive. Make sure your brain holds on to the information you are learning by reminding
yourself how important it is to remember the work and get the marks.
• Take a walk outside. A change of scenery will stimulate your learning. You’ll be surprised at
how much more you take in being outside in the fresh air.
• Break up your learning sections into manageable parts. Trying to learn too much at one time
will only result in a tired, unfocused and anxious brain.
• Keep your study sessions short but effective and reward yourself with short, constructive
breaks.
• Teach your concepts to anyone who will listen. It might feel strange at first, but it is worth
reading your revision notes aloud.
• Your brain learns well with colours and pictures. Try to use them whenever you can.
• Be confident with the learning areas you know well and focus your brain energy on the
sections that you find more difficult to take in.
• Repetition is the key to retaining information you must learn. Keep going, don’t give up.
• Sleeping at least 8 hours every night, eating properly and drinking plenty of water are all
important things you need to do for your brain. Studying for exams is like strenuous exercise,
so you must be prepared physically.

ii
Question words to help you answer questions

It is important to look for the question words (words that tell you what to do) to correctly understand
what the examiner is asking. Use the following table as a guide when answering questions.

Name – usually give a one word answer or a brief answer.

Define – give a concise and clear meaning.

Describe – give a detailed account of a matter concerned.

Explain – provide details in a chronological order. Include word equations where necessary.

Give – to state facts without discussions or explanations (note that you may be asked to ‘give a reason’).

Identify – name a feature from the source material.

Calculate – first give a formula and present a clear substitution on the formula. Go ahead and make
the calculation in a step by step presentation of work.

Outline – give a general description or explanation.

Study skills to boost your learning

This guide makes use of two study techniques you can use to help you

Learn the material:

• Mobile notes
• Mnemonics

Mobile notes

Mobile notes are excellent tools for learning all the key concepts in the study guide. Mobile notes are
easy to make and you can take them with you wherever you go:

1. Fold a blank piece of paper in half. Fold it in half again. Fold it again.
2. Open the paper. It will now be divided into 8 parts.
3. Cut or tear neatly along the folded lines.
4. On one side, write the basic concept.
5. On the other side, write the meaning or the explanation of the basic concept.
6. Use different colours and add pictures to help you remember.
7. Take these mobile notes with you wherever you go and look at them whenever you can.
8. As you learn, place the cards in three different piles:
• I know well
• Getting there
• I need more practice
9. The more you learn them, the better you will remember them.

iii
Mnemonics

A mnemonic code is a useful technique for learning information that is difficult to remember. This is
an example of a word mnemonic using the word MAPPING where each letter of the word stands for
something else:

M – Make an effort

A – Apply yourself to your studies

P – Practise

P – Prepare well for the exams

I – Ignite your passion for Combined Science

N – Notice your subject around you

G – Go for it – the stars are the limit!

Mnemonics code information and make it easier to remember. The more creative you are and the more
you link your ‘codes’ to familiar things, the more helpful your mnemonics will be. This guide provides
several ideas for using mnemonics. Be sure to make up yours

Top 10 examination tips

1. Make sure you have all the necessary stationery for your examination, that is the pens, pencils,
eraser, calculator (with new batteries), as well as your ID document and exam admission letter.
2. Arrive on time, at least one hour before the start of the exam.
3. Go to the toilet before entering the exam room. You don’t want to waste valuable time going to
the toilet during the exam.
4. Use the 10 minutes reading time to read the instructions carefully. This helps to ‘open’ the
information in your brain. Start with the question you think is the easiest to get the flow going.
5. In a practical examination (paper 3), answer the questions in a context of the experiment concerned.
Avoid general answers.
6. Try all questions. Each question has some easy marks in it so make sure that you do all the
questions in the exam.
7. Never panic, even if the question seems difficult at first. It will be linked with something you have
covered. Find the connection.
8. Manage your time properly. Don’t waste time on questions you are unsure of. Move on and come
back if time allows.
9. Check weighting – how many marks have been allocated for your answer? Take note of how
marks are allocated to the questions in this study guide. Do not give more or less information
than is required.
10. Write big, bold and clear answers. You will get more marks if the marker can read your answer
clearly.

iv
Common errors

• Candidates deliberately ignore reading examination instructions.

• In paper 2, some candidates answer questions from one section or answer only three questions
instead of two questions.
• Improper numbering or failure to number their presentation properly.
• Candidates fail to comply with the demands of the question.
• Candidates forget questions once left for later revisits.

v
BIOLOGY
 Laboratory rules and
TOPIC 1 safety

Topic objectives - locate safety equipment which

include fire extinguishers, sand
By the end of this topic, you should be buckets and fire blankets.
able to:
• laboratory safety rules include the
• explain laboratory rules. following:
• identify laboratory apparatus. - do not eat or drink while in the
• demonstrate use of laboratory laboratory.
apparatus. - do not taste any chemicals or
substances you are working with.
Laboratory rules and safety - do not use your mouth for pipetting
Important insights substances.
- do not handle broken glass and
• Laboratory safety rules are guidelines chemicals with bare hands.
that are designed to help keep people - do not pour chemicals down the
safe while they are carrying out drain without permission.
experiments in the science laboratory. - do not operate laboratory
• Laboratory safety rules are important equipment without permission.
as some equipment and chemicals in - do not perform your own
a science laboratory can cause serious experiments unless given
harm or injuries. permission.
• It is always wise to follow all laboratory - do not leave any heated materials
safety rules. unattended.
• The following are examples of safety - do not place flammable substances
procedures which can be applied in a near heat.
science laboratory: - do not engage in pranks while in
- be neat when carrying out the laboratory.
experiments to avoid spillage of
chemicals.
Laboratory apparatus
- be careful when handling Important insights
chemicals and sharp objects to
avoid burns and cuts. • There is a wild range of apparatus
- wear protective clothing such that biology students must have
as safety goggles, gloves and knowledge of in order to describe and
laboratory coats. carry out experimental and measuring
techniques.

1
 • The following are some of the Measuring cylinder
apparatus that can be used in a biology
laboratory.

Beaker

Fig. 1.3 Measuring cylinders

• A cylindrical container is used to

measure the volume of liquid.
500ml 600ml 800ml 1000ml • Measuring cylinder can be made of
plastic. These measuring cylinders
Fig. 1.1 Beakers
have lines up the side to represent the
• Beakers are cylindrical utensils that volume in millilitres.
are made up of glass, they have a flat
Dropper or pipette
bottom and an upper opening, which
may or may not have a spout or pouring
lip.
• Beakers are used to hold, mix or heat
substances.
• There are of varying sizes of beakers
and these can range from tiny 20 ml to
500 ml.
Fig. 1.4 Droppers or pipettes
Balance scales
• A dropper is a thin, tapering glass or
plastic tube used to eject or suck in a
small amount of fluid.
• The dropper is a common small
apparatus that is usually made up of
plastic or glass. They have a small
nozzle on one side and a rubber holder
Fig. 1.2 Scale on the other.
• They are also used to put liquids or
• Scales are used to measure mass.
solutions in any medium one drop at a
• When we perform experiments in
time.
the laboratories, there are very small
quantities usually in the units of micro
or mini grams and these are measured
using balance scales.

2
Test tube • The thermometer is one of the most
crucial laboratory apparatus.
• These are the sensing devices that are
used to determine the temperature of an
object.

Funnel

Fig. 1.5 Test tubes

• A test tube is a thin, cylindrical

container, usually made of glass.
• A test tube is used to hold chemical and
biological substances. Fig. 1.8 Funnels

Bunsen burner • A funnel is a tube that is wide at one

end and narrow at the other.
• Funnels are used to move liquids or
particles through a narrow opening.

Syringe

Fig. 1.6 Bunsen burner

• A bunsen burner is one of the most

important laboratory apparatus.
• It is a gas burner that produces a single
open gas flame.
• A bunsen burner acts as a source of Fig. 1.9 Syringe
heat to perform sterilisation, boiling Syringes are used in research labs for multiple
and melting of substances. tasks that include injection of gases or liquids
• Gases such as liquified petroleum gas, into chromatographs, chemical apparatus or
propane, butane and natural gas can be animals.
used as fuel to the bunsen burner.
Microscope
Thermometer

Fig. 1.7 Thermometer

Fig. 1.10 Microscope

3
 • A microscope is a basic apparatus in a Petri dish
biology laboratory.
• A simple light microscope or
compound microscope is the one
mostly used in schools and colleges and
it uses natural or artificial light and a
series of magnifying lenses to observe
specimen.
• This is a device that uses lenses to
Fig. 1.11 Petri dish
magnify items that are normally too
small for the human eye to see for • A petri dish is a shallow, transparent,
example, cells. cylinder-shaped lidded dish.
• A petri dish is mainly used to culture
different types of cells that include
bacteria, fungi and moulds.

