WAEC Chemistry Syllabus 2027/2028 Questions PDF Download

Download the WAEC Chemistry Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF and see the complete topics, examination structure, calculations, organic chemistry and practical requirements.

The WAEC Chemistry Syllabus 2027/2028 contains the topics, calculations, experiments and laboratory skills you need to prepare for Chemistry in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

The syllabus covers atomic structure, separation techniques, periodic chemistry, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, energy changes, acids, bases and salts, solubility, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, redox reactions, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, biochemistry and practical Chemistry.

READ: Access 2027 WAEC Questions and Answers in all Subjects – Free Study Guide

ALSO READ: WAEC Specimens 2027

Chemistry requires more than memorising definitions and chemical equations. You should understand the principles behind reactions, know how to carry out calculations, use IUPAC nomenclature correctly, interpret graphs and develop the laboratory skills required for quantitative and qualitative analysis.

The complete syllabus also contains country-specific sections. Section A applies to all candidates, Section B applies to candidates in Ghana, while Section C applies to candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia.

Use the section that applies to the country where you are sitting the examination while studying the common Section A.

READ ALSO: WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects

Download WAEC Chemistry Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF

You can download the complete WAEC Chemistry Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF and keep it on your phone, tablet or computer.

The PDF contains:

• Chemistry aims and objectives
• Complete examination scheme
• Section A for all candidates
• Section B for Ghana
• Section C for Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia
• Atomic Structure
• Periodic Chemistry
• Chemical Bonding
• Stoichiometry
• Gas Laws
• Energy Changes
• Acids, Bases and Salts
• Solubility
• Chemical Kinetics
• Equilibrium
• Redox Reactions
• Electrochemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Industry and Environment
• Basic Biochemistry
• Synthetic Polymers
• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
• Chemistry Practical Requirements

Use the PDF as your main checklist. Mark each topic after studying it and return to areas where you still struggle with calculations, equations or experimental procedures.

WAEC Chemistry Examination Structure

The Chemistry examination consists of three papers: Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3.

Papers 1 and 2 are taken as a composite paper at one sitting.

WAEC Chemistry Paper 1

Paper 1 contains 50 multiple-choice objective questions drawn from Section A of the syllabus, which is the common section for all candidates.

You are required to answer all the questions.

The paper:

• Lasts 1 hour
• Carries 50 marks

Because Paper 1 can test different parts of the common syllabus, you should cover the full Section A rather than concentrating only on calculation topics.

WAEC Chemistry Paper 2

Paper 2 is the essay and structured paper.

It lasts 2 hours and carries 100 marks.

The paper is divided into Sections A and B.

Section A of Chemistry Paper 2

This contains 10 short structured questions drawn from the common Section A of the syllabus.

You are required to answer all the questions.

This section carries 25 marks.

Section B of Chemistry Paper 2

This contains four questions:

• Two from the common syllabus
• Two from the country-specific section applicable to you

You are required to answer any three questions.

Each question carries 25 marks.

This means you should understand both the common Chemistry syllabus and the country-specific section relevant to your examination country.

WAEC Chemistry Paper 3

For school candidates, Paper 3 is a 2-hour practical examination.

For private candidates, the Alternative to Practical Work lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

Each version contains three compulsory questions and carries 50 marks.

The three practical areas are:

• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
• Familiarity with practical activities and experimental principles

Practical Chemistry should therefore form part of your preparation from the beginning.

What You Will Study in WAEC Chemistry

The common Chemistry syllabus is organised into 15 major sections:

1. Introduction to Chemistry
2. Structure of the Atom
3. Standard Separation Techniques for Mixtures
4. Periodic Chemistry
5. Chemical Bonds
6. Stoichiometry and Chemical Reactions
7. States of Matter
8. Energy and Energy Changes
9. Acids, Bases and Salts
10. Solubility of Substances
11. Chemical Kinetics and Equilibrium Systems
12. Redox Reactions
13. Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
14. Chemistry, Industry and the Environment
15. Basic Biochemistry and Synthetic Polymers

You will then study the additional section applicable to your country.

Introduction to Chemistry

This section introduces scientific measurements and the scientific method.

Measurement of Physical Quantities

You should understand how to measure quantities such as:

• Mass
• Length
• Time
• Temperature
• Volume

Know the appropriate SI units.

You should also understand:

• Significant figures
• Precision
• Accuracy

These concepts are particularly important when carrying out calculations and practical experiments.

Scientific Method

Study the major stages of scientific investigation:

• Observation
• Hypothesis
• Experimentation
• Formulation of laws
• Formulation of theories

You should understand how scientific conclusions are reached from experimental observations.

Structure of the Atom

Atomic Structure is one of the foundations of Chemistry.

A strong understanding of this topic will help you with Periodic Chemistry, bonding, redox reactions and several other parts of the syllabus.

Development of Atomic Theory

Study the major ideas associated with:

• Dalton
• J.J. Thomson
• Rutherford
• Bohr

Understand the main experiments and models that contributed to our understanding of atomic structure.

