Mistakes that are enough to vaporize your dreams about IB Chemistry Exam!
Here comes the final battle to fight! IBDP Chemistry never has failed to surprise us with so many equations, elements, properties, and most importantly EXCEPTIONS!
Indeed, Chemistry is frequently regarded as the most demanding and content-rich topic offered by the IB. Don't worry if you're feeling a little overwhelmed and concerned while you prepare for the exams; it's the FINALs! If you don't want to waste your time and work, Blen has produced a list of seven common errors to avoid.
Mistake #1: Don’t avoid topics you didn’t fully comprehend
Understanding some concepts might take extra effort from you. Ignoring or avoiding these topics completely is not an easy escape. If you didn’t comprehend the concept in the classroom, Blen suggests to seek for further assistance whether it is referring to other IBDP Chemistry Textbooks or simply Blen Key concept notes. Try to attempt more and more questions on the same to fully understand the concept.
Mistake #2: Don’t underestimate the power of Stoichiometry:
Often in the IBDP Chemistry course, the Stoichiometric Relationship is ignored. An in-depth understanding of the atom, molecules, moles, volume, and concentration is imperative to understand energetics, chemical kinetics, equilibrium and redox. Ideally, this is the foundation of your chemistry journey and should be given utmost importance.
Mistake #3: Don’t mix up organic functional groups.
The most common blunder made by students is mixing up the functional groups in Organic Chemistry. Aldehydes and Alcohols, Ester and Ethers, Amides and Cyanides…. Uff!! Remember the functional group, their bonding, and most importantly the reaction mechanisms. To avoid this blunder, read the question carefully and understand what exactly is being asked for.
Mistake #4: Don’t mess up with the Oxidation States
The second most common goof-up that happens is messing up the oxidation states, especially in the case of ligands. Interchanging the cation with anions and mixing up the electron transfer in the half equations.
Mistake #5: Don’t leave any questions on Paper 1 unanswered
As you are probably aware, all of the multiple-choice questions in Paper 1 are worth the same amount of points, and there is no negative grading. Use this to your advantage and don't leave any queries unanswered. You never know when a smart guess or a causal choice will turn out to be true and add some points to your grade.
Mistake #6: Don't miss out on labelling your diagrams
It is crucial to label the diagram, especially for Redox and Bonding. You are expected to draw realistic bond angles and show appropriate arrows for dipoles and an appropriate number of bonds. The use of the inappropriate arrows in the chemical equation showing one-way reaction or equilibrium is a critical mistake to watch out for.
Mistake #7: Don’t lose hope if you struggle in Paper 2
If you struggle to solve part (a) doesn’t mean the question goes waste. Usually, an estimated value is given in the question to be used for each sub-part individually in case you are unable to solve the previous sub-part. Utilize that information to gain some marks.
Blen wishes you all the very best for a great finish for your IBDP May 2022 Exams!!