4
 Cells and levels of
TOPIC 2 organisms

Topic objectives Plant and animal cell

By the end of this topic, you should be Important insights
able to:
• Eukaryotes are organisms which are
• describe the structure of a plant and an made up of large and complex cells.
animal cell. • Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells
• list similarities and differences between have a nucleus and other organelles
plant and animal cells. enclosed by a plasma membrane.
• identify specialised cells. • Animal and plant are examples of
• draw and label specialised cells. eukarytotes and they both have
• state the function(s) of the specialised eukaryotic cells.
cells in relation to structure. • Plant cells and animal cells do not
• use a microscope to observe cell look exactly the same or have all of the
structure. same organelles, since they each have
• state differences among living different needs. For example, plant cells
organisms. contain chloroplasts since they need
• compare continuous and discontinuous to perform photosynthesis, but animal
variation. cells do not.
• draw bar graphs to show variations in cell wall
living organisms. cell membrane
• explain the term ecosystem. cytoplasm
nucleus
• list components of an ecosystem.
• explain natural ecosystem. vacuole
vacuole
• construct food chains, food webs and
pyramids of biomass.
• explain how energy is lost in food chains Fig. 2.1 Plant cell
and food webs. Cell membrane
centrosome Smooth endoplasmic
reticulum
• describe the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
• describe an artificial ecosystem. mitochondrion

• explain bio-diversity. vacuole

• identify problems caused by limited Golgi
nucleus apparatus
bio-diversity. nucleolus rough
• state advantages of biodiversity. nuclear
membrane
endoplasmic
reticulum
ribsomes
lysosome cytoplasm

Fig. 2.2 Animal cell

5
 TOPIC 5 Transport systems

Topic objectives Respiratory organs

By the end of this topic, you should be Important insights
able to: • Transport refers to the movement of
• describe water movement in plants. materials from one part of the organism
• identify components of blood stating the to another.
functions of each component. • In animals, transport systems include
• outline the internal structures of a root blood circulatory organs while in plant
and stem. the include xylem and phloem vessels.
• describe water and ion uptake by plants.
The medium of transport
• draw and label the structure of the heart.
• name the main blood vessels to and from The medium of transport in plants and animals
the heart. is water and blood.
• state the functions of the heart.
• explain the process of transpiration.
The channels of transport
• state factors affecting the rate of The channels of transport in animals, are blood
transpiration. vessels. In plants, there is a vascular system or
• measure transpiration in a plant. system of xylem and phloem vessels.
• outline the importance of transpiration.
• explain the terms plasmolysis and Energy
turgidity. Circulation of blood in animals requires energy
• describe the effects of water loss and that is supplied from respiration and used in
water gain in plant cells.
pumping of blood by the heart and for muscle
• describe the double circulatory system.
contractions.
• describe the adaptations of plant leaves
to reduce transpiration. The mammalian heart
• state the functions of blood.
• describe the structure of blood vessels. • The heart performs a function of
• draw and label the structure of blood pumping blood around the body.
vessels. • The heart is made of tissues that are
• outline the differences among blood called cardiac muscles which have the
potential to contract rapidly.
vessels.

21
 • There are different types of blood Diagram of an artery
vessels and these include: arteries,
arterioles, capillaries, venules and Collagen fiber
veins.
Elastic fiber
• Arteries carry blood away from the Endothelium
heart.
• The main artery is the aorta which Lumen

divide into a number of main branches Fig. 5.3 Structure of an artery

called arteries.
Veins
• Arteries branch into smaller vessels
called arterioles. Collagen fiber

• Arterioles split up into tiny blood Elastic fiber

vessels called capillaries which supply
Endothelium
the entire body tissues with blood. It is
from these capillaries that movement of Lumen
substances to and from the body takes
Fig. 5.4 Structure of veins
place.
• Capillaries join together to form larger Differences between veins and
vessels that are called venules which arteries
join together to form veins. Veins carry
blood towards the heart. Table 5.1 C
 omparison between veins and
arteries
• There is a tendency of blood not
Veins Arteries
moving forward due to reduced
pressure within veins. The valves Blood travels to the Blood travels away
within veins stop the flow back of blood heart except for the from the heart except
so that it is forced in one direction to pulmonary vein. for pulmonary artery.
the heart. They have a large They have a
• Valves open to allow blood flow to lumen relative to their narrower lumen than
the next point of the vein and close it. diameter veins
reverses its direction. They have thick
They possess thin walls
walls with lots of
Illustration of blood vessel network with few elastic fibres
elastic fibres
in mammalian body They have thin They have thick
muscular walls muscular layer

Artery Valves are present They have no valves

Vein
Venule Arteriole along their entire length except at the bases
to prevent blood back of the aorta and
Capillaries
flow pulmonary artery
Fig. 5.2 Structure of a capillary
Blood travels
Blood travels in
constantly and there are
pulses
no pulses

23
 Transport blood to the different organs
Carry blood under low Carry blood under of the body
pressure high pressure
Lungs

Pulmonary
Blood moves slowly Blood moves rapidly

circulation
Pulmonary Pulmonary vein
artery
They are not capable of They are capable of
Vena cava Aorta
constriction constriction
Upper body
They transport
They transport Liver
oxygenated blood
deoxygenated blood Hepatic vein Hepatic artery
from the heart to the

circulation
Systemic
from body tissues to Hepatic portal vein
body tissues except
the heart except the Stomach
the pulmonary artery intestines Vessels transporting
pulmonary vein which Renal Vein oxygenated blood
which transports Renal artery Vessels transporting
transports oxygenated deoxygenated blood
deoxygenated blood Kidneys Vessels involved in
blood from the lungs to gas exchange
from the heart to the
Lower body
the heart Fig. 5.5 Movement of blood through veins,
lungs
arteries and capillaries.
Characteristics of capillaries
• Blood is a fluid which blood cells and
• They are tiny, very thin walled and cell fragments called platelets.
penetrate deep into every organ. • The blood cells and platelets make up
• They are permeable and some blood for about 45% of blood volume and the
components and other materials leak plasma about 55%.
through them.
• The exchange of materials between Functions of blood
blood and tissues take place through • Blood has many different functions.
their walls. These functions include:
• They do not have muscular walls.
- Transport
• They do not have an elastic tissue.
- Defense
• They have a very large lumen in
- Homeostasis
relative to their diameter.
• Red cells are the body’s oxygen
• They are not capable of constriction. carriers.
• They link arteries to veins through • They carry oxygen from the lungs to all
arterioles and venules. the cells of the body.
• Blood flows slowly and there are no
pulses. Carriage of oxygen by blood
• They do not have valves. • The red cells pick up oxygen as blood
passes through the lungs.
Veins, arteries and capillaries
• The oxygen and haemoglobin join to
similarities form oxyhaemoglobin. This is bright
• All are tubular. red. As the blood passes around the
• All have endothelium or in lining.

24
 body, the haemoglobin breaks down • A semi permeable membrane is one
and releases oxygen to the body cells. which can allow the passage of some
Then red cells return to the lungs for material to occur and prevent others
more oxygen. from passing across it.
Table 5.2 Materials carried by the blood. Osmosis and plant cells
What it carries How carried
• Plant cells are surrounded by an
Mainly in plasma inextensible, resistant and completely
Carbon dioxide from
(as sodium permeable cellulose cell wall.
the body to the lungs.
bicarbonate).
• The centre of cells contains a vacuole,
Digested food from
which contains cell sap which is a
the gut to the liver and
In the plasma. solution of salt, sugars and organic acid.
thereafter to the rest of
• Cell saps are surrounded by a
the body.
semi-permeable tonoplast membrane.
Wastes from the liver
In the plasma.
to the kidneys. Diagram of plant cell showing
Hormones from glands osmotically important parts
producing them to
In the plasma. Hypertonic Isotonic Hypotonic
wherever they are
vacuole
needed.
Heat from liver and
muscles to the rest of
the body so that the Blood. Plasmolyzed Flaccid Turgid
temperature of the
Fig. 5.6 Shape of a cell after osmosis
body is kept uniform.
• When a plant cell is placed in a
• Substances like nutrients and excretions
hypotonic solution for example,
move in and out of the cell through:
distilled water, it swells up hence
- active transport.
increasing in size due to osmotic flow
- diffusion.
of water from the solution into the cell.
- osmosis.
• As the cell gains water osmotically,
• Movement of substances depends on
it reaches a time when no more water
the permeability of the cell membrane
enters it because the cell wall resists
or cell wall.
further expansion.
Osmosis • At this stage, the cell is said to be at full
turgor or fully turgid. At full turgidity
Important insights
the sap vacuole enlarges and pushes the
• Osmosis is defined as the movement cytoplasm against the cell wall.
of water molecules through a semi • The pressure exerted outwards by
permeable membrane into a solution vacuole is called turgor pressure.
of high concentration to equalise the • When a plant cell is in a hypertonic
concentrations of solute on the two solution for example, strong sugar
sides of the membrane.