Subatomic Particles

Study:

• Proton
• Neutron
• Electron

Know their:

• Charges
• Relative masses
• Positions in the atom

Atomic Number and Mass Number

Understand:

• Atomic number
• Proton number
• Neutron number
• Mass number
• Isotopes

You should be able to calculate the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms and ions.

Relative Atomic and Molecular Mass

Study:

• Relative atomic mass
• Relative molecular mass
• Carbon-12 scale

Understand how relative atomic mass can be calculated from isotopic abundance.

Particulate Nature of Matter

Study:

• Atoms
• Molecules
• Ions

Understand matter as being made up of particles.

Physical and Chemical Changes

Know the difference between physical and chemical changes.

Examples of physical changes include:

• Melting
• Magnetization
• Dissolving

Examples of chemical changes include:

• Burning
• Rusting
• Decay

You should be able to explain why a particular change is physical or chemical.

Electron Configuration

You should understand electron arrangement in atoms.

Study:

• s orbitals
• p orbitals
• d orbitals
• Sub-energy levels
• Electron configurations of the first 30 elements

Also prepare:

• Aufbau Principle
• Hund’s Rule
• Pauli Exclusion Principle

You should be able to write both detailed and abbreviated electron configurations.

Standard Separation Techniques for Mixtures

Study the classification of mixtures and the appropriate methods used to separate them.

Important techniques include:

• Crystallization
• Distillation
• Precipitation
• Magnetization
• Chromatography
• Sublimation

Understand which technique should be used for different types of mixtures.

Criteria for Purity

Study:

• Boiling point
• Melting point

Understand how these properties can be used to determine whether a substance is pure.

Periodic Chemistry

Periodic Chemistry is another major part of the syllabus.

Periodic Table

Understand how electron configuration determines:

• Group
• Period
• Position of an element

Know the broad categories:

• Metals
• Semi-metals
• Non-metals
• Halogens
• Alkali metals
• Alkaline earth metals
• Transition metals

Periodic Law

Understand the periodic law and how chemical and physical properties change across the Periodic Table.

Study trends in:

• Atomic radius
• Ionic radius
• Ionization energy
• Electron affinity
• Electronegativity

You should be able to explain trends rather than merely state them.

Period Three Elements

Study the progression from sodium to argon.

Understand changes in:

• Metallic character
• Non-metallic character
• Bonding
• Chemical properties

Metals and Their Reactions

Study reactions involving metals such as:

• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Aluminium
• Potassium
• Calcium

Understand their reactions with acids, oxides and trioxocarbonates where required.

Halogens

Study:

• Fluorine
• Chlorine
• Bromine
• Iodine

Understand trends in:

• Physical states
• Melting points
• Boiling points
• Oxidation states
• Redox properties
• Displacement reactions

Transition Metals

Study the first transition series.

Important properties include:

• Variable oxidation states
• Coloured compounds
• Complex formation
• Catalytic activity
• Paramagnetism
• Hardness

Understand how transition metals differ from typical s-block metals.

Chemical Bonding

Chemical bonding explains how atoms combine to form substances.

Ionic Bonding

Study:

• Formation of ionic bonds
• Transfer of electrons
• Ions
• Ionic compounds

Know the factors influencing ionic-bond formation.

Properties of Ionic Compounds

Understand properties such as:

• Solubility
• Electrical conductivity
• Hardness
• Melting point

Relate these properties to ionic structure.

Naming Ionic Compounds

Practise the IUPAC naming of simple ionic compounds.

Covalent Bonding

Study how covalent bonds form through sharing of electrons.

Understand:

• Covalent compounds
• Lewis structures
• Properties

Coordinate Covalent Bond

Know the difference between:

• Ordinary covalent bonding
• Coordinate or dative covalent bonding

Shapes of Molecules

Study common molecular shapes such as:

• Linear
• Planar
• Tetrahedral

Examples in the syllabus include:

• BeCl₂
• BF₃
• CH₄
• NH₃
• CO₂

Metallic Bonding

Study:

• Formation
• Factors influencing metallic bonding
• Properties of metals

Important properties include:

• Electrical conductivity
• Thermal conductivity
• Malleability
• Ductility
• Lustre
• Sonority
• Hardness

Intermolecular Forces

Study:

• Dipole-dipole forces
• Induced dipole forces
• Hydrogen bonding
• van der Waals forces

Understand how intermolecular forces affect physical properties such as boiling point.

Stoichiometry and Chemical Reactions

Stoichiometry is one of the most important calculation areas in Chemistry.

Chemical Symbols Formulae and Equations

Know the symbols of the first 30 elements and other common elements.

You should be able to:

• Write chemical formulae
• Balance chemical equations
• Use IUPAC names
• Interpret equations

Empirical and Molecular Formulae

Understand how to determine:

• Empirical formula
• Molecular formula

Practise calculations thoroughly.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Study reactions such as:

• Combustion
• Synthesis
• Displacement
• Decomposition
• Ionic reactions

Laws of Chemical Combination

Study:

• Law of Conservation of Mass
• Law of Constant Composition
• Law of Multiple Proportions

Understand both the statements and their applications.

