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Chemistry — JAMB Syllabus
Below are the topics and areas you are expected to study for Chemistry in the UTME examination. Questions will be drawn from these topics.
Topic 1: Separation of Mixtures and Purification of Chemical Substances
1
Pure and Impure Substances
Topics / Contents
- Pure and impure substances
- Boiling and melting points as criteria for purity
- Elements, compounds and mixtures
- Chemical and physical changes
- Separation processes: evaporation, simple and fractional distillation, sublimation, filtration, crystallization, paper and column chromatography, simple and fractional crystallization, magnetization, decantation
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Distinguish between pure and impure substances
- j.Use boiling and melting points as criteria for purity of chemical substances
- k.Distinguish between elements, compounds and mixtures
- l.Differentiate between chemical and physical changes
- m.Identify the properties of the components of a mixture
- n.Specify the principle involved in each separation method
- o.Apply the basic principle of separation processes in everyday life
Topic 2: Chemical Combination
1
Stoichiometry and Chemical Laws
Topics / Contents
- Stoichiometry
- Laws of definite and multiple proportions
- Law of conservation of matter
- Gay-Lussac's law of combining volumes
- Avogadro's law
- Chemical symbols, formulae, equations and their uses
- Relative atomic mass based on ¹²C = 12
- The mole concept and Avogadro's number
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Perform simple calculations involving formulae, equations/chemical composition and the mole concept
- j.Deduce the chemical laws from given expressions/statements/data
- k.Interpret graphical representations related to these laws
- l.Deduce the stoichiometry of chemical reactions
Topic 3: Kinetic Theory of Matter and Gas Laws
1
Kinetic Theory and States of Matter
Topics / Contents
- Outline of the kinetic theory of matter
- Melting, vaporization, boiling, freezing, condensation in terms of molecular motion and Brownian movement
- Laws of Boyle, Charles, Graham and Dalton (law of partial pressure)
- Combined gas law, molar volume and atomicity of gases
- The ideal gas equation (PV = nRT)
- Relationship between vapour density of gases and relative molecular mass
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Apply the theory to distinguish between solids, liquids and gases
- j.Deduce reasons for change of state
- k.Draw inferences based on molecular motion
- l.Deduce gas laws from given expressions/statements
- m.Interpret graphical representations related to these laws
- n.Perform simple calculations based on these laws, equations and relationships
Topic 4: Atomic Structure and Bonding
1
Atomic Structure
Topics / Contents
- Concept of atoms, molecules and ions; works of Dalton, Millikan, Rutherford, Moseley, Thompson and Bohr
- Atomic structure, electron configuration, atomic number, mass number and isotopes (elements Z=1 to 20)
- Shapes of s and p orbitals
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Distinguish between atoms, molecules and ions
- j.Identify the contributions of scientists to the development of atomic structure
- k.Deduce the number of protons, neutrons and electrons from atomic and mass numbers
- l.Apply the rules guiding the arrangement of electrons in an atom
- m.Identify common elements exhibiting isotopy
- n.Relate isotopy to mass number and perform simple calculations relating to isotopy
- o.Differentiate between the shapes of the orbitals and determine electron counts in s and p orbitals
2
Periodic Table and Periodicity
Topics / Contents
- The periodic table and periodicity of elements
- Families of elements: alkali metals, halogens, noble gases, transition metals
- Variation of ionization energy, ionic radii, electron affinity and electronegativity
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Relate atomic number to the position of an element on the periodic table
- j.Relate properties of groups of elements on the periodic table
- k.Identify reasons for variation in properties across the period and down the groups
3
Chemical Bonding and Nuclear Chemistry
Topics / Contents
- Electrovalency and covalency; tendency to attain noble gas structure
- Hydrogen bonding and metallic bonding
- Coordinate bond; van der Waals' forces
- Shapes of simple molecules: linear (H₂, O₂, Cl₂, HCl, CO₂), non-linear (H₂O), tetrahedral (CH₄), pyramidal (NH₃)
- Radioactivity — types and properties of radiations
- Nuclear reactions: simple equations, uses and applications of natural and artificial radioactivity
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Differentiate between the different types of bonding
- j.Deduce bond types based on electron configurations
