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Cambridge International AS Level Chemistry

Topic 4
States of Matter

Topic 4 covers the gaseous state, the ideal gas equation, and the lattice structures of crystalline solids: giant ionic, simple molecular, giant molecular and giant metallic, and how structure and bonding decide melting point, conductivity and solubility.

These pages cover the gaseous state (4.1) and the lattice structures (4.2).

Exam Papers
Papers 1 & 2
9701/1 and 9701/2 (AS Level)
Learning Outcomes
4.1.1 – 4.2.3
2 parts
Sub-topics
3 lessons
4.1 Gases, 4.2 Lattice structures
Exam Board
Cambridge
CIE 9701 (2025-2027)

Revision Notes

4 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.

Summary Map

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Summary map

Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.

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Summary map · PDF

Structure Types Map

Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry · 4.2 Giant and simple lattices · Structure types

The whole section on one A4 page: diamond, graphite, silicon(IV) oxide and C₆₀, the four kinds of lattice, and how to deduce a structure.

Download the map6 key ideas + a data table · A4 portrait · print ready

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Study Cards

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Specification

Every specification point in this topic, in the exam board's own words. Rate how confident you are with each one.

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4.1.1

  1. 4.1.1

    explain the origin of pressure in a gas in terms of collisions between gas molecules and the wall of the container

    Revise

4.1.2

  1. a

    understand that ideal gases have zero particle volume

    Revise
  2. b

    understand that ideal gases have no intermolecular forces of attraction

    Revise

4.1.3

  1. a

    state and use the ideal gas equation pV = nRT in calculations

    Revise
  2. b

    use the ideal gas equation pV = nRT in the determination of Mr

    Revise

4.2.1

  1. a i

    describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is giant ionic, including sodium chloride

    Revise
  2. a ii

    describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is giant ionic, including magnesium oxide

    Revise
  3. b i

    describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is simple molecular, including iodine

    Revise
  4. b ii

    describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is simple molecular, including buckminsterfullerene C60

    Revise
  5. b iii

    describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is simple molecular, including ice

    Revise
  6. c i

    describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is giant molecular, including silicon(IV) oxide

    Revise
  7. c ii

    describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is giant molecular, including graphite

    Revise
  8. c iii

    describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is giant molecular, including diamond

    Revise
  9. d

    describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is giant metallic, including copper

    Revise

4.2.2

  1. a

    describe, interpret and predict the effect of different types of structure and bonding on the melting point of substances

    Revise
  2. b

    describe, interpret and predict the effect of different types of structure and bonding on the boiling point of substances

    Revise
  3. c

    describe, interpret and predict the effect of different types of structure and bonding on the electrical conductivity of substances

    Revise
  4. d

    describe, interpret and predict the effect of different types of structure and bonding on the solubility of substances

    Revise

4.2.3

  1. 4.2.3

    deduce the type of structure and bonding present in a substance from given information

    Revise