Mole Concept

The mole concept is essential for Chemistry calculations.

Study:

• Mole
• Avogadro constant
• Molar mass
• Amount of substance
• Mole ratios

Know Avogadro’s constant as approximately:

6.02 × 10²³ entities mol⁻¹

Mole Calculations

Practise calculations involving:

• Number of particles
• Mass
• Moles
• Volume
• Concentration
• Percentage composition
• Percentage yield

You should be able to obtain mole ratios from balanced equations.

Solutions and Concentration

Study:

• Solute
• Solvent
• Solution
• Dilute solution
• Concentrated solution
• Acidic solution
• Basic solution
• Neutral solution

Concentration

Be comfortable with concentration expressed in:

• g dm⁻³
• mol dm⁻³

Standard Solutions

Understand:

• Primary standard
• Secondary standard
• Standard solution

You should know how standard solutions are prepared.

Dilution

Study the preparation of solutions through dilution.

Understand dilution factor and practise calculations involving concentration and volume.

States of Matter

Study:

• Solid
• Liquid
• Gas

and explain their properties using the kinetic theory of matter.

Kinetic Theory of Matter

Understand how particle movement explains:

• Melting
• Boiling
• Evaporation
• Dissolution
• Brownian motion
• Diffusion

Know how particle arrangement differs in solids, liquids and gases.

Gas Laws

Study:

• Boyle’s Law
• Charles’ Law
• Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressure
• Graham’s Law of Diffusion
• Avogadro’s Law

Also study the ideal gas equation:

PV = nRT

Practise gas-law calculations regularly.

Ideal and Real Gases

Understand:

• Ideal gases
• Real gases
• Reasons real gases deviate from ideal behaviour

Laboratory Preparation of Gases

The common syllabus includes laboratory preparation and properties of gases such as:

• Hydrogen
• Ammonia
• Carbon dioxide

You should understand:

• Preparation
• Purification
• Collection
• Physical properties
• Chemical properties

Liquids Vapour and Vapour Pressure

Study:

• Properties of liquids
• Vapour
• Vapour pressure
• Saturated vapour pressure
• Boiling
• Evaporation

Understand the difference between a vapour and a gas.

You should also understand how vapour pressure affects boiling point.

Solids

Study the main types of solids:

• Ionic
• Metallic
• Covalent network
• Molecular

Relate their structures to their properties.

Diamond and Graphite

Study:

• Structures
• Properties
• Uses

Understand how their different structures explain their different properties.

Energy and Energy Changes

Study:

• Energy
• Enthalpy
• Energy changes in chemical processes

Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions

Know the difference between:

• Exothermic reactions
• Endothermic reactions

Be able to interpret energy changes.

Enthalpy Changes

Study enthalpy changes associated with:

• Combustion
• Dissolution
• Neutralization

You should be comfortable interpreting energy diagrams where required.

Acids Bases and Salts

This is one of the broadest topics in Chemistry.

Acids and Bases

Study the Arrhenius concept of acids and bases.

Understand acids and bases in terms of ions produced in aqueous solution.

Properties of Acids and Bases

Study:

• Effects on indicators
• Conductivity
• Reactions with metals
• Reactions with oxides
• Reactions with trioxocarbonates
• Relevant balanced equations

Strong and Weak Acids and Bases

Understand the difference between:

• Strong acids
• Weak acids
• Strong bases
• Weak bases

Relate strength to the extent of ionization.

pH

Study:

• Meaning of pH
• pH scale
• Acidic solutions
• Neutral solutions
• Alkaline solutions

You should understand methods of determining pH using:

• pH meter
• Universal indicator
• Appropriate colour methods

Also understand the significance of pH in areas such as:

• Soil
• Blood
• Urine
• Acid rain

Salts

Study:

• Normal salts
• Acid salts
• Basic salts
• Double salts
• Complex salts

Understand their preparation and uses.

Salt Hydrolysis

Study how salts can produce:

• Acidic solutions
• Alkaline solutions
• Neutral solutions

Examples in the syllabus include compounds such as ammonium chloride and sodium trioxocarbonate.

Deliquescent Efflorescent and Hygroscopic Substances

Understand these terms and be able to distinguish between them.

Know the importance of hygroscopic materials as drying agents.

Acid-Base Indicators

Study:

• How indicators work
• Methyl orange
• Phenolphthalein
• Working pH ranges

You should know which indicator is suitable for different titrations.

Acid-Base Titration

Titration is one of the most important practical and calculation areas in Chemistry.

Study:

• Appropriate apparatus
• Standard solutions
• End point
• Indicators
• Mole ratios

Practise calculations involving:

• Concentration
• Mole ratio
• Percentage purity
• Composition
• Water of crystallization

Solubility of Substances

Study:

• Meaning of solubility
• Saturated solutions
• Unsaturated solutions
• Solubility curves
• Temperature effects
• Crystallization
• Recrystallization

Solubility Calculations

Practise calculations involving solubility in:

• mol dm⁻³
• g dm⁻³

Understand how solubility curves are interpreted.