25
Table 7.1 Common diseases in humans
Name of the Causing agent/ Vector/ mode of
Symptoms Effects
disease pathogen infection
continued high can be diagnosed
fever, headache, by widal test.
salmonella typhi by contaminated food
Typhoid stomach ache, intestinal
(bacteria) and water
constipation and perforation in
loss of appetite severe cases
streptococcus by inhaling droplets respiration
pneumoniae, or aerosols released fever, chills, problems due
Pneumonia hemophilus by an infected person cough and to fluid that
influenzae or using infected headache gets filled in the
(bacteria) utensils alveoli
inhaling droplets or
nasal congestion
aerosols released nose and
Common and discharge,
rhinoviruses as one by coughs, respiratory
cold sore throat,
sneezes and touches passage
cough, headache
contaminated objects.
the parasite
plasmodium
female anopheles high fever with multiplies in liver
Malaria falciparum, P. vivax
mosquito chills cells, attacks
(Protozoan)
RBCs and rupture

constipation,
entamoeba
Amoebic spread by mosquito abdominal pain, infection in the
histolytica
dysentery bite mucous and large intestine
(protozoan)
blood in the stool

muscular pain,
ascaris blockage of
Ascariasis houseflies internal bleeding,
(helimenthes) intestinal passage
anaemia, fever

inflammation lymphatic vessels,

wuchereria spread by
Filariasis/ of the lower especially of the
bancrofti, w. malayi contaminated food by
Elephantiasis limb and genital lower limbs, get
(helminthes) the faecal matter
organs blocked

microsporum, dry scaly lesions,

trichophyton, contaminated water, itchy skin in the effects skin, nail
Ringworms
epidermophyton vegetables, fruits groin or between scalp
(fungi) the toes

41
CHEMISTRY

43
 TOPIC 8 Separation

Topic objectives Mixtures of liquids

By the end of this topic, you should be • Immiscible liquids can be separated
able to: using a separating funnel or by
decanting (pouring carefully).
• state methods of separating mixtures.
• Examples include when an organic
• state the applications of filtration,
product is formed in aqueous
winnowing, magnetism and evaporation.
conditions.
• describe the processes of distillation and
fractional distillation. Filtration
• describe paper chromatography. • Filtration is used to separate an
• state the application of paper undissolved solid from a mixture of
chromatography. the solid and a liquid or solution for
Separating mixtures example, sand from a mixture of sand
and water).
Important insights • Filter paper is placed in a filter funnel
• The choice of the method of separation above another beaker.
depends on the nature of the substances • Mixture of an insoluble solid and liquid
that are being separated. is poured into the filter funnel.
• Separation methods rely on the • Filter paper will only allow small liquid
differences on physical properties of particles to pass through as the filtrate.
substances such as the boiling points of • Solid particles are too large to pass
the substances being separated. through the filter paper so will stay
behind as a residue.
Mixtures of solids

• Differences in density, magnetic beaker

containing
properties, sublimation and solubility mixture

can be used.
• For a difference in solubility, a suitable residue
filter paper

solvent must be chosen to ensure funnel

the desired substance only dissolves
in it leaving the other substances or
impurities. conical flask

filtrate

Fig. 8.1 Filtration of particles

44
Simple distillation be collected in a beaker.
• All of the substance is evaporated and
• Simple distillation is used to separate a
collected, leaving behind the other
liquid and soluble solid from a solution
component(s) of the mixture.
for example, water from a solution
• For water and ethanol fractional
of saltwater) or a pure liquid from a
distillation is used to separate the
mixture of liquids.
solution. Ethanol has a boiling point of
• The solution is heated and pure water
78ºC and water of 100ºC. The mixture
evaporates producing a vapour which
is heated until it reaches 78ºC, at which
rises through the neck of the round-
point the ethanol boils and distils out
bottomed flask.
of the mixture and condenses into the
• The vapour passes through the beaker.
condenser, where it cools and
• When the temperature starts to increase
condenses, turning into pure water
to 100ºC heating is stopped. Water and
(H2O) which is collected in a beaker. ethanol are now separated.
• After all the water is evaporated from
thermometer
the solution, only the solid solute will
be left behind.
thermometer

X
fractionating
vapours column water out
distilling
flask
water out cool water in condenser

burner recieving flask

distillate
round-bottom
flask water in

dilute ethanol
Fig. 8.2 Simple distillation

Fractional distillation
bunsen burner
• Used to separate two or more liquids
Fig. 8.3 Fractional distillation
that are miscible with one another for
example, ethanol and water from a Paper chromatography
mixture of the two.
• Paper chromatography is a technique
• The solution is heated to the
used to separate substances that have
temperature of the substance with the
different solubilities in a given solvent
lowest boiling point.
for example, different coloured inks that
• This substance will rise and evaporate
have been mixed to make black ink.
first and vapours will pass through
• A pencil line is drawn on
a condenser, where they cool and
chromatography paper and spots of
condense, turning into a liquid that will
the sample are placed on it. Pencil is

45
 TOPIC 9 Matter

Topic objectives • define the avogadro number.

• state the relationship between the mole
By the end of this topic, you should be and molecular mass (MR) or atomic
able to: mass (AR).
• identify the three state of matter. • calculate empirical formula and
• describe the arrangement of particles in molecular mass.
solids, liquids and gases. • calculate concentration of solutions in
• describe properties of solids, liquids mol/dm3 and g/dm3.
and gases in terms of kinetic theory of • describe the properties of Group I, II,
matters. VII and VIII.
• describe the factors that affect solubility. • state the use of halogens.
• identify mixtures, elements and • describe the reactions of metals with
compounds. water, steam, air and dilute acids.
• identify metals and non-metals on • write equations for the reaction of metals
periodic table. with oxygen, dilute acids and water.
• determine the concentrations by colour • list metals in order of decreasing
intensities of dissolved substances. reactivity.
• determine the concentration of a • predict the reactivity of a metal from its
substance by varying the amount of position in the reactivity series.
solute in a given solvent.
• define relative mass/ mass number. States of matter
• define the proton number/ atomic
number. Important insights
• calculate the number of neutrons from Matter is found in three main states which are
given data. solids, liquids and gases.
• name the sub-atomic particles.
• state the relative charges and masses of Solids
sub-atomic particles.
• state relative position of sub-atomic
particles within the atom.
• name the first 20 elements in the periodic
table stating their symbols.
• write the electronic configuration of the closely packed particles
first 20 elements.
Fig. 9.1 Solid state of matter
• describe ionic and covalent bonding.

47
 • Boiling is when a liquid changes into a Evaporation
gas.
• Boiling requires heat which causes Sun

bubbles of gas to form below the raising water vapour

surface of a liquid, allowing for liquid
particles to escape from the surface and
within the liquid. heat energy evaporation

• Occurs at a specific temperature known warm ocean surface

as the boiling point which is unique to

each pure liquid.
Freezing
Fig. 9.7 Evaporation

• Evaporation is when a liquid changes

into a gas. Evaporation occurs only
at the surface of liquids where high
energy particles can escape from the
liquid’s surface at low temperatures,
below the boiling point of the liquid.
• The larger the surface area and the
warmer the liquid, the more quickly a
Fig. 9.6 Freezing liquid can evaporate.
• No heat is required and evaporation can
• Freezing is when a liquid changes into occur over a range of temperatures.
a solid.
• Freezing is the reverse of melting and Condensation
occurs at exactly the same temperature
as melting, hence the melting point and
freezing point of a pure substance are warm moist
the same. Water for example freezes air

and melts at 0ºC.

