Comprehensive IB Chemistry SL notes

These IB Chemistry SL notes provide a complete and organized review of Topics 1 through 8 from the Standard Level syllabus. Spanning 45 pages, this resource simplifies complex concepts into digestible summaries with equations, definitions, diagrams, and clear examples aligned with IB assessment standards.

Covered Topics:

• Topic 1: Stoichiometric Relationships
  Understanding chemical formulas, the mole concept, empirical and molecular formulas, molar volume, and stoichiometric calculations including limiting reagents and theoretical yield.

• Topic 2: Atomic Structure
  Subatomic particles, isotope notation, electron configurations (Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule, and Pauli exclusion), emission spectra, and evidence for atomic models.

• Topic 3: Periodicity
  Trends in atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity, melting point, metallic/non-metallic behavior, and understanding the periodic table layout based on electronic structure.

• Topic 4: Chemical Bonding and Structure
  Ionic, covalent, metallic bonding, Lewis structures, VSEPR theory, resonance, formal charge, hybridization, and molecular polarity.

• Topic 5: Energetics/Thermochemistry
  Exothermic and endothermic reactions, enthalpy change, calorimetry, Hess’s Law, bond enthalpies, and application to reaction energetics.

• Topic 6: Chemical Kinetics
  Collision theory, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, factors affecting reaction rate, reaction mechanisms, and use of concentration-time graphs.

• Topic 7: Equilibrium
  Reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s Principle, equilibrium constant (Kc), and factors influencing shifts in equilibrium.

• Topic 8: Acids and Bases
  Definitions (Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry), properties of acids and bases, pH calculations, strong vs weak acids/bases, and neutralization reactions.

Each section is presented in a format that aligns with IB command terms and is tailored for quick revision and exam confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your end-of-year papers or working through the IB’s internal assessments (IAs), these notes support both conceptual understanding and memorization of required definitions and formulas.

Compiled by a high-achieving IB student, this 45-page summary provides a complete breakdown of the SL Chemistry core. It reflects key syllabus points and is suited for both self-study and group review sessions.