Solubility Rules

Know the common rules for soluble and insoluble salts.

These are particularly important in Qualitative Analysis.

Chemical Kinetics

Chemical Kinetics deals with rates of chemical reactions.

Rate of Reaction

Understand:

• Meaning of reaction rate
• How rate can be measured
• How experimental data can be represented

Observable changes may include:

• Colour
• Mass
• Temperature
• pH
• Formation of precipitate

Factors Affecting Reaction Rate

Study the effects of:

• Concentration
• Pressure
• Temperature
• Catalyst
• Light
• Particle size
• Nature of reactants

You should understand the experimental evidence for each factor.

Collision Theory

Study:

• Collision theory
• Effective collisions
• Activation energy
• Effect of temperature
• Effect of concentration

Be able to interpret energy-profile diagrams.

Chemical Equilibrium

Study:

• Reversible reactions
• Irreversible reactions
• Dynamic equilibrium

Understand that an equilibrium system remains dynamic even when observable properties remain constant.

Le Chatelier’s Principle

Study how equilibrium responds to changes in:

• Concentration
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Volume

You should be able to predict how an equilibrium system will respond to these changes.

Redox Reactions

Redox Chemistry is important in both theory and practical Chemistry.

Oxidation and Reduction

Study oxidation and reduction in terms of:

• Gain and loss of oxygen
• Gain and loss of hydrogen
• Loss and gain of electrons
• Changes in oxidation number

Oxidation Numbers

Practise assigning oxidation states to elements in compounds and ions.

Oxidizing and Reducing Agents

Understand how to identify:

• Oxidizing agents
• Reducing agents

Balancing Redox Equations

Practise balancing redox equations using:

• Electron-transfer methods
• Half equations
• Oxidation-number changes

Electrochemical Cells

Study:

• Half-cells
• Electrochemical cells
• Standard hydrogen electrode
• Standard electrode potential
• Cell diagrams
• Cell notation
• Electromotive force

Types of Cells

Understand the difference between:

• Primary cells
• Secondary cells

Examples include:

• Daniell cell
• Lead-acid battery
• Dry cell
• Fuel cell

Electrolysis

Study:

• Electrolytes
• Electrolytic cells
• Electrodes
• Mechanism of electrolysis
• Factors affecting discharge of ions

Important electrolytes mentioned in the syllabus include:

• Molten PbBr₂
• Molten NaCl
• Dilute NaCl
• Concentrated NaCl
• CuSO₄ solution
• Dilute H₂SO₄
• NaOH solution
• CaCl₂ solution

Faraday’s Laws

Practise electrolysis calculations using:

1 F = 96,500 C

Calculations may involve:

• Mass
• Volume of gas
• Number of particles
• Charge
• Mole ratios

Applications of Electrolysis

Study applications such as:

• Electroplating
• Extraction of metals
• Purification of metals

Corrosion of Metals

Study corrosion as a redox process.

Pay particular attention to rusting of iron.

Know prevention methods such as:

• Painting
• Greasing
• Oiling
• Galvanizing
• Sacrificial protection
• Cathodic protection

Understand why each method prevents or reduces corrosion.

Chemistry of Carbon Compounds

Organic Chemistry is another major section.

You should understand classification, nomenclature, structures, properties, reactions and uses of carbon compounds.

Classification of Organic Compounds

Study:

• Straight-chain compounds
• Branched-chain compounds
• Aromatic compounds
• Alicyclic compounds

Functional Groups

The common syllabus includes compounds such as:

• Alkanes
• Alkenes
• Alkynes
• Alkanols
• Alkanoic acids
• Alkyl alkanoates
• Amines

Practise IUPAC nomenclature.

Separation and Purification of Organic Compounds

Study:

• Distillation
• Crystallization
• Drying
• Chromatography

Petroleum and Crude Oil

Study:

• Composition
• Fractional distillation
• Major fractions
• Cracking
• Reforming
• Petrochemicals
• Uses

Octane Number

Understand the meaning and importance of octane number in the petroleum industry.

Homologous Series and Isomerism

Study:

• Meaning of homologous series
• Gradation in physical properties
• Structural isomerism
• Geometric or stereoisomerism

Examples are generally limited to relatively simple organic compounds.

Alkanes

Study:

• Sources
• Preparation
• Nomenclature
• Structures
• Properties
• Uses

Important reactions include:

• Combustion
• Substitution
• Cracking

Alkenes

Study:

• Preparation
• Structure
• Nomenclature
• Properties
• Uses

Important reactions include:

• Halogenation
• Hydrogenation
• Hydration
• Oxidation
• Polymerization

Know how reagents such as bromine water and aqueous potassium manganate(VII) can be used in tests involving unsaturation.

