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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 lattice structures (4.2); the gaseous state (4.1) follows with a later topic.

Exam Papers
Papers 1 & 2
9701/1 and 9701/2 (AS Level)
Learning Outcomes
4.1.1 – 4.2.3
2 parts
Topic Parts
1 of 2 live
4.2 Lattice structures
Exam Board
Cambridge
CIE 9701 (2025-2027)

Revision Notes

Work through each part of Cambridge Topic 4 in a structured sequence.

Gases
The Gaseous
State
1
Coming soon

4.1 The Gaseous State

Kinetic theory, ideal gases and the ideal gas equation. Coming with a later topic.

In preparation
Lattices
Structure
Types
2

4.2 Structure Types

Giant ionic, giant metallic, giant molecular and simple molecular lattices compared, and deducing structure and bonding from properties (4.2.1 to 4.2.3).

Start revising
Molecular
Simple
Molecular
3

4.2 Simple Molecular Structures

Iodine, buckminsterfullerene and ice: separate molecules held by weak intermolecular forces (4.2.1(b)).

Start revising
Giant molecular
Giant
Covalent
4

4.2 Giant Covalent Structures

Silicon(IV) oxide, graphite and diamond (4.2.1(c)), on the Topic 3 covalent bonding pages.

Start revising
Specification Coverage

Topic 4 States of Matter – Cambridge International AS Level Chemistry

The following Cambridge learning outcomes state what candidates should be able to do for Topic 4. Wording is taken from the Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry 9701 syllabus (2025-2027).

4.1 The gaseous state: ideal and real gases and pV = nRT

4.1.1
explain the origin of pressure in a gas in terms of collisions between gas molecules and the wall of the container
4.1.2
understand that ideal gases have zero particle volume and no intermolecular forces of attraction
4.1.3
state and use the ideal gas equation pV = nRT in calculations, including in the determination of Mr

4.2 Bonding and structure

4.2.1
describe, in simple terms, the lattice structure of a crystalline solid which is:
(a)
giant ionic, including sodium chloride and magnesium oxide
(b)
simple molecular, including iodine, buckminsterfullerene C60 and ice
(c)
giant molecular, including silicon(IV) oxide, graphite and diamond
(d)
giant metallic, including copper
4.2.2
describe, interpret and predict the effect of different types of structure and bonding on the physical properties of substances, including melting point, boiling point, electrical conductivity and solubility
4.2.3
deduce the type of structure and bonding present in a substance from given information