• Requires a significant decrease in condensation

temperature (or loss of thermal energy)

and occurs at a specific temperature cold glass
which is unique for each pure
substance. Fig. 9.8 Condensation

• Condensation is when a gas changes

into a liquid, usually upon cooling.
When a gas is cooled its particles lose

49
 The Periodic Table of the Elements

Group

Fig. 9.12 The periodic table of elements

• Periods are the horizontal rows that • All the Group I elements for example,
show the number of shells of electrons react very quickly with water.
an atom has for example, elements • In this way the periodic table can be
in Period 2 have two electron shells, used to predict how a particular element
elements in Period 3 have three electron will behave.
shells.
The noble gases
• Groups are the vertical columns that
show how many outer electrons each • The atoms of the Group VIII or 0
atom has for example, Group IV elements all have 8 electrons in their
elements have atoms with 4 electrons in outer shells, except for helium which
the outermost shell, Group VI elements has 2. But since helium has only 2
have atoms with 6 electrons in the electrons in total and thus the first shell
outermost shell. is full (which is the only shell), it is thus
• Because there are patterns in the the outer shell so helium also has a full
way the elements are arranged on the valency shell.
periodic table, there are also patterns • All of the noble gases are unreactive as
and trends in the chemical behaviour of they have full outer shells and are thus
the elements. very stable.
• There are trends in properties down • All elements wish to fill their outer
groups and across a period. shells with electrons as this is a much
more stable and desirable configuration.

53
 TOPIC 11 Industrial processes

Topic objectives Electrolysis

By the end of this topic, you should be Important insights
able to:
• Electrolysis is the use of electricity
• outline the manufacture of soap. to break down a compound or an
• outline the production of nitrogen and electrolyte into its constituents.
oxygen. • The process takes place in an
• define electrolysis. electrolytic cell.
• label the general components of an • The battery provides a source of
electrolytic cell. electricity for reactions to occur.
• describe the anode and cathode
• During the process, electrons flow from
reactions for electrolysis of molten lead
the positive terminal to the negative
bromide.
terminal of the battery.
• state observations for the electrolysis of
molten lead bromide. • The electrodes used in electrolysis
conduct electricity. Inert graphite or
• describe the electrolysis of water.
platinum electrodes are usually used.
• state the products formed during the
electrolysis of water. • The electrode connected to the positive
• state the uses of oxygen and hydrogen. terminal of the battery is the anode and
• state the cathode, anode and electrolyte. the electrode connected to the negative
• explain the cathode process. terminal of the battery is the cathode.
• state the reasons for electroplating • Reduction occurs at the cathode while
materials. oxidation occurs at the anode.
• list the raw materials used to • The electrolyte contains mobile ions
manufacture ammonia. which allow for electricity to flow
• describe the manufacture of ammonia. through.
• state the conditions needed for the • It is usually an acid solution, or an ionic
production of ammonia. compound that is molten or dissolved in
• state the industrial uses of ammonia. water.
• list the raw materials used to • A solid ionic compound cannot be used
manufacture sulphuric acid. as its ions are in fixed positions in the
• describe the manufacture of sulphuric crystal lattice structure.
acid. • Electrolysis of molten compounds for
• state the conditions needed for the example, lead (II) bromide is shown on
production of sulphuric acid. the next page.
• state uses of sulphuric acid.

58
 • The gases collected during the • The production of ammonia is favoured
electrolysis can be tested with a at low temperatures.
glowing splint (which will flame up in • These low temperatures however, are
the presence of oxygen) and the burning kinetically unfavourable as the reaction
splint (which will ignite hydrogen, would proceed too slowly. Therefore a
causing an audible pop). H2 gas is relatively high temperature of 450°C is
produced at twice the rate of O2 gas in used.
this reaction.
• Higher pressures result in a higher yield
The manufacturing of ammonia of ammonia.
• Despite this, it is expensive to generate
and maintain the high pressures and
H2

N2 compressor
pump
have equipment that can withstand the
20 MPa extreme pressures.
• Considering these costs, the Haber
N2 + H2
catalyst
process usually takes place at 250atm.
at 700k iron oxide
AI2O3 + H2O • An iron catalyst is also used to further
increase the rate of reaction.
( N2 + H2 + NH2 ) • Ammonia is displaced when
liquid NH2 ammonium salts react with alkalis.
Fig. 11.3 The manufacture of ammonia • ammonium chloride + sodium
hydroxide → ammonia + sodium
• Ammonia is an important chemical chloride + water.
that is manufactured in large amounts NH4Cl + NaOH → NH3 + NaCl + H2O
through the haber process.
• It is produced from nitrogen gas and Uses of ammonia
hydrogen gas. • Nitrogen is needed for the production
• Nitrogen gas is obtained directly of proteins for healthy plant growth.
from the air and hydrogen gas is While nitrogen is abundant in the air,
obtained from the cracking of large most plants cannot utilise atmospheric
hydrocarbons. nitrogen.
• The formation of ammonia from • Nitrogen is supplied to plants in the
hydrogen and nitrogen is a reversible form of ammonium salts and urea.
process, reaction conditions are • Ammonium fertilisers cannot be
controlled to maximise the yield of added alongside agricultural lime
ammonia. (calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide)
- nitrogen + hydrogen ammonia as ammonia would be displaced from
- N2 + 3H2 2NH3 ammonium salts.
• This causes a wastage of the fertiliser
as ammonia gas cannot be utilised by
plants.

60
The manufacturing of sulphuric Stage two – making sulphur trioxide
acid
• In the second stage, sulphur dioxide
Sulphur or matal sulphide reacts with more oxygen to make
Burned in air sulphur trioxide:
Sulphur dioxide, SO - sulphur dioxide + oxygen
(i) VO as the catalyst sulphur trioxide
- 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g)
o o
(ii) Temperature of 450 C - 550 C
(iii) Pressure of 1 atmosphere
• This reaction is reversible. The
Sulphur trioxide, SO
conditions needed for it are:
Dissolves in concentrated HSO
Oleum, HSO - a catalyst of vanadium(V) oxide,
Added with equal volume of HO V2O5.
Concentrated sulphuric acid, HSO - a temperature of around 450°C.
- a pressure of approximately
Fig. 11.4 The contact process 2 atmospheres (the increased
pressure favours the formation of
• Sulphuric acid is used in the SO3, but if the pressure is too high
manufacture of paints, detergents and the risk of explosion is too high,
fertilisers. given that SO3 is a highly acidic
• The contact process demonstrates gas).
a reversible reaction used in the
production of sulphuric acid. Stage three – making oleum
• The contact process is used for making • Sulphur trioxide reacts with
sulphuric acid. This is a process which concentrated sulphuric acid to produce
involves a reversible reaction. oleum.
• The raw materials needed to make H2O(l) + SO3 (g) → H2SO4 (aq)
sulphuric acid are: • This is not a reversible reaction, just
- sulphur like the first stage.
- air • The direct addition of sulphur trioxide
- water to water is highly exothermic and leads
to the formation of clouds of sulphuric
Stage one – making sulphur dioxide acid.
• In the first stage of the contact process, • This is highly dangerous. In industry,
sulphur is burned in air to make sulphur sulphur trioxide is added to highly
dioxide: concentrated sulphuric acid to form a
- sulphur + oxygen → sulphur highly corrosive liquid called oleum to
dioxide minimise the risk:
- S(l) + O2(g) → SO2(g) SO3 + H2SO4 → H2S2O7
• This is not a reversible reaction. • Water is then added to the oleum to
• Sulphur dioxide should not be released form sulphuric acid again:
into the atmosphere as it contributes to H2S2O7 + H2O → 2H2SO4
acid rain. • Oleum reacts with water to form
sulphuric acid.