Alkynes

Study:

• Nomenclature
• Structure
• Preparation
• Uses
• Reactions

You should also understand tests used to distinguish:

• Alkane
• Alkene
• Alkyne

Benzene

Study:

• Structure
• Resonance
• Physical properties
• Chemical properties

Understand why benzene commonly undergoes substitution reactions.

Alkanols

Study:

• Sources
• Nomenclature
• Structures
• Classification
• Physical properties
• Chemical properties
• Laboratory tests
• Uses

Know the difference between:

• Primary alkanols
• Secondary alkanols
• Tertiary alkanols

Important reactions include:

• Reaction with sodium
• Esterification
• Dehydration
• Oxidation

Alkanoic Acids

Study:

• Nomenclature
• Structures
• Physical properties
• Chemical properties
• Uses

Examples include:

• Methanoic acid
• Ethanoic acid

Understand reactions with:

• Water
• Alkalis
• Ammonia
• Hydrogentrioxocarbonates
• Metals

Alkanoates

Study esters as derivatives of alkanoic acids.

Know:

• Sources
• Preparation
• Nomenclature
• Structures
• Properties
• Hydrolysis
• Uses

Uses include areas such as:

• Flavourings
• Perfumes
• Solvents
• Plasticizers

Chemistry Industry and the Environment

Study the relationship between Chemistry, natural resources, industries and the environment.

Chemical Industry

Understand:

• Natural resources
• Raw materials
• Chemical industries
• Fine chemicals
• Heavy chemicals

You should also study factors affecting the location of chemical industries.

Pollution

Study:

• Air pollution
• Water pollution
• Soil pollution

Understand:

• Sources
• Effects
• Control

Also prepare:

• Greenhouse effect
• Ozone-layer depletion
• Biodegradable pollutants
• Non-biodegradable pollutants

Biotechnology

Study biological processes used in areas such as:

• Food processing
• Fermentation
• Bread production
• Gari production

Understand how Chemistry and biological processes interact in industry.

Basic Biochemistry

The common syllabus includes proteins, amino acids, fats, oils and carbohydrates.

Proteins

Study:

• Sources
• Properties
• Uses
• Hydrolysis
• Laboratory tests

Understand proteins as polymers of amino acids joined through peptide or amide linkages.

Important protein tests mentioned include:

• Ninhydrin
• Biuret
• Millon’s reagent

Amino Acids

Study:

• General structure
• Nomenclature
• Difunctional nature

Understand the acidic and basic functional groups present in amino acids.

Fats and Oils

Study:

• Sources
• Structures
• Properties
• Uses

Understand fats and oils as esters.

Soap Preparation

Study saponification and the production of soap from fats and oils.

Also understand the behaviour of soaps and synthetic detergents in:

• Soft water
• Hard water

Carbohydrates

Study:

• Monosaccharides
• Disaccharides
• Polysaccharides

Know their:

• Sources
• Structures
• Properties
• Uses

Tests for Reducing Sugars

The syllabus includes tests involving:

• Fehling’s solution
• Benedict’s solution
• Tollens’ reagent

Understand the procedure and expected observations.

Starch

Understand starch as a polymer of glucose units.

Synthetic Polymers

Study:

• Monomers
• Polymers
• Polymerization

Understand:

• Addition polymerization
• Condensation polymerization

Types of Plastics

Study:

• Thermoplastics
• Thermosetting plastics
• Resins

Understand their properties and uses.

Ghana-Specific Chemistry Topics

Candidates sitting WAEC Chemistry in Ghana should study Section A together with Section B of the syllabus.

Important additional Ghana topics include:

• Mass spectrometry
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Radioactivity
• Nuclear fission
• Nuclear fusion
• Half-life
• Quantum numbers
• Advanced Periodic Chemistry
• Complex compounds
• Ligands
• Coordination compounds
• Hybridization
• Sigma and pi bonds
• Hess’s Law
• Born-Haber cycles
• Bond energy
• Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases
• Lewis acids and bases
• pH and pOH calculations
• Ka and Kb
• Buffer solutions
• Double-indicator titrations
• Back titration
• Solubility product
• Rate law and reaction order
• Kp and Kc
• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Mineral extraction
• Cement production

Nuclear Chemistry

Study:

• Alpha radiation
• Beta radiation
• Gamma radiation
• Natural radioactivity
• Artificial radioactivity
• Fission
• Fusion
• Nuclear equations
• Half-life
• Applications
• Hazards

Complex Compounds

Study:

• Ligands
• Central ions
• Coordination compounds
• Nomenclature
• Shapes

Hybridization

Understand:

• sp
• sp²
• sp³
• Other hybrid arrangements specified in the syllabus

Also study:

• Sigma bonds
• Pi bonds

Advanced Energy Changes

Prepare:

• Hess’s Law
• Born-Haber cycles
• Bond energy
• Bond dissociation energy
• Enthalpy calculations

Advanced Acid-Base Chemistry

Study:

• Brønsted-Lowry theory
• Lewis theory
• Conjugate acid-base pairs
• pH
• pOH
• pKw
• Ka
• Kb
• Buffers

Solubility Product

Understand:

• Ksp
• Sparingly soluble compounds
• Solubility calculations
• Factors affecting solubility

Reaction Order

Study:

• Zero-order reactions
• First-order reactions
• Second-order reactions
• Rate equations
• Half-life
• Rate-determining steps

Ghana Chemical Industry

The Ghana section also includes the extraction and processing of mineral resources and cement production.

