Chemistry · Curriculum Map
124 verified official outcomes stored in iLEARN.
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3.3.2 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter · 3.3. Chemical equilibrium
explain the factors that affect the value of the equilibrium constant (Kc), and use the mathematical model of Kc to describe and predict how given reactions would proceed
Higher|Ordinary · Leaving Certificate Chemistry 2025 specification — fifth-year cohorts from September 2025
Official strands
- Strand 1: Nature of Matter
- Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science
- Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter
- Strand 3: Interactions of Matter
- Strand 4: Matter in our World
Teacher action
Choose an outcome, then open Create Learning Experience. iLEARN uses the official outcome as the starting point and creates an original plan.
1.1.1 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — understand experimental evidence for the kinetic theory of matter1.1.2 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — analyse the kinetic theory of matter to: explain the nature and behaviour of matter at the particulate level; model how matter changes state1.1.3 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — justify the use of different separation techniques for isolating one or more components from a mixture1.1.4 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — distinguish between physical change and chemical change of matter1.1.5 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — verify, using primary data, the law of conservation of mass and explain through the use of modelsU1.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — appreciate how scientists work and how scientific ideas are modified over time1.2.1 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — evaluate previous models of the atom against the current model, stating assumptions and limitations in each case1.2.2 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — describe the atom using the current orbital model of atomic theory, including subatomic particles1.2.3 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — describe and explain the origin of lines on the atomic emission spectrum of hydrogen1.2.4 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — identify an element using appropriate primary or secondary data1.2.5 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — describe the electronic structure of elements and associated ions, identifying stable electronic configurationsU1.2 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — conduct research relevant to a scientific issue and evaluate different sources of information including secondary data, understanding that a source may lack detail or show bias1.3.1 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — describe the development of the modern periodic table1.3.2 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — identify specific groups of elements and relate the group properties to its position in the periodic table1.3.3 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — examine and explain the arrangement of elements in groups, periods and blocks in the periodic table of elements1.3.4 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — examine trends and relationships in the periodic table1.3.5 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — explain trends in first ionisation energies, including exceptions, and in successive ionisation energies and atomic radii1.4.1 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — define and explain the mole in terms of the Avogadro constant, and relate the mole to how the amount of a substance can be quantified1.4.2 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — solve problems involving relative atomic mass and percentage abundance of isotopes1.4.3 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — state Avogadro’s law and deduce the molar volume of a gas1.4.4 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — conduct an experiment to determine the relative molecular mass of a gas derived from a liquid1.4.5 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — explain and model the concept of concentration of a solution and outline how to prepare a range of solutions of different concentrations, including primary standard solutions1.4.6 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — convert between units of concentration1.4.7 · Strand 1: Nature of Matter — use the concept of a mole to: determine empirical and molecular formulae; balance equations for reactions where reactants and products are specified; analyse and solve quantitative problems based on balanced equations2.1.1 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — describe and compare different types of chemical bonding2.1.2 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — predict the nature of chemical bonds between atoms, using trends in electronegativity values2.1.3 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — model different types of bonding to predict chemical formulae and outline the limitations in predicting bonding between atoms2.1.4 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — relate the properties of simple compounds to the nature of bonding present2.1.5 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — investigate, using primary data, the presence of ions in salts and in solutions, and identify an anion and cation in an unknown saltU2.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — recognise questions that are appropriate for scientific investigation in chemistry2.2.1 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — distinguish between intramolecular bonding and a range of intermolecular forces2.2.2 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — relate observed physical properties for a range of compounds to the type of intermolecular forces, accounting for trends2.2.3 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — explain qualitatively the influence of polarity, and symmetry, on intermolecular forces2.2.4 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — use the shapes and polarity of molecules of simple compounds to predict physical properties2.2.5 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — use VSEPR theory to predict and model the shapes of moleculesU2.2 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — pose testable hypotheses developed using scientific theories and explanations, and evaluate and compare strategies for investigating hypotheses2.3.1 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — explain what is meant by the ideal gas, accounting for deviations of real gases from ideal gas behaviour2.3.2 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — solve and interpret quantitative problems using the ideal gas equationU2.3 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — design, plan and conduct investigations; explain