61
 TOPIC 12 Oxidation and
Reduction

Topic objectives • The reverse occurs in reduction. It

is the loss of oxygen, the gain of
By the end of this topic, you should be hydrogen, the gain of electrons or the
able to: decrease in oxidation number of a
• state the conditions necessary for substance.
rusting. • Oxidation and reduction take place
• explain the methods of preventing together at the same time in the same
rusting. reaction.
• write simple word equations. • These are called redox reactions.
• define oxidation and reduction in terms • There are three definitions of oxidation.
of oxygen. It is a reaction in which:
• distinguish between physical and - oxygen is added to an element or a
chemical changes. compound.
• define oxidation. - an element, ion or compound loses
• define reduction. electrons.
• list the raw materials used in the - the oxidation state of an element is
extraction of iron and their sources. increased.
• describe the reactions in the blast • There are three definitions of reduction.
furnace. It is a reaction in which:
• state the functions of the raw materials. - oxygen is removed from an
• describe how iron and slag separate. element or a compound.
• list down alloys of iron. - an element, ion or compound gains
• state the percentage composition of electrons.
alloys of iron. - the oxidation state of an element is
• explain the uses and properties of alloys decreased.
of iron.
loss of electron (oxidation)
Oxidation and reduction
Important insights
• Oxidation is the gain of oxygen, the
loss of hydrogen, the loss of electrons
or the increase in the oxidation number gain of electron (reduction)

of a substance. Fig. 12.1 Illustration of oxidation and reduction

62
Calculating oxidation numbers Writing ionic equations

• An element has an oxidation state of • For the neutralisation reaction

0, regardless of whether it is found as between hydrochloric acid and sodium
individual atoms or in molecules. For hydroxide:
example, neon (Ne) and chlorine (Cl2) HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
have oxidation states of 0.
• If we write out all of the ions present
• The sum of oxidation numbers of all
in the equation and include the state
atoms in an uncharged compound is
symbols, we get:
0. For a polyatomic ion, the sum of
oxidation numbers of all atoms is equal H-(aq) + Cl-(aq)+ Na+(aq) + OH-(aq) → Na+(aq)
to its charge. + Cl-(aq) + H2O(l)
• The oxidation state of an ion is • The spectator ions are thus Na+ and
given by its charge. For example, a Cl-. Removing these from the previous
magnesium ion Mg2+ and an oxide ion equation leaves the overall net ionic
equation:
O2– have oxidation states of +2 and -2
respectively. H+(aq) + OH-(aq) → H2O(l)
• Some elements have fixed oxidation • This ionic equation is the same for all
numbers in compounds. Oxygen acid-base neutralisation reactions.
usually has the oxidation state of -2 • Example of a redox equation is when
in its compounds. Hydrogen usually oxygen is lost or gained.
has the oxidation state of +1 in its Zinc oxide + carbon → zinc + carbon
compounds. monoxide
ZnO + C → Zn + CO
Oxidising and reducing agents
• In this reaction, the zinc oxide is the
• An oxidising agent is a substance that oxidising agent and carbon is the
causes oxidation to another substance reducing agent.
• A reducing agent is a substance that • Zinc oxide is reduced and carbon is
causes reduction to another substance. oxidised.

Ionic equations Extraction of iron

• Ionic equations are used to show only • Iron is extracted from its ore, haematite
the particles that actually take part in a which contains iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3)
reaction. by heating with carbon.
• These equations show only the ions that • Haematite, coke (mainly carbon) and
change their status during a chemical limestone calcium carbonate, (CaCO3)
reaction, that is their bonding or are loaded at the top of the blast
physical state changes. furnace while hot air is introduced at
• The other ions present are not involved the bottom of the furnace.
and are called spectator ions.

63
PHYSICS

65
 TOPIC 13 Data presentation

Topic objectives • When presenting scientific data, the

following may be included:
By the end of this topic, you should be
- Tables
able to:
- Graphs
• present data in the form of tallies, tables - Diagrams
and bar graphs. - Pie chart
• interpret data presented in the form of
tallies, tables and bar graphs.
Presenting data in a table
• construct a straight line graph from Table 13.1 Students' favourite sporting activities
appropriate data. Sport Football Hockey Cricket Basketball Netball
• interpret straight line graphs.
Number
• construct a pie chart. of 10 5 5 10 10
student
• interpret and analyse data from pie
charts and line graphs. • When taking readings, a sensible range
• construct, interpret and analyse pie should be taken, and the values should
charts and line graphs. all be stated to an appropriate number
of significant figures or decimal places.
Data presentation • This is usually the same number as the
Important insights resolution of the measuring instrument.
• The columns in any table should have
• Data can be presented in a variety of
both a quantity and a unit in their
ways, such as on graphs, charts or
heading.
tables.
• For data displayed in a table:
• Tables can be applied to any - The first column should contain the
experiment yield data. independent variable.
• Graphs, on the other hand, are a little - The second column should contain
trickier depending on the type of data the dependent variable.
collected for example, quantitative and • If repeat readings of the dependent
qualitative. variable are required, these should be
• Quantitative data uses numerical included with a column for the mean
values. value at the end.
• Qualitative data is observed but not • Any columns required for processing
measured with a numerical value; for data for example, calculations should
example, colour. come after this.

66
Presenting data on a graph Presenting data on a pie chart
• All readings, including suspected A pie chart is a type of graph that represents
anomalous results, should be plotted the data in the circular graph. The slices of pie
on a graph so that they can be easily show the relative size of the data, and it is a
identified. type of pictorial representation of data. A pie
• When taking repeat readings, it is the chart requires a list of categorical variables and
mean value that is plotted. numerical variables
• The way data is presented on a graph You need to calculate the angle of a circle
depends on the type of data. that represents the number of students in each
• When presenting diagrams, such as sporting discipline as follows:
apparatus set-up, all the relevant parts
must be clearly labelled. number of student playing football
total number of students
× 360
• After an experiment has been carried
out, sometimes the raw results will Table 13.2 Students' favourite sporting activities
need to be processed before they are in expressed in degrees
a useful or meaningful format. Football Hockey Cricket Basketball Netball Total
10 5 5 10 10 40
• Sometimes, various calculations will
90 o
45 o
45 o
90o
90 o
360o
need to be carried out in order to get
the data in the form of a bar graph.
Netball: 10 Football: 10
12.5

10 10 10
10
number of students

7.5

5 5 Hockey: 5
5

2.5 Basketball: 10
Cricket: 5
0 Football Hockey Cricket Basketball Netball
Football Hockey Cricket Basketball Netball
sport
Fig. 13.2 A pie chart
Fig. 13.1 Data presented on a bar graph

67
 TOPIC
14 Measurements

Topic objectives Table 14.1 SI units of measure

Fundamental
By the end of this topic, you should be S.I. Unit
Quantity
able to:
Name Symbol Name Symbol
• estimate physical quantities.
• identify appropriate instruments for Mass m kilogram kg

measuring physical quantities. Length l metre m

• measure accurately. Time t second s

• identify types of errors in measurement. Current A

l Ampere
• read an instrument scale to the nearest Temperature K
T Kelvin
division.
Amount of
• identify units including S.I units. n mole mol
Substance
• convert units.
Luminous
• measure mass of a liquid. lv candela cd
Intensity
• measure the volume of an irregular
object. • Physical quantities can be classified
• determine the thickness, volume and into:
mass of small objects. - Derived quantities which are
• calculate density. defined in terms of the basic
• measure physical quantities accurately quantities through equations for
using appropriate instruments. mass
example Density = volume
• determine density of liquids. (unit for mass is kg, unit for
• express derived quantities in terms of volume is m3).
base units. - Therefore density = kg/m3
- SI units for these quantities are
Physical quantities obtained from the basic SI units
Important insights through the equations.

• Physical quantities consist mainly of: Units of measurements

- Numerical magnitude that denotes • SI units are used as standardised units
the size of the physical quantity. in all measurements in the world.
- Unit denotes the physical quantity • SI is the short form for “International System
it is expressing. of Units”.
• Other units are on table 14.2.

68
Table 14.2 Units used to measure length Volume of an irregular object
Length Mass Time
1km = 1000m 1kg = 1000g 1h = 60min before stone 25 after
1m = 100cm 1g = 1000mg 1min = 60sec was inserted inserting
stone
1cm = 10 mm 1tonne = 1000kg 1 day = 24 20
hours
15 15
Examples of some derived quantities and their
units: 10 water 10

Table 14.3 U
 nits used to measure derived 5 5

quantity stone measuring

Derived Quantity SI Unit cylinder

area m2 Fig. 14.1 Measuring the volume of an irregular

volume m3 object
density kg/m3
This method is based on the fact that the volume
speed m/s
of an irregular solid is equal to the volume of
• Measurements of quantities are made water displaced by it when it is immersed in
with the aim of finding the true value water. The volume of displaced water is equal to
of that quantity. the volume of an irregular body that displaced
• In reality, it is impossible to obtain the the water. To carry out the experiment, an
true value of any quantity, there will irregular stone, sewing thread, and a measuring
always be a degree of uncertainty. cylinder is used.
• The uncertainty is an estimate of the Common instruments used for
difference between a measurement measurement
reading and the true value.
• A measuring instrument can give • Metre rules – to measure distance and
precise but not accurate measurements length.
or accurate but not precise • Balances – to measure mass.
measurements. • Protractors – to measure angles
- Precision is how close the • Stopwatches – to measure time.
measured values are to each other • Ammeters – to measure current.
but they may not necessarily • Voltmeters – to measure voltage.
cluster about the true value. Zero • More complicated instruments such
errors and parallax errors affect the as the micrometre screw gauge and
precision of an instrument. vernier callipers can be used for
- Accuracy is how close a reading accurately measuring length.
is to the true value of the
• Resolution is the smallest change in the
measurement. The accuracy of
physical quantity being measured that
a reading can be improved by
results in a change in the reading given
repeating the measurements.
by the measuring instrument.