Chemistry Topics for Nigeria Sierra Leone Liberia and The Gambia

Candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia should study Section A together with Section C.

Section C focuses strongly on non-metals, metals and practical Chemistry.

Non-Metals and Their Compounds

The major elements and compounds include:

• Carbon
• Oxygen
• Hydrogen
• Water
• Halogens
• Hydrogen chloride
• Nitrogen
• Sulphur
• Noble gases

Carbon and Its Compounds

Study:

• Diamond
• Graphite
• Amorphous carbon
• Coal
• Coke
• Carbon monoxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Trioxocarbonate(IV) salts

Allotropes of Carbon

Know their:

• Structures
• Properties
• Uses

Relate the uses of diamond and graphite to their structures and properties.

Coal

Study types such as:

• Anthracite
• Peat
• Lignite

Understand destructive distillation and the products obtained.

Coke and Synthetic Gases

Study:

• Coke
• Water gas
• Producer gas

Know their production and uses.

Oxygen

Study:

• Laboratory preparation
• Industrial preparation
• Properties
• Uses
• Test for oxygen

Also understand:

• Acidic oxides
• Basic oxides
• Amphoteric oxides
• Neutral oxides

Hydrogen

Study:

• Laboratory preparation
• Properties
• Uses
• Test for hydrogen

Water and Solutions

Study:

• Composition of water
• Water as a solvent
• Hard water
• Soft water
• Causes of hardness
• Removal of hardness
• Water treatment

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of hard and soft water.

Chlorine and the Halogens

Study:

• Laboratory preparation of chlorine
• Properties
• Reactions
• Displacement reactions
• Uses of halogen compounds

Know the variable oxidation states where required.

Hydrogen Chloride

Study:

• Laboratory preparation
• Properties
• Uses
• Test
• Fountain experiment

Nitrogen and Its Compounds

Study:

• Nitrogen
• Ammonia
• Trioxonitrate(V) acid
• Trioxonitrate(V) salts

Understand their:

• Preparation
• Properties
• Reactions
• Uses

Know the test for ammonia and the reactions involving nitrate salts.

Sulphur and Its Compounds

Study:

• Sulphur allotropes
• Uses
• Sulphur compounds
• Trioxosulphate(IV) acid and salts
• Tetraoxosulphate(VI) acid

The Contact Process should be understood.

Noble Gases

Study their:

• Properties
• Uses

Metals and Their Compounds

The Section C syllabus includes extraction and chemistry of important metals.

Extraction of Metals

Study the extraction of:

• Aluminium
• Iron
• Tin

Understand:

• Raw materials
• Processing
• Main products
• By-products
• Uses

Alloys

Study common alloys involving metals such as:

• Copper
• Aluminium
• Lead
• Iron
• Tin

Know their compositions where required and their uses.

Sodium and Its Compounds

Important compounds include:

• Sodium chloride
• Sodium hydroxide
• Sodium trioxocarbonate(IV)
• Sodium trioxonitrate(V)
• Sodium tetraoxosulphate(VI)
• Sodium oxochlorate(I)

Know their properties and uses.

Calcium and Its Compounds

Important compounds include:

• Calcium trioxocarbonate(IV)
• Calcium oxide
• Calcium tetraoxosulphate(VI)
• Calcium chloride
• Calcium hydroxide

Study their properties and uses.

Iron and Aluminium

Study their reactivity with:

• Air
• Water
• Acids

Copper and Its Compounds

Important compounds include:

• Copper(II) tetraoxosulphate(VI)
• Copper(II) oxide
• Copper(II) chloride

Know their properties and uses.

WAEC Chemistry Practical Syllabus 2027/2028

Practical Chemistry deserves serious preparation.

You should become confident with:

• Laboratory equipment
• Measurements
• Solution preparation
• Titration
• Observation
• Chemical tests
• Calculations
• Identification of ions and gases

General Practical Skills

The syllabus expects familiarity with:

• Measuring mass
• Measuring volume
• Preparing standard solutions
• Diluting standard solutions
• Filtration
• Recrystallization
• Melting-point determination
• Measuring heat of neutralization
• Measuring heat of solution
• Determining pH
• Determining reaction rates
• Studying simple equilibrium systems

For every experiment, understand:

Aim → Apparatus → Procedure → Observation → Calculation → Conclusion → Precautions

Quantitative Analysis

Quantitative Analysis deals mainly with numerical determination of substances.