- k.Relate the nature of bonding to properties of compounds
- l.Differentiate between the various shapes of molecules
- m.Distinguish between ordinary chemical reaction and nuclear reaction
- n.Differentiate between natural and artificial radioactivity
- o.Compare the properties of the different types of nuclear radiations
- p.Compute simple calculations on the half-life of a radioactive material
- q.Balance simple nuclear equations and identify various applications of radioactivity
Topic 5: Air
1
Composition and Uses of Air
Topics / Contents
- Natural gaseous constituents: nitrogen, oxygen, water vapour, carbon (IV) oxide, noble gases (argon, neon)
- Air as a mixture
- Some uses of the noble gases
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Deduce reason(s) for the existence of air as a mixture
- j.Identify the principle involved in the separation of air components
- k.Deduce reasons for the variation in the composition of air in the environment
- l.Specify the uses of some of the constituents of air
Topic 6: Water
1
Properties and Treatment of Water
Topics / Contents
- Water as a product of the combustion of hydrogen; composition by volume
- Water as a solvent; atmospheric gases dissolved in water and their biological significance
- Hard and soft water: temporary and permanent hardness; methods of softening
- Treatment of water for town supply
- Water of crystallization, efflorescence, deliquescence and hygroscopy; examples and uses
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Identify the various uses of water
- j.Identify the effects of dissolved atmospheric gases in water
- k.Distinguish between the properties of hard and soft water
- l.Determine the causes of hardness and identify methods of removal
- m.Describe the processes involved in the treatment of water for town supply
- n.Distinguish between efflorescence, deliquescence and hygroscopy
- o.Identify the various compounds that exhibit these phenomena
Topic 7: Solubility
1
Solutions and Colloids
Topics / Contents
- Unsaturated, saturated and supersaturated solutions; solubility curves; simple calculations (mol/dm³)
- Solvents for fats, oils and paints; removal of stains
- Suspensions and colloids: properties and examples
- Harmattan haze and water paints as suspensions; fog, milk, aerosol spray, emulsion paints and rubber solution as colloids
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Distinguish between the different types of solutions
- j.Interpret solubility curves
- k.Calculate the amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a given temperature
- l.Deduce that solubility is temperature-dependent
- m.Relate nature of solvents to their uses
- n.Differentiate among true solution, suspension and colloids
- o.Compare the properties of a true solution and a false solution
- p.Provide typical examples of suspensions and colloids
Topic 8: Environmental Pollution
1
Pollutants and Their Effects
Topics / Contents
- Sources and effects of pollutants
- Air pollution: H₂S, CO, SO₂, oxides of nitrogen, chlorofluorocarbons, dust
- Water pollution: sewage and oil pollution
- Soil pollution: oil spillage, biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Identify the different types of pollution and pollutants
- j.Specify different sources of pollutants
- k.Classify pollutants as biodegradable and non-biodegradable
- l.Specify the effects of pollution on the environment
- m.Identify measures for control of environmental pollution
Topic 9: Acids, Bases and Salts
1
Properties, pH and Titration
Topics / Contents
- General characteristics and properties of acids, bases and salts; acid/base indicators; basicity of acids
- Normal, acidic, basic and double salts; alums as examples of double salts
- Naturally occurring organic acids: ethanoic, citric and tartaric acids
- Preparation of salts: neutralization, precipitation, action of acids on metals, oxides and trioxocarbonate(IV) salts
- Qualitative comparison of conductances of molar solutions of strong and weak acids and bases
- pH and pOH scale; simple calculations
- Acid/base titrations
- Hydrolysis of salts: NH₄Cl, AlCl₃, Na₂CO₃ and CH₃COONa
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Distinguish between the properties of acids and bases
- j.Identify the different types of acids and bases and determine basicity of acids
- k.Differentiate between acidity and alkalinity using acid/base indicators
- l.Identify the various methods of preparation of salts and classify different types
- m.Relate degree of dissociation to strength of acids/bases and conductance
- n.Perform simple calculations on pH and pOH
- o.Identify the appropriate acid-base indicator and interpret graphical representation of titration curves
- p.Perform simple calculations based on the mole concept
- q.Balance equations for the hydrolysis of salts and deduce the properties of the resultant solution
