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Chemical reasoning explained

Syllabus VWO: Skills

Connect a valid claim with a chemical concept and a conclusion.

More than repeating the question

“The reaction is faster because the temperature is higher” states a relationship. An explanation also describes how particle behaviour causes it. Use the model and data appropriate to the question.

Build a checkable chain

Start with the relevant observation, name the appropriate concept and connect it to your conclusion. Ask yourself: was this measured, given or inferred? A keyword alone is not a complete argument.

Worked example

The same reaction is faster at a higher temperature. Explain using the collision model.

  1. At a higher temperature, particles move faster on average.
  2. A greater fraction of collisions has enough energy to overcome the reaction barrier.

There are more successful collisions per unit time, so the reaction is faster.