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GCSE chemistry calculations

Most chemistry calculations come down to a few steps: Mr, moles, the ratio from the equation, then back to mass.

Relative formula mass

Add the relative atomic masses of every atom in the formula. Brackets multiply everything inside them.

FormulaWorkingMr
H₂O2 × 1 + 1618
CO₂12 + 2 × 1644
Ca(OH)₂40 + 2 × (16 + 1)74

Moles and reacting masses

Moles = mass ÷ Mr. Balance the equation first: its numbers give the ratio of moles that react.

massmolMr
moles = mass ÷ MrMoles

Concentration and rates

Concentration is the amount dissolved per volume. A mean rate of reaction is the amount used or made divided by the time taken.

concentration = amount ÷ volumeConcentration
mean rate = amount ÷ timeMean rate of reaction
Printable calculations workbookIn the Shop

Questions

Why do I get the wrong answer even when my method is right?

Check the units first: grams against kilograms, cm³ against dm³. Then check that the equation is balanced.

Related

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