Topic 10: Oxidation and Reduction
1
Redox Reactions and Oxidation Numbers
Topics / Contents
- Oxidation as addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen
- Reduction as removal of oxygen or addition of hydrogen
- Oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer
- Use of oxidation numbers; balancing simple equations
- IUPAC nomenclature of inorganic compounds using oxidation number
- Tests for oxidizing and reducing agents
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Identify the various forms of expressing oxidation and reduction
- j.Classify chemical reactions in terms of oxidation or reduction
- k.Balance redox reaction equations
- l.Deduce the oxidation number of chemical species
- m.Compute the number of electron transfer in redox reactions
- n.Identify the name of redox species in a reaction
- o.Distinguish between oxidizing and reducing agents in redox reactions
- p.Apply oxidation number in naming inorganic compounds
- q.Relate reagents to their oxidizing and reducing abilities
Topic 11: Electrolysis
1
Electrolysis and Electrochemical Cells
Topics / Contents
- Electrolytes and non-electrolytes; Faraday's laws of electrolysis
- Electrolysis of dilute H₂SO₄, aqueous CuSO₄, CuCl₂, dilute and concentrated NaCl solutions and fused NaCl
- Factors affecting discharge of ions at the electrodes
- Uses of electrolysis: purification of copper, production of Al, Na, O₂, Cl₂ and NaOH
- Electrochemical cells: Redox series, half-cell reactions and electrode potentials
- Corrosion as an electrolytic process; cathodic protection, painting, electroplating and coating
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Distinguish between electrolytes and non-electrolytes
- j.Perform calculations based on Faraday as a mole of electrons
- k.Identify suitable electrodes for different electrolytes
- l.Specify the chemical reactions at the electrodes and determine the products
- m.Identify the factors that affect the products of electrolysis
- n.Specify the different areas of application of electrolysis
- o.Identify the various electrochemical cells and calculate electrode potentials using half-cell reaction equations
- p.Identify methods used in protecting metals from corrosion
Topic 12: Energy Changes
1
Thermochemistry, Entropy and Spontaneity
Topics / Contents
- Energy changes (ΔH) in physical and chemical changes; dissolution of Na, NaOH, K, NH₄Cl in water
- Endothermic (+ΔH) and exothermic (−ΔH) reactions
- Entropy as an order-disorder phenomenon; mixing of gases and dissolution of salts
- Spontaneity of reactions: ΔG⁰ = 0 as criterion for equilibrium; conditions for non-spontaneity or spontaneity
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Determine the types of heat changes ΔH in physical and chemical processes
- j.Interpret graphical representations of heat changes
- k.Relate the physical state of a substance to the degree of orderliness
- l.Determine the conditions for spontaneity of a reaction
- m.Relate ΔH⁰, ΔS⁰ and ΔG⁰ as the driving forces for chemical reactions
- n.Solve simple problems based on the relationship ΔG⁰ = ΔH⁰ − TΔS⁰
Topic 13: Rates of Chemical Reaction
1
Factors Affecting Reaction Rates
Topics / Contents
- Effect of temperature (e.g. HCl and Na₂S₂O₃ or Mg and HCl)
- Effect of concentration/pressure (e.g. HCl and Na₂S₂O₃, HCl and marble, iodine clock reaction)
- Effect of surface area (marble and HCl — powdered vs lumps)
- Effect of catalyst (decomposition of H₂O₂ or KClO₃ with MnO₂)
- Reaction rate curves
- Activation energy; qualitative treatment of Arrhenius' law and collision theory
- Effect of light on reactions (e.g. halogenation of alkanes)
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Identify the factors that affect the rates of a chemical reaction
- j.Determine the effects of temperature on the rate of reactions
- k.Examine the effect of concentration/pressure on the rate of a chemical reaction
- l.Describe how the rate is affected by surface area
- m.Determine types of catalysts and their effects; identify ways of moderating these effects
- n.Interpret reaction rate curves
- o.Solve simple problems on the rate of reactions
- p.Relate the rate of reaction to the kinetic theory of matter
- q.Examine the significance of activation energy to chemical reactions
- r.Deduce the value of activation energy (Ea) from reaction rate curves
Topic 14: Chemical Equilibrium
1
Dynamic Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle
Topics / Contents
- Reversible reactions and factors governing equilibrium position
- Dynamic equilibrium
- Le Chatelier's principle and equilibrium constant
- Examples: action of steam on iron; N₂O₄ ⇌ 2NO₂
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Identify the factors that affect the position of equilibrium
- j.Predict the effects of each factor on the position of equilibrium