69
 TOPIC 16 Machines

Topic objectives • A simple machine uses a single applied

force to do work against a single load
By the end of this topic, you should be force.
able to:
• Ignoring friction losses, the work done
• define a machine. on the load is equal to the work done by
• construct a simple machine. the applied force.
• describe the uses and applications of • Examples of machines include a
machines. crowbar, a see-saw, a claw hammer, a
• determine Mechanical Advantage (MA), pulley and or an inclined plane.
Velocity Ratio (VR) and efficiency of • Simple machine is any device, which
levers inclined plane, pulleys and gears. requires single force in operation
• explain the energy losses in machines. to simplify work for example, claw
• describe the ways of improving efficiency hammer, a pulley and an inclined plane.
in machines.
• describe the operation of a four-stroke
petrol and diesel engine.
• explain the role of the fuel injector and
carburettor.
wheel and Axle lever Incline Plane
• describe the operation of a modern
petrol and diesel engine.
• outline the advantages of modern petrol
engines over old petrol engines.

Machines pulley screw

screw
ssccrreew wedge

Fig. 16.1 Simple machines

Important insights
• In a simple machine, a force is applied
• A machine is a device which makes at one convenient point to overcome
work easier. another force acting at another point.
• A simple machine is a non-powered • In fig. 16.2, force is applied at one end
mechanical device that changes the of the bar in order to exert an upward
direction or magnitude of a force. force on the stone. The down ward
• Simple machines can be defined as force is called effort and the weight of
the basic mechanical devices that use the stone is called load.
mechanical advantage (also called
leverage) to multiply force.

74
 TOPIC 18 Magnetism

Topic objectives • We can use arrows to indicate magnetic

dipoles in a magnet. The arrow head
By the end of the topic, you should be indicates the North Pole.
able to:
• The law of magnetism states that like
• distinguish magnetic material from poles repel and unlike poles attract.
non-magnetic materials. • Repulsion is the only way to test if an
• identify the poles of a magnet. object is a magnet.
• describe properties of magnets.
Induced magnetism
• state the law of magnetism.
• draw magnetic fields. • A magnetic material becomes an
• describe hydro and thermal power induced magnet when placed in a
generation. magnetic field that is near a permanent
magnet.
Laws of magnetism • The magnetic field from the magnet
Important insights aligns the randomly arranged dipoles in
the material.
Properties of magnets
Magnetisation using electricity

iron nail

battery

coil of insulated
wire

Fig. 18.1 A magnet switch

• A magnet has two poles where the Fig. 18.2 Magnetisation by electricity
magnetic forces are the strongest these
• To magnetise a steel bar, one can place
are the North Pole and the South Pole.
it in a solenoid that is connected to a
• Magnets do not exist as monopoles
DC power source.
(unlike electric charges).
• The magnetic field produced by the
solenoid magnetises the steel bar.

81
EXAMINATION PRACTICES

EXAMINATION PRACTICE 1
PAPER 1
TIME: 1 hour
Answer all questions.

1. The diagrams below show different types of apparatus.

A. B. C. D.
Which of the apparatus A, B, C or D is the most suitable to view microscopic organisms?
2. Which of the following specialised cell is suitable for movement?
A. Sperm cell B. Muscle cell C. Red blood cell D. Palisade cell
3. Which adaptation of a leaf does not increase the rate of photosynthesis?
A. Air spaces B. Thick cuticle C. Numerous stomata D. Large surface area
4. The atmospheric condition that reduces the rate of water uptake in plants is
A. high humidity B. high wind speed
C. high temperature D. high light intensity
5. An end product of photosynthesis is
A. carbon dioxide B. water C. glucose D. sunlight
6. The following diagram shows the types of teeth.
A B C D

Incisor Canine Premolar Molar

Which of the teeth A, B, C, or D is suitable for biting and chewing

88
EXAMINATION PRACTICES

14. The diagram shows simple distillation apparatus.

thermometer

vapours
distilling
flask
water out cool water in

burner recieving flask

distillate

What happens in X?
A. Vapour is converted to liquid.
B. Vapour is directed into the container.
C. Salt and the distillate are being separated.
D. The distillate is warmed.
15. From the element 12C6, which of the following is correct?
A. Electron number is 6 B. Proton number is 6
C. Neutron number is 6 D. Nucleon number is 6
16. The diagram shows an atom.

Which particles are found in the part labelled X?

A. Protons and electrons. B. Nucleons and protons.
C. Nucleons and electrons. D. Neutrons and proton.
17. Which statement is not correct about neutralisation?
A. Acids and carbonate combine to form salt and water.
B. Solute and water are products.
C. It is a reaction between an acid and a base.
D. It is a reaction between a hydroxide and an acid.

90
 EXAMINATION PRACTICES
18. The diagram shows the electrolysis of water.
+ -

anode cathode
acidulated water

Hydrogen and oxygen are formed in the ratio ______________ respectively.

A. 1:2 B. 2:1 C. 1:3 D. 3:1
19. The diagram shows the electrolysis of molten lead bromine.

+ -
molten
X lead(II) bromide

What is produced at electrode X?

A. Lead bromide gas B. Lead oxide C. Carbon dioxide D. Bromine
20. Iron is extracted from its ore in a blast furnace by
A. oxidation B. reduction C. crushing D. heating
21. Which statement is true about hydrocarbons?
A. They are made up of hydrogen and oxygen only.
B. They are made up of hydrogen and carbon only.
C. They are made up of hydrogen only.
D. They are made up of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen.
22. Which of the following organic compound is saturated?
A. Propene B. Propane C. Propanol D. Propanoic acid
23. Which separation technique is used to separate plant pigment?
A. Crystalisation B. Chromatography
C. Filtration D. Pigmentation

91
 EXAMINATION PRACTICES
35. The diagram below shows an AC generator.

X
The rotation of a coil X is not affected by
A. Strength of a magnetic field B. types of the ammeter used to measure current
C. amount of current passed. D. number of turns of the coil
36. The unit of power is
A. joules B. newtons C. watts D. kilojoules
37. Fig. 37.1 shows a three pin plug

A
B

D C

Fig. 37.1
Which of the parts labelled A, B, C or D is the live wire?
38. What is the energy conversion in a generator?
A. Electrical energy to kinetic energy.
B. Electrical energy to mechanical energy.
C. Mechanical energy to electrical energy.
D. Mechanical energy to potential energy.
39. Electricity costs 10 cents per kilowatt per hour (kw/h). How much does it cost to run 750W
machine for 20 hours?
A. $0,375
B. $1,50
C. $7,50
D. $15,00

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EXAMINATION PRACTICES

40. Fig 40.1 shows a solar cooker.

Fig. 40.1
Why the part labelled X is shiny?
A. To reflect heat.
B. To conduct heat.
C. To absorb heat.
D. To concentrate heat.

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 EXAMINATION PRACTICES
EXAMINATION PRACTICE 1
PAPER 2
TIME: 2 hours
In Section A answer all questions, Section B, C and D answer any two questions.

Section A: Answer all questions

1. (a) (i) Define photosynthesis. [1]
(ii) State the word equation for photosynthesis. [2]
(b) Outline the fate of photosynthesis end products. [4]
2. (a) Fig. 1.1 shows a palisade cell.

Fig. 1.1

(i) Identify a structure labelled P. [1]

(ii) Explain how a palisade layer is adapted to its functions. [4]
(b) State the any two nutritional deficiencies in humans. [2]
3. Fig. 3.1 shows an atom.

