Zambia Grade 10 Chemistry Syllabus

This syllabus outlines the topics covered in Chemistry for Grade 10 in Zambia. It is based on the Zambian Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education Chemistry Syllabus.

10.1 Introduction to Chemistry

• 10.1.1 Introduction to Chemistry: This section introduces the study of matter and its chemical changes. It covers the classification of chemistry into its various branches, including Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Physical, and Organic chemistry.

10.2 The Particulate Nature of Matter

• 10.2.1 Matter and the Kinetic Theory: This section defines matter as anything that has mass and occupies space. It classifies the basic units of matter as atoms, molecules, and ions. The kinetic theory is used to explain the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids, and gases. Changes of state, such as melting, freezing, boiling, condensation, and sublimation, are also discussed in terms of the kinetic theory, including the absorption and release of heat during these changes.
• 10.2.2 Diffusion: This section describes diffusion as the movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. It covers diffusion in liquids and gases (Brownian motion) and the factors that affect the rate of diffusion, such as molecular mass, temperature, and concentration.

10.3 Experimental Techniques

• 10.3.1 Measuring Quantities: This section covers the measurement of quantities like time, temperature, mass, and volume. It introduces various measuring apparatus used in chemistry, including stopwatches, thermometers, balances, burettes, pipettes, volumetric flasks, measuring cylinders, and gas syringes. Other apparatus, such as spatulas, stands and clamps, test tubes, burners, glass rods, evaporating dishes, and funnels, are also mentioned.
• 10.3.2 Criteria of Purity: This section explains the differences between pure substances and mixtures in terms of melting and boiling points. It covers methods for determining the purity of a substance and the importance of purity in substances like foodstuffs, medicines, and drinks.
• 10.3.3 Separating Mixtures: This section distinguishes between physical and chemical changes and demonstrates different methods for separating mixtures, such as decantation, filtration, crystallization, simple and fractional distillation, magnetism, chromatography, evaporation, sublimation, flotation, use of separating funnels, and centrifugation. Interpretation of simple paper chromatograms is also covered.

10.4 Atoms, Elements, Compounds, and Molecules

• 10.4.1 Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table: This section describes an atom and its structure, including the Bohr model. It covers the relative charges and approximate relative masses of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The proton (atomic) number (Z), nucleon (mass) number (A), and nuclide notation are also introduced. The section defines an element and explains the basis of the Periodic Table, including how groups and periods are determined. Isotopes and the calculation of relative atomic mass are also covered. Finally, the use of radioactive isotopes is discussed.
• 10.4.2 Bonding: This section defines a compound and describes the formation of ions (radicals). It covers ionic (electrovalent) bonding, covalent bonding, and metallic bonding. The electronic arrangement in simple multiple covalent molecules is also discussed. The section also covers valency, valence electrons, and the formulation of chemical formulae of compounds. Finally, it compares the properties of ionic and covalent compounds.
• 10.4.3 Macromolecules: This section describes the giant covalent structures of graphite and diamond and their uses. It also covers the macromolecular structure of silicon (IV) oxide (silicon dioxide) and identifies similarities in properties between diamond and silicon dioxide.
• 10.4.4 Chemical Formulae and Equations: This section demonstrates how to construct word equations and formulate and balance chemical equations, including state symbols. It also covers the construction of net ionic equations from balanced chemical equations.