- k.Determine the effects of these factors on equilibrium constant
Topic 15: Non-metals and Their Compounds
1
Hydrogen and Halogens
Topics / Contents
- Hydrogen: commercial production, laboratory preparation, properties, uses and test
- Chlorine: laboratory and industrial preparation (electrolysis), properties and uses (water sterilization, bleaching, HCl manufacture, plastics, insecticides)
- Hydrogen chloride and hydrochloric acid: preparation, properties; chlorides and test for chlorides
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Predict reagents for laboratory and industrial preparation of these gases and their compounds
- j.Identify and compare the properties and uses of the gases and their compounds
- k.Determine the specific test for each gas and its compounds
- l.Determine specific tests for Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, SO₃²⁻, S²⁻, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, CO₃²⁻, HCO₃⁻
2
Oxygen, Sulphur and Nitrogen
Topics / Contents
- Oxygen: laboratory preparation, properties, uses; commercial production from liquid air
- Oxides: acidic, basic, amphoteric and neutral; ozone as an allotrope and its importance
- Sulphur: allotropes; SO₂, H₂S; tetraoxosulphate(VI) acid (contact process), properties and uses; test for SO₄²⁻
- Nitrogen: laboratory and industrial (Haber process) preparation of NH₃; properties and uses; ammonium salts; oxidation of NH₃ to HNO₃
- HNO₃: laboratory preparation, properties, uses; trioxonitrate(V) salts — action of heat; test for NO₃⁻
- Oxides of nitrogen: properties; the nitrogen cycle
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Classify oxides and identify properties; determine significance of ozone to the environment
- j.Identify allotropes of sulphur and their uses; predict reagents for preparation of SO₂ and H₂S
- k.Specify preparations of H₂SO₄ and H₂SO₃, their properties and uses
- l.Specify the laboratory and industrial preparation of NH₃; identify its properties and uses
- m.Identify reagents for laboratory preparation of HNO₃, its properties and uses
- n.Specify the properties of N₂O, NO and NO₂ gases; examine the relevance of the nitrogen cycle
3
Carbon
Topics / Contents
- Allotropes of carbon: uses and properties
- Carbon(IV) oxide: laboratory preparation, properties, uses; action of heat on trioxocarbonate(IV) salts; test for CO₃²⁻
- Carbon(II) oxide: laboratory preparation, properties, effects on blood; sources (charcoal, fire, exhaust fumes)
- Coal: types; products of destructive distillation of wood and coal
- Coke: classification, uses; manufacture and uses of synthetic gas
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Identify allotropes of carbon
- j.Predict reagents for laboratory preparation of CO₂; specify its properties and uses
- k.Determine reagents for laboratory preparation of CO; predict effects of CO on humans
- l.Identify the different forms of coal and their uses
- m.Specify the products of destructive distillation of wood and coal
- n.Specify the uses of coke and synthetic gas
Topic 16: Metals and Their Compounds
1
Alkali Metals, Alkaline-Earth Metals and Aluminium
Topics / Contents
- General properties of metals
- Sodium hydroxide: production by electrolysis of brine; action on Al, Zn and Pb ions; uses including precipitation of metallic hydroxides
- Na₂CO₃ and NaHCO₃: production by Solvay process, properties and uses
- Sodium chloride: occurrence in sea water, uses and economic importance
- Calcium: calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide and calcium trioxocarbonate(IV); properties and uses; test for Ca²⁺
- Aluminium: purification of bauxite, electrolytic extraction, properties and uses; test for Al³⁺
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Specify the general properties of metals
- j.Determine the method of extraction suitable for each metal and relate it to properties
- k.Compare the chemical reactivities of the metals and their compounds
- l.Specify the uses of the metals and determine specific tests for metallic ions
- m.Determine the process for the production of the compounds of these metals
- n.Specify the chemical composition of cement and describe the method of purification of bauxite
2
Tin, Transition Metals, Iron, Copper and Alloys
Topics / Contents
- Tin: extraction from ores, properties and uses
- First transition series: electron configuration, oxidation states, complex ion formation, coloured ions, catalysis
- Iron: extraction from sulphide and oxide ores; properties and uses; different forms of iron; test for Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺
- Copper: extraction from sulphide and oxide ores; properties and uses; preparation and uses of CuSO₄; test for Cu²⁺
- Alloys: steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, type-metal, duralumin, soft solder, permalloy and alnico (constituents and uses)