how reliability, validity, accuracy, precision, error, fairness, safety, integrity, and the selection of suitable equipment have been considered2.4.1 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — outline the main sources of hydrocarbons and their uses in industry and society2.4.2 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — identify and research one major impact on society of the extensive use of hydrocarbons2.4.3 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — conduct an experiment to prepare ethene, observe its physical properties, and investigate some of its chemical properties2.4.4 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — describe and compare different groups of hydrocarbons, including composition, bonding and structure, and relate these to their characteristic properties2.4.5 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — explain and predict differences, if any, in properties within each of the following: straight chain alkanes of different carbon number; alkanes of the same carbon number; monounsaturated straight chain alkenes2.4.6 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — explain the relative chemical stability of alkanes2.4.7 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — construct and examine 3D models of hydrocarbon molecules and explain how bonding and isomers influence the spatial arrangement of atoms for these molecules2.4.8 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — explain and compare the shapes of ethane, ethene, ethyne and benzene molecules in terms of sigma and pi bonds, including delocalised pi bonding2.4.9 · Strand 2: Behaviour of Matter — distinguish between structural and geometrical isomerism, including how isomerism gives rise to different propertiesU2.4 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — produce and select data (qualitatively quantitatively), critically analyse data to identify patterns and relationships, identify anomalous observations, draw and justify conclusionsU2.5 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — review and reflect on the skills and thinking used in carrying out investigations, and apply their learning and skills to solving problems in unfamiliar contextsU2.6 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — organise and communicate their research and investigative findings, using relevant scientific terminology and representations3.1.1 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — define bond enthalpy and explain enthalpy changes in a reaction in terms of making and breaking bonds3.1.2 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — explain, and model diagrammatically, processes of energy transfer using exothermic and endothermic reactions3.1.3 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — investigate, using primary data, how to determine ΔH for a suitable neutralisation reaction3.1.4 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — calculate ΔH for a chemical reaction and describe the energy transfer through a simple energy profile diagram3.1.5 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — analyse a given reaction, involving covalent molecules, to explain and predict the value of ΔH using average bond enthalpy values3.1.6 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — calculate and predict enthalpy changes using Hess’s law3.1.7 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — construct balanced equations for the complete combustion of hydrocarbons and primary alcohols, and explain trends in the associated standard ΔH values3.1.8 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — investigate, using primary data, the energy change of combustion and compare experimental values to standard values, accounting for differencesU3.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — research and present information on the contribution that scientists make to scientific discovery and invention, and its impact on society3.2.1 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — define and explain rate of reaction3.2.2 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — describe collision theory, and give examples of slow and fast reactions3.2.3 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — investigate, using primary data, the factors that affect rates of a reaction and interpret rate of reaction graphs, using primary and secondary data3.2.4 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — compare the energy profile diagrams of catalysed and uncatalysed reactions, for both exothermic and endothermic reactions3.2.5 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — model two general catalytic mechanismsU3.2 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — appreciate the role of chemistry in society, and its personal, social and global importance, and how society influences scientific research3.3.1 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — appreciate that some reactions tend to be reversible and explain the concept of dynamic chemical equilibrium3.3.2 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — explain the factors that affect the value of the equilibrium constant (Kc), and use the mathematical model of Kc to describe and predict how given reactions would proceed3.3.3 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — solve problems involving the mathematical model for the equilibrium constant Kc3.3.4 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — apply Le Châtelier’s principle to a variety of processes to predict responses to disturbances to the equilibrium and to predict conditions for optimising yields of product3.3.5 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — investigate, using primary and/or secondary data, how changes in temperature and concentration can affect the state of equilibriumU3.3 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — evaluate media-based arguments concerning science and technology3.4.1 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — justify categorisation of commonly used substances as acid or base, based on the display of certain properties and outline common everyday examples of neutralisation3.4.10 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — compare degrees of dissociation of strong and weak acids, and strong and weak bases, using Ka and Kb values3.4.2 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — predict the products of, and write balanced equations for, acid-base reactions3.4.3 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — compare two theories of acid-base systems and justify why Brønsted-Lowry theory is a more extensive model for explaining behaviour3.4.4 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — apply Brønsted-Lowry theory to identify, in chemical equations: conjugate acid-base pairs; species acting as acids and bases3.4.5 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — explain the self-ionisation of