Fig. 3.1

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EXAMINATION PRACTICES

(a) Name the part labelled X. [1]

(b) (i) Draw a dot and cross diagram to show bonding in sodium oxide. [3]
(ii) State two properties of sodium oxide. [2]
4. (a) State the separation method used to separate plant pigmentation or dyes. [1]
(b) (i) Write down the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sulphuric
acid and calcium carbonate. [3]
(ii) State any two conditions needed for the Haber process. [2]
5. (a) Define the term inertia. [1]
(b) (i) State newton’s third law of motion. [1]
(ii) How is newton’s third law of motion applied? [1]
(c) Distinguish between mass and weight. [4]
6. (a) A box measuring 0,3m wide, 0,5m long and 0,6m high has a weight 20N.
The box rests on the table.
(i) Define the term weight and pressure. [2]
(ii) Calculate the pressure exerted by the box when it rests on the 0,5m and 0,6m
face. [2]
(iii) Explain how the pressure calculated in (ii) compares with the pressure
exerted when the box rests on the 0,3m by 0,5m face. [2]
(b) Name the instrument used to measure fluid pressure. [1]

Section B: Answer any two questions

7. (a) Plants need water to survive. State two functions of water in plants. [2]
(b) (i) Describe the structure of ileum. [2]
(ii) Explain how the structure of ileum is adapted to its function. [2]
(c) Explain why chemical digestion is needed in the alimentary canals of consumers. [2]
(d) (i) State why deforestation can disrupt the food chains in a forest. [1]
(ii) State one other harmful effect of deforestation. [1]
8. (a) (i) State any two sexually transmitted infections. [2]
(ii) Give the causative agent for each sexually transmitted infections named
in (i) above. [2]
(b) Describe and explain how cholera is treated. [4]
(c) State any two effects of tobacco smoking on health. [2]

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 EXAMINATION PRACTICES
9. (a) Fig. 9.1 shows the carbon cycle.
A carbon dioxide in air

C
fossil fuels

carbon compounds
B in green plants
dead plants
and animals
carbon compounds
in animals

Fig. 9.1.

(i) Identify the processes labelled A and B. [2]

(ii) Describe process C. [2]
(b) (i) State one process which increase the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere. [1]
(ii) State two processes which reduces the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere. [2]
(c) (i) State one problem caused by limited biodiversity. [2]
(ii) Give any one advantage of biodiversity. [1]
Section C: Answer any two questions
10. Fermentation of glucose solution produces dilute ethanol (C2H5OH).
(a) (i) Name a physical process by which pure ethanol can be obtained from the dilute
ethanol. [1]
(ii) Describe the process named in (i). [3]
(b) (i) State any two uses of ethanol. [2]
(ii) Calculate the molecular mass of ethanol. [2]
(iii) Calculate the percentage of carbon in ethanol. [2]
11. Fig. 3.1 shows the electrolytic cell used for the electrolysis of molten lead bromide.
+ -

A B
molten lead
bromide

Fig. 3.1

(a) Define the term electrolysis. [2]

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EXAMINATION PRACTICES

(b) (i) State the name given to electrode A. [1]

(ii) Name the product formed et electrode B. [1]
(iii) Write an equation for the reaction which occurs at B. [2]
(c) (i) Give any two raw materials used in blast furnace. [2]
(ii) State the uses of the materials given in (i) above. [2]
12. (a) An iron oxide consists of 30% oxygen. Calculate its empirical formular. [4]
(b) Sulphuric acid is produced by the contact process.
(i) State the role of vanadium (v) oxide. [1]
(ii) Explain why sulphur trioxide is not directly added to water. [2]
(iii) Define the terms exothermic and reversible. [2]
(iv) Name the substance which is formed at the absorption tower. [1]

Section D: Answer any two questions

13. Fig. 13.1 shows the apparatus to measure the volume of an irregular stone.

measuring
cylinder

X
water

stone

Fig. 13.1.
(a) (i) Name the process demonstrated in the diagram. [1]
(ii) Explain how the volume of the stone is calculated. [2]
(b) Suppose the mass of the stone is 250g and its volume is 100cm2, calculate its
density. [3]
(c) State three precautions taken against lightning. [3]
(d) Name the device which can be used to determine whether or not a glass rod
is charged. [3]
14. (a) A diesel engine undergoes a four-stroke cycle during its operation.
(i) Describe what happens during the intake stroke of a diesel engine. [3]
(ii) Explain why the diesel engine does not have a spark plug. [2]
(b) A hand feels hot when placed above an electric heater which is switched on.
(i) Describe how the heat reaches the hand. [3]
(ii) Calculate the energy drawn by the electric heater if it is connected to 240V
main supply and draws a current of 6A for 1 minute. [2]

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EXAMINATION PRACTICES

EXAMINATION PRACTICE 8
PAPER 3
TIME: 1 hour 30 minutes
Answer all questions.

1. In this practical, you are required to determine the effect of stirring on solubility.
(a) Measure 5g of fine salt and place in a conical flask. And 20ml of dissolved. Stir consciously
till all the salt dissolve, simultaneously start a stopwatch record the time taken for it to
dissolve. Repeat the procedure with another 5g sample, but do not stir.
(i) Stirred __________ minutes
(ii) Not stirred________ minutes. [4]
(a) Account for your observations. [4]
(b) Explain any five factors which affect solubility. [10]
(c) How can the results of the experiment be improved. [2]
(d) In this experiment, you are required to determine the acid-base nature of different solutions.
You are provided with three solutions A, B and C in beakers. Label three test tubes X, Y
and Z. Place 2ml of each solution in the respective test tubes. Add two drops of universal
indicators solution into each test tube and record your results in the test tube below.
Solution Observations Deductions (acid-base nature
X
Y
Z
[10]
2. (a) State any three other reagents that can be used to determine the acid-base nature of
substance.
Reagent Colour in acid Colour in base
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
[9]
(b) State any one safety precaution to consider in this experiment. [1]

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EXAMINATION PRACTICES

35. What is the mechanical advantage of a system used to lift 50N using an effort of 500N?

50N

500N

A. 1 B. 2 C. 10 D. 550
36. Which type of a machine is shown on fig. 36.1 below?

Fig. 36.1

A. lever. B. inclined plane.

C. gear. D. pulley.
37. What is the velocity ratio of a single fixed pulley?
A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 3
38. What is the pressure exerted by a stone to a tile in the diagram below?

40N
2m

2m

A. 4Pa B. 10Pa C. 20Pa D. 160Pa

39. Fuse is connected to
A. the live wire. B. the earth wire.
C. the neural wire. D. the casing of the plug.
40. Gas pressure is measured by
A. hydraulic jack. B. pump. C. manometer. D. electroscope.

186
 EXAMINATION PRACTICES
EXAMINATION PRACTICE 10
PAPER 2
TIME: 2 hours
In Section A answer all questions, Section B, C and D answer any two questions.

Section A: Answer all questions

1. (a) Explain the fate of end products of photosynthesis. [4]
(b) Outline the role of the liver. [3]
2. (a) Describe the structure of the female sex cell. [3]
(b) (i) Explain malnutrition. [2]
(ii) Give two examples of malnutrition. [2]
3. (a) State the reasons for electroplating. [2]
(b) (i) Define electrolysis. [1]
(ii) Describe the anode and cathode reaction for the electrolysis of molten
lead bromide. [4]
4. (a) (i) State the constituent elements of hydrocarbons. [2]
(ii) State any two uses of hydrocarbons. [2]
(b) Draw the structural formula for propene. [3]
5. (a) (i) Define a simple machine. [1]
(ii) State any two examples of simple machines. [2]
(b) Calculate the mechanical advantage of a pulley system which is used to raise
50kg using an effort of 250N. [3]

250N
50kg

6. (a) (i) What is pressure? [2]

(ii) State the instrument which is used to measure pressure in fluids. [1]
(b) (i) Explain the effect of depth on pressure. [2]
(ii) Give one application of the scientific principle explained in (i) above. [2]

187
 EXAMINATION PRACTICES
Section C: Answer any three questions
10. (a) (i) The diagrams shows an industrial process. Name the process. [1]

Nitrogen o
400-450 C
200 atm
iron catalyst

Hydrogen unreacted
gases gases are cooled
recycled and amonia turns
to liquid

liquid ammonia

(ii) The process is a reversible reaction. Explain this concept. [2]

(b) Give the difference between an exothermic reaction and an endothermic reaction. [4]
(c) Give any three uses of sulphuric acid. [3]
11. (a) A blast furnace is used to get purify iron from its ore.
(i) Name three raw materials that are put in the blast furnace. [3]
(ii) Describe the function of each of the raw material named in (i) above. [3]
(b) Give any two alloys of iron. [2]
(c) Give any two properties of metals. [2]
12. (a) What are the stages involved in the extraction of nitrogen from the air? [4]
(b) Oxygen can be obtained from the electrolysis of acidified water.
(i) Give the acid used to acidify water. [1]
(ii) Explain why water is acidified. [2]
(iii) Explain why the volume of obtained during the electrolysis process is half
that of oxygen. [2]
(iv) State any one use of oxygen. [1]