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Specify the ores of tin, relate extraction method to its properties and specify its uses
- j.Identify the general properties of the first transition metals and deduce reasons for their specific properties
- k.Determine the IUPAC names of simple transition metal complexes
- l.Specify the properties, uses and different forms of iron; identify appropriate extraction method
- m.Identify the appropriate method of extraction of copper; relate properties of copper to its uses
- n.Specify the method for preparation of CuSO₄
- o.Specify the constituents and uses of various alloys and compare alloys to pure metals
Topic 17: Organic Compounds
1
Hydrocarbons (Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes and Benzene)
Topics / Contents
- Tetravalency of carbon; IUPAC nomenclature; determination of empirical formula
- Alkanes: homologous series, substitution reactions, isomerism (structural, up to 6 carbons)
- Petroleum: composition, fractional distillation, cracking, reforming, octane number
- Alkenes: structural and geometric isomerism; addition and polymerization reactions; polythene and synthetic rubber; vulcanization
- Alkynes: ethyne — production from carbides, simple reactions and properties
- Aromatic hydrocarbons: benzene — structure, properties and uses
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Derive the name of organic compounds from their general formulae and relate name to structure
- j.Relate the tetravalency of carbon to catenation
- k.Classify compounds according to their functional groups; derive empirical and molecular formula
- l.Derive various isomeric forms and distinguish between types of isomerism
- m.Specify the uses of various hydrocarbons and identify crude oil as a complex mixture
- n.Relate fractions of hydrocarbons to their properties and uses
- o.Distinguish between various polymerization processes; specify the process involved in vulcanization
- p.Distinguish between aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons; relate properties of benzene to its structure
2
Alkanols, Alkanals, Alkanones and Alkanoic Acids
Topics / Contents
- Alkanols: primary, secondary, tertiary; production of ethanol by fermentation and from petroleum; glycerol as a polyhydric alkanol
- Lucas test: oxidation as a distinguishing test among primary, secondary and tertiary alkanols
- Alkanals and alkanones: chemical tests to distinguish between them
- Alkanoic acids: neutralization and esterification; dicarboxylic acids (ethanedioic/oxalic acid); aromatic acid (benzene carboxylic acid)
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Compare the various classes of alkanols; determine the processes involved in ethanol production
- j.Examine the importance of ethanol as an alternative energy provider
- k.Distinguish the various classes of alkanols using Lucas test
- l.Differentiate between alkanals and alkanones
- m.Compare the various types of alkanoic acids
3
Alkanoates, Amines, Carbohydrates, Proteins and Polymers
Topics / Contents
- Alkanoates: formation from alkanoic acids and alkanols; fats and oils as alkanoates
- Saponification: production of soap and margarine; distinction between detergents and soaps
- Amines (Alkanamines): primary, secondary and tertiary
- Carbohydrates: mono-, di- and polysaccharides; composition; chemical tests; hydrolysis; uses in beverages, pharmaceuticals and textiles
- Proteins: primary structures; hydrolysis; tests (Ninhydrin, Biuret, Millon's, xanthoproteic); enzymes and functions
- Polymers: natural and synthetic rubber; addition and condensation polymerization; thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Identify natural sources of alkanoates; specify methods for production of soap, detergent and margarine; distinguish between detergent and soap
- j.Compare the various classes of alkanamine
- k.Identify natural sources of carbohydrates; compare classes; infer products of hydrolysis; determine uses; specify tests for simple sugars
- l.Identify the basic structure of proteins; specify methods and products of hydrolysis; specify various tests for proteins
- m.Distinguish between natural and synthetic polymers
- n.Differentiate between addition and condensation polymerization; classify natural and commercial polymers and their uses
- o.Distinguish between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics
Topic 18: Chemistry and Industry
1
Chemical Industries and Biotechnology
Topics / Contents
- Chemical industries: types, raw materials and relevance
- Biotechnology
Objectives — Candidates should be able to:
- i.Classify chemical industries in terms of products
- j.Identify raw materials for each industry
- k.Distinguish between fine and heavy chemicals
- l.Enumerate the relevance of each of these industries
- m.Relate industrial processes to biotechnology