Acid-Base Titration

You should be able to use:

• Standard acids
• Standard alkalis
• Appropriate indicators

Important indicators include:

• Methyl orange
• Methyl red
• Phenolphthalein

Practise calculations involving:

• Concentration
• Molar mass
• Water of crystallization
• Solubility
• Percentage purity
• Stoichiometry

Titration Apparatus

Become familiar with:

• Burette
• Pipette
• Conical flask
• Volumetric flask
• Measuring cylinder
• Funnel

Know how they are used correctly.

Redox Titration

The practical syllabus also includes redox-titration systems.

You should understand the principles and calculations involved in oxidation-reduction titrations.

Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative Analysis requires you to identify substances through their characteristic reactions.

No formal analytical scheme is required by the syllabus, but you should know the specified tests.

Tests for Cations

Study characteristic reactions involving:

• NH₄⁺
• Ca²⁺
• Pb²⁺
• Cu²⁺
• Fe²⁺
• Fe³⁺
• Al³⁺
• Zn²⁺

Know their reactions with:

• Dilute sodium hydroxide
• Aqueous ammonia

You should know:

• Colour of precipitate
• Solubility in excess reagent
• Confirmatory test where required

Tests for Anions

Study tests for ions such as:

• Cl⁻
• SO₃²⁻
• CO₃²⁻
• NO₃⁻
• SO₄²⁻

Know:

• Reagent
• Procedure
• Observation
• Confirmation

Tests for Gases

Know the characteristic tests for:

• Hydrogen
• Ammonia
• Carbon dioxide
• Hydrogen chloride
• Sulphur dioxide

Do not confuse the method of preparing a gas with the test used to identify it.

Organic Compound Tests

The practical syllabus includes characteristic tests involving:

• Alkenes
• Alkanols
• Alkanoic acids
• Reducing sugars
• Starch
• Proteins

For every test, learn:

• Reagent
• Procedure
• Observation
• Inference

Chemistry Calculations You Should Practise

Chemistry contains a large amount of numerical work.

You should practise calculations involving:

• Relative atomic mass
• Relative molecular mass
• Percentage composition
• Empirical formula
• Molecular formula
• Mole concept
• Avogadro constant
• Mass
• Volume
• Concentration
• Dilution
• Mole ratios
• Percentage yield
• Gas laws
• pH
• Titration
• Solubility
• Energy changes
• Electrolysis
• Electrode potentials

For country-specific sections, additional calculation areas may include:

• Half-life
• pOH
• Ka and Kb
• Ksp
• Rate constants
• Reaction order
• Kp and Kc
• Bond energies

Chemical Equations You Should Practise

You should be comfortable writing and balancing:

• Molecular equations
• Ionic equations
• Redox equations
• Half equations
• Combustion equations
• Neutralization equations
• Organic reaction equations
• Electrolysis equations

A chemical equation should have the correct:

• Formulae
• Stoichiometric coefficients
• Charges where applicable
• State symbols where required

IUPAC Nomenclature

The syllabus expects candidates to understand conventional and IUPAC nomenclature.

Give particular attention to:

• Ionic compounds
• Organic compounds
• Oxidation states
• Functional groups

Do not rely only on common names.

Laboratory Safety

Chemistry involves chemicals, glassware, heat and electrical equipment.

You should understand laboratory safety throughout your practical preparation.

Important habits include:

• Following instructions
• Handling acids and alkalis carefully
• Avoiding direct inhalation of gases
• Using apparatus correctly
• Reading measurements properly
• Keeping the work area organised
• Reporting accidents immediately

Whenever an experiment has a specific precaution, learn the reason for that precaution.

How to Use the WAEC Chemistry Syllabus to Prepare

Download the Complete Chemistry Syllabus

Keep the PDF on your phone or computer and use it throughout your preparation.

Do not treat the syllabus as something to check only shortly before the examination.

Identify the Sections Applicable to You

Every candidate studies Section A.

Then use the appropriate additional section:

• Ghana → Section B
• Nigeria → Section C
• Sierra Leone → Section C
• Liberia → Section C
• The Gambia → Section C

This helps you avoid leaving out country-specific material.

Build Your Calculation Skills Early

Do not postpone calculations.

Start with:

1. Relative masses
2. Mole concept
3. Equations
4. Stoichiometry
5. Concentration
6. Gas laws

Then move to:

7. Titration
8. Solubility
9. Energetics
10. Electrochemistry

Regular practice is more effective than memorising worked examples.

Practise Equations Every Week

Make chemical equations a regular part of your revision.

Practise:

• Balancing
• Ionic equations
• Redox equations
• Organic equations

Check your formulae before balancing.

Connect Theory With Experiments

If you study acids and bases, relate the topic to titration and indicators.

If you study solubility, connect it with precipitation and qualitative analysis.

If you study redox reactions, connect them with electrochemistry and redox titration.

This makes Chemistry easier to understand as one connected subject.

Practise Practical Chemistry

Do not wait for the practical examination before revising laboratory work.

Become familiar with:

• Apparatus
• Indicators
• Titration
• Ion tests
• Gas tests
• Organic tests
• Observations

Use Past Questions by Topic

After studying a topic, answer previous questions from that area.