water and deduce a mathematical representation for the ionic product of water (Kw), accounting for its temperature dependence3.4.6 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — measure pH, and explain the pH scale and the factors that affect the pH of a solution3.4.7 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — distinguish between: weak and strong acids (and bases); concentrated and dilute acids (and bases)3.4.8 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — solve mathematical problems involving pH for dilute aqueous solutions3.4.9 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — deduce mathematical representations for weak acid dissociation constant (Ka) and weak base dissociation constant (Kb)3.5.1 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — describe oxidation and reduction, using suitable examples and applications, identifying oxidising and reducing agents in given chemical reactions3.5.2 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — apply oxidation numbers to balance redox reaction equations3.5.3 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — investigate displacement reactions of metals, using primary or secondary data, relating them to the electrochemical series3.5.4 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — compare a primary and secondary cell3.5.5 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — create a simple galvanic cell and explain its operation3.5.6 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — create a simple electrolytic cell, explain its operation and split water using electrolysis3.5.7 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — compare a chemical cell with a fuel cell3.5.8 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — explain the operation of a simple hydrogen fuel cell3.5.9 · Strand 3: Interactions of Matter — research a role of electrochemistry in an area related to sustainability and technology in everyday life4.1.1 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — recognise the importance of primary standards and standard solutions4.1.2 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — determine the concentration of analytes by titration using primary standard solutions and/or solutions standardised using primary standards4.1.3 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — investigate pH titration curves, using primary data from acid-base reactions, justifying appropriate indicators for each titration4.1.4 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — explain how weak acid and weak base acid-base indicators function, using Le Châtelier’s principle4.1.5 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — investigate, using primary data, how to find the concentration of ethanoic acid in vinegar4.1.6 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — investigate, using primary data, the percentage of elemental iron in iron tablets4.1.7 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — solve volumetric problemsU4.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — relate observable phenomena to the chemical processes at the atomic, sub-atomic or molecular level4.2.1 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — outline sources of organic compounds and the use and impact of products based on organic compounds4.2.10 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — describe reaction mechanisms involving movement of electrons, including supporting evidence4.2.11 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — describe redox reactions and acid-base reactions of organic compounds4.2.12 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — explain the acidity of carboxylic acid and alcohol functional groups4.2.13 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — outline how a soap works, as an example of a surfactant, and the applications of surfactants in everyday life4.2.14 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — conduct an activity to prepare soap, with NaOH either limiting or in excess4.2.15 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — explore the use of organic compounds in pharmaceutical products4.2.16 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — describe the structure and applications of addition polymers and how non-biodegradability is related to their chemical stability4.2.2 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — apply rules for nomenclature and classify each functional group in terms of general formula and structure4.2.3 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — construct and compare representations of organic molecules4.2.4 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — conduct tests: to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones; to show the acidic nature of carboxylic acids4.2.5 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — relate the physical properties of organic molecules to molecular size, type of bonding present4.2.6 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — describe five types of reactions and analyse a given reaction in terms of the type(s) of reaction taking place4.2.7 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — analyse an organic reaction scheme and predict possible reactions and reaction products4.2.8 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — conduct an experiment to prepare an ester4.2.9 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — conduct an experiment to synthesise benzoic acid, determining purity, melting point and yieldU4.2 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — appreciate that models are simplified representations of complex systems or phenomena with underlying assumptions; can be modified as more data becomes available from the system/phenomenon; can predict the behaviour of a system/phenomenon4.3.1 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — describe the natural greenhouse effect and explain its significance4.3.2 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — discuss the evidence for the enhanced greenhouse effect and possible solutions to anthropogenic influences on the atmosphere4.3.3 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — discuss causes of water contamination and biochemical consequences4.3.4 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — describe the steps necessary in the treatment of drinking water and appreciate the impact of providing clean water for human use4.3.5 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — describe how a simple lithium ion cell works and discuss its life-cycle4.3.6 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — compare the properties and structures of allotropes of carbon4.3.7 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — discuss the use of carbon allotropes in society4.3.8 · Strand 4: Matter in our World — research an area of the course, through one of the cross-cutting themes (health, sustainability, and technology)