Structure
Connect the particulate nature of matter, atomic models, bonding, molecular shape, intermolecular forces, and classification to observed chemical and physical properties.
IB Sciences • SL
IB Chemistry SL
Use this IB Chemistry SL study guide to browse the syllabus topic structure, study materials, and practice resources.
Structured practice
IB Chemistry SL Question Bank
Jump straight into grouped unit practice without losing your place in the syllabus overview.
Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter
S1.1 Introduction to the particulate nature of matter
S1.2 The nuclear atom
S1.3 Electron configurations
S1.4 Counting particles by mass: the mole
Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure
S2.1 The ionic model
S2.2 The covalent model
S2.3 The metallic model
Structure 3. Classification of matter
S3.1 The periodic table: classification of elements
S3.2 Functional groups: classification of organic compounds
Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions?
R1.1 Measuring enthalpy change
R1.2 Energy cycles in reactions
Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far?
R2.1 How much? The amount of chemical change
R2.2 How fast? The rate of chemical change
R2.3 How far? The extent of chemical change
Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change?
R3.1 Proton transfer reactions
R3.2 Electron transfer reactions
R3.2.1 Oxidation and reduction definitions
R3.2.2 Redox half-equations
R3.2.3 Reactivity of elements based on periodic trends
R3.2.4 Acid-metal reactions
R3.2.5 Electrochemical cells: Oxidation and reduction
R3.2.6 Primary (voltaic) cells
R3.2.7 Secondary (rechargeable) cells
R3.2.8 Electrolytic cells
R3.2.9 Oxidation of organic compounds
R3.2.10 Reduction of functional groups
R3.2.11 Reduction of unsaturated compounds
R3.3 Electron sharing reactions
R3.4 Electron pair sharing reactions
Overview
Course overview
How to study IB Chemistry SL
IB Chemistry SL is organised around two connected concepts: structure and reactivity. The current course began teaching in August or September 2023 and was first assessed in 2025. Strong revision moves between particulate models, observable evidence, symbolic equations, quantitative relationships, and practical data. SL prioritises secure core models, accurate application, and concise explanations supported by calculations and evidence.
Reactivity
Explain what drives reactions, how much and how fast change occurs, how equilibrium is established, and how reaction mechanisms account for evidence.
Inquiry and data
Interpret experimental design, raw and processed data, uncertainty, graphs, limitations, and improvements before drawing a chemically justified conclusion.
Assessment at a glance
For the current IB Chemistry SL course first assessed in 2025, external assessment contributes 80% and the scientific investigation contributes 20%. Calculators and a clean Chemistry data booklet are permitted for both external papers under the current guide.
| Component | Format | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 1 hour 30 minutes; Paper 1A multiple choice and Paper 1B data/experimental questions | 36% |
| Paper 2 | 1 hour 30 minutes; short-answer and extended-response questions | 44% |
| Internal assessment | 10 hours; individual scientific investigation | 20% |
Sources: IB Chemistry guide (first assessment 2025) and official IB Chemistry course overview.
Revision plan
- 1.Map every topic from a structural model to a predicted property or pattern of reactivity.
- 2.Practise moving between words, particle diagrams, equations, graphs, and calculations without treating them as separate skills.
- 3.Use Paper 1B and practical questions to diagnose weaknesses in data analysis, uncertainty, and experimental reasoning.
- 4.Complete mixed Paper 1 and Paper 2 sets, then classify errors by concept, method, units, data-booklet use, or communication.
Exam strategy
Identify the species, model, and governing relationship before calculating. Use the data booklet deliberately, retain units and sensible precision, and explain the chemical reason behind any trend or observation. In longer responses, make the chain from structure to interaction to evidence explicit.
Practise IB Chemistry SL questionsFrequently asked questions
What does IB Chemistry SL cover?
IB Chemistry SL develops explanations of matter and chemical change through two organizing concepts: structure and reactivity. The course connects particulate models, bonding and classification with reaction drivers, extent, rate, and mechanisms, supported by practical and data-based work.
What syllabus applies to the current IB Chemistry course?
The current course began teaching in August or September 2023 and was first assessed in 2025. Students should confirm their examination session and any later guide updates with their school.
How is IB Chemistry SL assessed?
External assessment is worth 80%: Paper 1 lasts one hour and 30 minutes and is worth 36%, while Paper 2 lasts one hour and 30 minutes and is worth 44%. The scientific investigation internal assessment is worth 20%.
What is in IB Chemistry SL Paper 1?
Paper 1 combines Paper 1A multiple-choice questions with Paper 1B data-based and experimental-work questions on standard-level material. A calculator and clean Chemistry data booklet are required under the current guide.
What is the IB Chemistry scientific investigation?
The scientific investigation is the Chemistry internal assessment for both SL and HL. It is an individual investigation assessed across research design, data analysis, conclusion, and evaluation, and contributes 20% of the final subject result.