For example:

After Mole Concept → practise stoichiometry questions.

After Acids and Bases → practise pH and titration questions.

After Organic Chemistry → practise nomenclature and reaction questions.

After Qualitative Analysis → practise ion-identification questions.

This helps you identify your weak areas quickly.

What Should You Focus on Most for WAEC Chemistry

You should cover the complete syllabus, but make sure you are especially confident in:

• Atomic Structure
• Electron Configuration
• Periodic Chemistry
• Chemical Bonding
• Mole Concept
• Stoichiometry
• Chemical Equations
• Gas Laws
• Energy Changes
• Acids Bases and Salts
• pH
• Titration
• Solubility
• Chemical Kinetics
• Equilibrium
• Redox Reactions
• Electrolysis
• Organic Chemistry
• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
• Laboratory Tests

For a more focused revision guide, see the WAEC Chemistry Areas of Concentration 2027/2028.

You can also use the WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects to access the revision guides for your other subjects.

Is Chemistry Compulsory in WAEC

Chemistry is not compulsory for every WAEC candidate.

You will take Chemistry if it is among the subjects selected during your registration.

If you registered Chemistry, prepare for the objective, theory and practical components and make sure you study the country-specific section applicable to you.

For registration information, see WAEC Registration 2027 Form Fee Deadline and Guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the WAEC Chemistry Syllabus 2027/2028?

The WAEC Chemistry syllabus contains the topics, calculations, experiments and examination requirements you need to prepare for WASSCE Chemistry.

Where Can I Download the WAEC Chemistry Syllabus PDF?

Use the download button near the beginning of this article to save the complete Chemistry syllabus PDF to your phone, tablet or computer.

How Many Papers Are in WAEC Chemistry?

There are three papers:

• Paper 1
• Paper 2
• Paper 3

How Many Questions Are in WAEC Chemistry Paper 1?

Paper 1 contains 50 multiple-choice questions.

How Long Is WAEC Chemistry Paper 1?

Paper 1 lasts 1 hour.

How Long Is WAEC Chemistry Paper 2?

Paper 2 lasts 2 hours and carries 100 marks.

What Is in WAEC Chemistry Paper 2?

Paper 2 contains short structured questions and longer questions drawn from both the common syllabus and the country-specific section applicable to the candidate.

Is There Practical Chemistry in WAEC?

Yes.

School candidates take a practical paper lasting 2 hours.

Private candidates take an Alternative to Practical Work paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.

What Is Tested in WAEC Chemistry Practical?

The practical examination covers:

• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
• Familiarity with Chemistry experiments and practical principles

Is Titration Important in WAEC Chemistry?

Yes.

Acid-base titration is a major quantitative-analysis topic and can involve calculations on concentration, mole ratios, percentage purity and other analytical quantities.

Is Qualitative Analysis Important?

Yes.

You should know the characteristic tests for specified cations, anions, gases and simple organic compounds.

Does WAEC Chemistry Include Organic Chemistry?

Yes.

Organic Chemistry includes hydrocarbons, alkanols, alkanoic acids, esters, petroleum and other carbon compounds.

Does WAEC Chemistry Include Calculations?

Yes.

Important calculation areas include stoichiometry, the mole concept, gas laws, concentration, titration, solubility, energy changes and electrolysis.

Do All WAEC Countries Use Exactly the Same Chemistry Topics?

All candidates study the common Section A.

The syllabus then contains country-specific material. Section B applies to Ghana, while Section C applies to Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia.

What Chemistry Section Should Nigerian Candidates Study?

Nigerian candidates should study Section A and Section C.

What Chemistry Section Should Ghanaian Candidates Study?

Ghanaian candidates should study Section A and Section B.

Should I Study Practical Chemistry From the Beginning?

Yes.

Practical skills are directly examined, so you should practise laboratory work alongside the corresponding theory topics.

Where Can I Find the WAEC Chemistry Areas of Concentration?

Use the WAEC Chemistry Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 guide to organise your Chemistry revision around the major topics and practical areas.

Conclusion

The WAEC Chemistry Syllabus 2027/2028 gives you a complete roadmap for preparing for Chemistry in the WASSCE.

The common syllabus covers Atomic Structure, Separation Techniques, Periodic Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, Stoichiometry, States of Matter, Energy Changes, Acids and Bases, Solubility, Chemical Kinetics, Equilibrium, Redox Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry and Polymers.

You should then study the additional country-specific section that applies to you.

Chemistry is best prepared through a combination of theory, calculations and practical work.

Do not memorise equations without understanding the reaction. Do not read calculation examples without solving questions yourself. Do not study practical tests without learning the reagents, observations and conclusions.

Use the complete syllabus as your main checklist, practise calculations and equations regularly, become familiar with laboratory procedures and answer WAEC past questions after completing each topic.

READ ALSO: WAEC Chemistry Areas of Concentration 2027/2028

READ ALSO: WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects

READ: WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects

ALSO READ: WAEC Timetable 2027