Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 12 Chemistry
This course explores advanced chemical principles through the lens of equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, and organic synthesis. Students investigate the relationship between molecular structure and macroscopic properties while applying quantitative analysis to complex chemical systems.
01Equilibrium and Reversibility
Students examine the nature of reversible reactions and the factors that influence the position of chemical equilibrium in closed systems.
Introduction to the concept of reversibility and the dynamic nature of chemical equilibrium at the molecular level.
Investigating how changes in reactant or product concentrations shift the position of equilibrium.
Predicting and explaining the response of gaseous systems at equilibrium to changes in pressure and volume.
Examining the influence of temperature and catalysts on the position and rate of equilibrium.
Applying Le Chatelier's Principle to industrial processes and real-world scenarios.
Deriving and interpreting the equilibrium constant expression for homogeneous and heterogeneous systems.
Performing calculations involving equilibrium concentrations and the equilibrium constant (Kc).
Exploring the equilibrium of sparingly soluble ionic compounds and the solubility product constant.
Investigating how the presence of a common ion affects the solubility of sparingly soluble salts.
Connecting Gibbs Free Energy to the spontaneity of reactions and the position of equilibrium.
Exploring the factors that influence reaction rates and the concept of activation energy.
Applying collision theory to explain reaction rates and understanding multi-step reaction mechanisms.
02Acid-Base Chemistry
An exploration of the Bronsted-Lowry model, pH scales, and the behavior of buffers in biological and industrial contexts.
Defining acids and bases as proton donors and acceptors and identifying conjugate pairs.
Distinguishing between strong and weak acids/bases based on their degree of ionization.
Investigating the logarithmic nature of pH and performing calculations involving pH, pOH, [H+], and [OH-].
Quantifying the strength of weak acids and bases using Ka and Kb values.
Performing and analyzing titration curves for strong acid-strong base reactions.
Analyzing titration curves for weak acid-strong base reactions and selecting appropriate indicators.
Analyzing the mechanism of buffer solutions and how they resist changes in pH.
Performing calculations involving buffer solutions using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
Investigating the causes and environmental consequences of acid rain.
Exploring the role of buffer systems in biological processes, such as blood pH regulation.
Introduction to the Lewis model of acids and bases as electron pair acceptors and donors.
Investigating how the ions of salts can react with water to produce acidic, basic, or neutral solutions.
03Redox and Electrochemistry
Investigating electron transfer reactions and their application in galvanic and electrolytic cells.
Defining oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer and changes in oxidation numbers.
Balancing complex redox reactions using the half-reaction method in acidic and basic solutions.
Understanding the components and operation of galvanic (voltaic) cells.
Using standard reduction potentials to predict the spontaneity of redox reactions.
Relating standard cell potentials to the equilibrium constant and Gibbs free energy for redox reactions.
Exploring the chemistry and applications of various types of batteries.
Understanding the components and operation of electrolytic cells, driving non-spontaneous reactions.
Applying Faraday's laws to calculate the amount of substance produced or consumed during electrolysis.
Exploring industrial applications of electrolysis, such as electroplating and metal refining.
Investigating the electrochemical nature of corrosion and methods of prevention.
Understanding the principles and applications of fuel cells as efficient energy converters.
Performing and analyzing redox titrations to determine unknown concentrations.
04Organic Functional Groups
Studying the structure, properties, and nomenclature of diverse organic compounds including alcohols, aldehydes, and amines.
Overview of organic chemistry, bonding in carbon, and the structure and nomenclature of alkanes.
Exploring the structure, nomenclature, and characteristic addition reactions of unsaturated hydrocarbons.
Investigating the unique stability and reactions of aromatic compounds, focusing on benzene.
Studying the structure, nomenclature, and nucleophilic substitution reactions of haloalkanes.
Exploring the structure, physical properties, and oxidation reactions of alcohols.
Studying the structure, nomenclature, and characteristic reactions of aldehydes and ketones.
Investigating the structure, acidity, and esterification reactions of carboxylic acids and esters.
Exploring the structure, basicity, and formation of amines and amides.
Explaining boiling points and solubility based on hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, and dispersion forces.
Introduction to curly arrow notation and basic mechanisms for common organic reactions.
Differentiating between structural and geometric (cis-trans) isomers and their impact on properties.
Exploring the concept of chirality, enantiomers, and their significance in biological systems.
05Polymers and Synthesis
Examining the formation of synthetic and natural polymers and the principles of green chemistry.
Investigating the mechanism and properties of polymers formed through addition reactions.
Comparing the mechanisms of condensation polymer formation and the properties of the resulting materials.
Investigating the structure and function of carbohydrates as essential biological macromolecules.
Exploring the structure and function of proteins, including amino acids and peptide bonds.
Understanding the role of enzymes as biological catalysts and factors affecting their activity.
Applying the principles of atom economy and yield to design efficient industrial processes.
Exploring the twelve principles of green chemistry and their application in sustainable synthesis.
Planning multi-step synthesis routes for common organic compounds using known reactions.
Analyzing fragmentation patterns to determine relative molecular mass and structural components.
Identifying functional groups based on the absorption of infrared radiation by molecular bonds.