Section D: Answer any two questions

13. (a) Fig. 13.1 shows a circuit with a 3,0V and 1,2A lamp using a 1,5V battery.
3,0V
1,2A

1,5V

Fig. 13.1

(i) Explain why two cells are needed to light this lamp. [2]

189
Answers for exam 1: Paper 2

EXAMINATION SOLUTIONS
• Goitre
• Rickets
Section A
• Scurvy
1. (a) (i) Define photosynthesis. [1] • Anaemia
Photosynthesis is the process by • Night blindness.
which plants use sunlight, water
3. (a) Name the part labelled X. [1]
and carbon dioxide to create
oxygen and energy in the form of Electron.
sugar (b) (i) Draw a dot and cross diagram to
(ii) 
State the word equation for show bonding in sodium
photosynthesis. [2] oxide.[3]
Water + carbon dioxide =
carbohydrates + oxygen.
(b) 
Outline the fate of end products of
photosynthesis. [4]
• Glucose is stored and used in Correct formula (Na2O) and
translocation. a diagram with brackets and
• Water is reused in the charges of the ions indicated.
photosynthesis process. (ii) 
State any two properties of
• Oxygen released in some amount is sodium oxide. [2]
used in respiration process. • High melting point.
• The sugars formed during • High boiling point.
photosynthesis are used to make • Conduct electricity when in
cellulose which builds cell aqueous state.
walls. 4. (a) S
 tate the separation method used to
2. (a) (i) Identify the structure separate plant pigmentation or dyes.[1]
marked P. [1] Paper chromatography.
Chloroplasts (b) (i) Write down the balanced
(ii) Explain how a palisade layer is chemical equation for the
adapted to its functions. [4] reaction between sulphuric acid
• It is column shaped – for and calcium carbonate. [3]
exposure to sunlight. • H2SO4(aq) + CaCO3(s)
• It has numerous chloroplasts → CaSO4(s) + H2O(l) +
for maximum absorption of CO2(g).
light. (ii) State any two conditions needed
• Large permanent vacuole – to for the Haber process. [2]
keep the cell turgid. • Iron as a catalyst.
(b) State any two nutritional deficiencies • 200atm of pressure.
in humans. [2] • Temperature of 4500C to
• Kwashiorkor 5000C.

193
 Answers for exam 3: Paper 3
EXAMINATION SOLUTIONS

• Current = V
R
12
= 1,6 1. In this reaction, you are required to analyse
acid-base reactions. You are provided with
= 7,5A
2M of HCl and 1,5M of NaOH solution.
(b) Describe the operation of a lift Measure 5ml of HCl and place in a beaker
pump. [4] labeled S. Measure 5ml of NaOH and add
• During upstroke, piston moves up in beaker S. Shake the contents of beaker S.
and a partial vacuum is created (a) Sate any one safety precaution to
in the cylinder and atmospheric consider when carrying out this
pressure forces water into the experiment.[1]
cylinder through the cylinder valve. • Put on safety goggles.
• Piston valve remains closed and
• Put on latex gloves.
water passes out through the
(b) Write a balanced chemical equation
nozzle.
for the reaction above. [4]
• During down stroke, piston moves
down and a partial vacuum is NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O and state
created in the cylinder above the symbols.
piston. (c) Calculate the number of moles of each
• Pressure below the piston closes the solution in beaker S. [2]
cylinder valve and forces the piston (i) HCl n = vxc
valve open. Water moves through 5
V = 1000
piston valve and fills the cylinder
above the piston. (ii) NaOH n = vxc
5
• Continuous upstroke and down V = 1000
strokes will result in continuous (d) Heat the contents of beaker S till all
flow of water. It should be noted the liquid evaporates. Record your
that the lift pump cannot pump observations. [2]
more than 10m high. Results are centre dependent.
(b) Justify the design of a solar (e) State the name of the substances that
cooker. [4] remained in the evaporating dish. [1]
• Is made up of large, curved Salt or sodium chloride.
reflectors (mirror) which focuses (f) Write down the general word equation
solar radiation on to the pot. for the reaction taking place in S. [2]
• Radiant energy falls on mirrors and acid + base → salt + water
is reflected. The reflected radiation
(g) In a similar reaction, sodium
is concentrated and focused at one
hydroxide was replaced with calcium
point.
carbonate. Write down a balanced
• This produces intense heat which chemical reaction with HCl. [3]
can reach temperature of up to
CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl + H2O + CO2
200oC. The cooking point has a
and state symbols.
dark surface in order to increase
heat absorption.

212
 Answers for exam 4: Paper 2

EXAMINATION SOLUTIONS
(h) (i) State any two applications of
acid base reactions. [2]
• Making salts. Section A
• Making fertilsers. 1. (a) Name one instrument that can be used
• Neutralisation reactions. to view specialised cells. [1]
(ii) State one reagent that can be • Microscope.
used to determine the acid–base • Bio-viewer.
nature of a solution. [1] • Hand lens.
• Universal indicator solution. (b) (i)  State any three specialised cells
• Methyl orange. and their functions. [3]
2. (a) In this experiment, you are required to • Root hair cells
determine the volume of an irregular • Muscle cells.
stone. You are provided with an • Red blood cells.
irregular stone, sewing thread, and • Palisade cells.
50ml measuring cylinder. Using the (ii) For the cells stated in (i) above,
materials provided, design and carry state their functions. [3]
out an experiment to determine the • Root hair cells – for
volume of the stone given. [14] absorption.
• Aim • Muscle cells – for movement.
• Apparatus • Red blood cells – for
• Procedure transportation of oxygen.
• Results • Palisade cells – for
• Conclusion or deductions photosynthesis.
(b) Dry the stone and measure its mass 2. (a) (i)  Define the term
using a digital balance. [2] photosynthesis. [1]
Finding mass with units stated. The process by which green
(c) How do the mass of the stone compare plants use sunlight to synthesise
to the volume of the stone? [1] nutrients from carbon dioxide
1gram is equivalent to 1ml and water.
(d) What can be deduced from your (ii) Write down the word equation
observations above? [1] for photosynthesis. [2]
1g is equivalent to 1ml. • The equation to involve raw
(e) State one source of error from your materials.
experiment. [1] • The word equation to include
Parallax error. raw materials, conditions and
products.
(f) State how the results of the
experiment could be improved. [1] (b) Explain any two factors that affect the
rate of photosynthesis. [4]
Repeating the experiment.
• Temperature.

213
EXAMINATION SOLUTIONS

• Chlorophyll concentration. (b) The statistics of apparatus in the

• Light intensity. science department is as follows
3. (a) Explain the of concept simple beakers = 25, test tubes = 45,
distillation. [4] measuring cylinders = 20 and
• Separation is dependent on syringes = 10
difference in temperature, both (i) Show the information on a pie
mixtures are heated, vapours of chart. [3]
the best solution rise up and are Calculation of angles of each
condensed in the condenser segment.
• The distillate is collected in the (ii) Calculate the percentage
collecting can. represented by the measuring
(b) State the subatomic particles and their cylinder. [1]
charges. [3] Measuring cylinder/total
Sub atomic apparatus times 100%
Charge
particles 20
= × 100
(i) Protons Positive 100
(ii) Electrons Negative = 20%
(iii) Neutrons Neutral 6. (a) (i) Define a machine. [1]
4. (a) (i) Name the type of bonding being An object or mechanical device
shown in the diagram. [1] that receives an input amount of
work and transfers the energy to
Covalent bonding
an output amount of work.
(ii) Describe the bonding named in
(ii) Explain why machines are not
(i) above. [2]
100% efficient. [2]
• Electrons are shared.
• Some of the energy is lost as
• Occurs between non-metals
heat.
(b) 
Draw a dot and cross diagram to show
• Some of the energy is lost
bonding in potassium oxide. [3]
+ through friction.
K (b) Identify any three ways of improving
2- the efficiency of machines. [3]
+
• Lubrication
K • Use of ball bearings
• Mass reduction.
• Correct formula K2O.
• Correct charges and square
Section B
brackets. 7. (a) (i) State any three types of teeth in
5. (a) 
State any three methods of data humans. [3]
presentation. [3] • Molar.
• Bar graphs • Premolar.
• Pie charts • Incisor.
• Line graphs • Canine.

214