Year 12 Chemistry study notes and practice questions

For Year 11 and 12 students sitting the HSC, VCE, QCE, SACE, WACE and more. Each unit has short study notes, flashcards and practice questions, and the app builds timed practice exams from the whole course.

• Chemical equilibrium and solubilityDynamic equilibrium; Le Chatelier’s principle; Equilibrium constant; Solubility equilibria
• Acids and basesBrønsted–Lowry theory; pH, pOH and Kw; Weak acids and Ka; Titrations and buffers
• Organic chemistryHydrocarbons and nomenclature; Functional groups and properties; Organic reactions; Polymers
• Chemical analysisQualitative tests for ions; Quantitative analysis; Mass spectrometry; Infrared and NMR spectroscopy

4 multiple choice and 2 written questions. Try each one before you open the answer. Written answers show the model answer and what a full-marks response needs.

1. Question 1. Chemical equilibrium and solubilityMultiple choice

   For N₂O₄ ⇌ 2NO₂, K = …

   1. A[NO₂] ÷ [N₂O₄]
   2. B2[NO₂] ÷ [N₂O₄]
   3. C[NO₂]^² ÷ [N₂O₄]
   4. D[N₂O₄] ÷ [NO₂]^²
   Show answer

   C. [NO₂]^² ÷ [N₂O₄]

2. Question 2. Acids and basesMultiple choice

   The pH of 0.0010 mol/L HCl is…

   1. A11.00
   2. B1.00
   3. C3.00
   4. D0.0010
   Show answer

   C. 3.00

3. Question 3. Acids and bases: Brønsted–Lowry theory3 marks

   Identify the conjugate acid–base pairs in the reaction HCO₃⁻ + H₂O ⇌ CO₃^²⁻ + H₃O⁺ and explain why HCO₃⁻ is described as amphiprotic.

   Show model answer and marking criteria

   Model answer. The conjugate pairs are HCO₃⁻/CO₃^²⁻ and H₃O⁺/H₂O. In this reaction HCO₃⁻ donates a proton to water, acting as an acid. With a stronger acid, HCO₃⁻ can instead accept a proton to form H₂CO₃, acting as a base, so it is amphiprotic.

   A full-marks answer:

   • Pairs: HCO₃⁻/CO₃^²⁻ and H₃O⁺/H₂O
   • Here HCO₃⁻ donates a proton (acid)
   • HCO₃⁻ can also accept a proton to form H₂CO₃ (base), so it is amphiprotic
4. Question 4. Organic chemistryMultiple choice

   C₄H₁₀ has how many structural isomers?

   1. A4
   2. B1
   3. C2
   4. D3
   Show answer

   C. 2

   Butane and 2-methylpropane.

5. Question 5. Organic chemistry: organic reactions3 marks

   Describe a chemical test to distinguish between hexane and hex-1-ene, and explain the result.

   Show model answer and marking criteria

   Model answer. Add a few drops of bromine water to each liquid and shake. Hex-1-ene rapidly decolourises the orange-brown bromine water, while hexane leaves it orange (no reaction without UV light). This is because bromine undergoes an addition reaction across the C=C double bond of hex-1-ene, forming colourless 1,2-dibromohexane, whereas hexane is saturated.

   A full-marks answer:

   • Add bromine water to each and shake
   • Hex-1-ene decolourises the orange bromine water; hexane does not (remains orange in the dark)
   • Bromine adds across the C=C double bond of the alkene to form 1,2-dibromohexane; hexane is saturated
6. Question 6. Chemical analysisMultiple choice

   A lilac flame indicates…

   1. AK⁺
   2. BCu^²⁺
   3. CCa^²⁺
   4. DNa⁺
   Show answer

   A. K⁺

A few of the 69 Year 12 Chemistry flashcards. In the app they use spaced repetition: rate each card Again, Hard, Good or Easy and it comes back just before you would forget it.

• Dynamic equilibriumForward rate = reverse rate; concentrations constant.
• Brønsted–Lowry acidProton donor.
• Homologous seriesCompounds with the same functional group, differing by CH₂.
• Na⁺ flameYellow-orange

In calculations, write the balanced equation, show every conversion with units and keep sensible significant figures. Learn the reasons behind trends and shifts (why ionisation energy rises, why an equilibrium moves) rather than only the rule, because extended responses are marked on the explanation.

Press Study for me and the app builds a 15 to 20 minute session from the cards that are due, the mistakes that are due and questions on your weakest topics. Practice questions come in three levels, and anything you get wrong comes back 1, 3 and 7 days later until you get it right. When an exam is close, sit a timed practice exam with AI marking.

Your state, your exam

Chemistry goes by different names around Australia. In the app the course shows under your state’s name: NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, NT: Chemistry.

When you set up Year 12, you pick your state (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT or NT) and your subjects. The AI then pitches explanations and marking at your certificate’s level. Courses differ between states, so compare the units above with your course outline, and turn your class notes into extra decks for anything that’s different.

Chemistry in Year 11

Year 11 Chemistry study notes and practice questions.

More Year 12 courses

Year 12 Maths Advanced, Year 12 Maths Standard, Year 12 English, Year 12 Modern History, Year 12 Biology, Year 12 Business Studies, Year 12 Legal Studies, Year 12 PDHPE. All Year 11–12 subjects.