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Properties & Structure

Science • Year 11 • 2 • 1 students • Created with AI following Aligned with Australian Curriculum (F-10)

Science
1Year 11
2
1 students
5 November 2025

Teaching Instructions

(HSC Chemistry – Module 1) Create an exam-style worksheet for NSW Year 11 Chemistry – Module 1: Properties & Structure of Matter, topic: [REPLACE WITH YOUR TOPIC e.g., “Bonding, VSEPR & Polarity” / “Periodic Trends & Electronic Structure” / “Intermolecular Forces & Properties” / “Ionic vs Covalent Network vs Metallic Solids”]. Audience: high-ability students; use HSC style language and command verbs (“justify”, “evaluate”, “derive”). Use Australian spelling. Deliverables 25 original questions, syllabus-aligned, no reuse of public items. Mix & marks: Section A: 10 MCQ (1 mark each); Section B: 10 short-answer (2–3 marks each); Section C: 5 extended problems (4–6 marks each). Include a mark next to each part and a total. Provide a full Answer Key + Marking Guidelines (step marks, typical errors, acceptable alternatives). Diagrams (compulsory & accurate) Include at least 8 labelled diagrams/SVGs across the worksheet. Choose from: Particle/atomic models (isotopes; electron shells/subshells; orbital box diagrams). Periodic-trend plots (atomic radius, IE, EN vs group/period) with axes, units and data points. Lewis structures and VSEPR 3-D shapes (bond angles, lone pairs, dipole arrows, molecular polarity). Lattice models: ionic crystal unit cell (ions labelled, coordination), covalent network (SiO₂/diamond), metallic sea-of-electrons schematic. Intermolecular forces diagrams (dispersion, dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonding) with partial charges and distances. Solubility/conductivity/compression comparison schematics for different bonding types. Each diagram must be clear, black-and-white friendly, with labels, scale/angles, and referenced in a question. Content expectations (choose items matching the selected topic) Electronic structure & trends: electron configuration incl. exceptions, core vs valence, periodicity of radius/IE/EN; use data sets for analysis. Bonding & structure: Lewis/VSEPR shapes, resonance, formal charge (where relevant), polarity and net dipole prediction. Solids & properties: relate structure to melting point, hardness, conductivity, solubility; compare ionic / metallic / covalent network / molecular. Intermolecular forces: ranking and property predictions (bp/mp/viscosity/volatility/solubility). Nanomaterials/allotropes: graphene vs diamond vs graphite (structure → properties → uses). Style & checking Write hard questions requiring multi-step reasoning, data interpretation, and short justifications. Use SI units, correct chemical notation (subscripts, state symbols), and significant figures. Avoid brand names or copyrighted passages. At the end, include a one-page mapping of each question to Module 1 dot points/outcomes. Output format Title, short instructions, then Sections A–C. Embed diagrams with captions. After the questions, add Answer Key + Marking Guidelines.

WALT (We Are Learning To)

  • Understand and apply concepts of bonding, molecular geometry (VSEPR theory), and molecular polarity
  • Analyse and evaluate molecular structures to predict physical and chemical properties
  • Develop problem-solving skills using HSC-style questions aligned to NSW Year 11 Chemistry Module 1

Success Criteria

  • I can identify types of chemical bonding and explain their properties
  • I can draw and interpret Lewis structures and VSEPR models
  • I can justify molecular polarity using dipole moments and geometry
  • I can confidently answer multiple-choice, short-answer and extended response HSC-style questions
  • I can explain how bonding and structure influence properties such as melting point and solubility

Lesson Duration

  • Online lesson spanning 60 minutes, for 1 high-ability Year 11 student

Lesson Plan Outline

Introduction & Engagement (10 mins)

  • Quick interactive poll/game: Match bonding type with examples (ionic, covalent, metallic)
  • Show a vivid labelled diagram of bonding types and particle models (including ion lattices and metallic electron sea)
  • Relate bonding types to properties (melting point, solubility)

Core Concepts Teaching (15 mins)

  • Bonding: Recap ionic, covalent, polar covalent, metallic
  • Lewis Structures: Steps to draw, formal charge, resonance
  • VSEPR Theory: 3D molecular shapes, bond angles, lone pairs
  • Polarity: Dipole moments, vector addition, molecule polarity prediction using dipole arrows

Use diagrams with labelled bond angles, lone pairs, dipole arrows, and 3D VSEPR shapes, clearly annotated and black-and-white friendly


Activity 1: Worksheet Questions (20 mins)

Provide a specially designed HSC-style worksheet with:

Section A: 10 MCQ (1 mark each)

  • Identify bond types, formal charges, predict shapes (lewis & VSEPR), polarity

Section B: 10 Short Answer (2–3 marks each)

  • Justify molecular polarity using dipole moment vectors
  • Derive bond angles from VSEPR theory
  • Evaluate resonance stability and formal charge optimization
  • Explain properties based on bonding type

Section C: 5 Extended Problems (4–6 marks each)

  • Draw Lewis structure including resonance
  • Predict and rationalise melting points for ionic vs covalent compounds
  • Analyse polarity in complex molecules with lone pairs and multiple bonds
  • Draw labelled 3D structures with angles and predict dipoles
  • Compare properties of compounds with different bonding types and structures

Include at least 8 labelled diagrams, incorporated within questions, such as:

  • Atomic models for bonding electrons
  • Lewis structures showing formal charges and resonance
  • VSEPR 3D shapes with bond angles
  • Dipole arrows indicating polarity
  • Lattice structures of ionic crystals and metallic solids

Discussion & Feedback (10 mins)

  • Review worksheet answers together with marking guidelines
  • Discuss common errors and alternative justifications
  • Extend by asking “What would happen if lone pairs changed?” or “How does molecular polarity affect solubility?”

Extension Activity (5 mins)

  • Explore nanomaterial allotropes: Graphene vs diamond vs graphite relating structure to properties and uses
  • Challenge to justify properties based on bonding and structure of allotropes

Worksheet: Bonding, VSEPR & Polarity

NSW HSC Chemistry – Module 1: Properties & Structure of Matter

Total marks: 40


Section A: Multiple Choice (10 marks)

(Each question 1 mark)

  1. Which element forms an ionic bond with chlorine?
  2. What is the formal charge on the nitrogen atom in NH4+?
  3. Which molecular shape corresponds to AX3E1 VSEPR notation?
  4. In which compound is the bond polarity highest?
  5. What is the approximate bond angle in methane (CH4)?
  6. Identify the resonance structure of ozone (O3) with lowest formal charges.
  7. Which diagram shows a polar molecule?
  8. Which bonding type allows electrical conductivity in solids?
  9. What is the molecular polarity of carbon dioxide (CO2)?
  10. Which factor most influences solubility of molecules in water?

Section B: Short Answer (20 marks)

(Each question 2 marks)

  1. Draw the Lewis structure of NH3 and state its molecular shape with bond angle.
  2. Justify the polarity of water using dipole arrows and molecular geometry.
  3. Explain why NaCl has a higher melting point than H2O.
  4. Describe formal charge and its significance in resonance structures.
  5. Compare the solubility of ionic and covalent compounds in water.
  6. Calculate the formal charge on each atom in NO3–.
  7. Using VSEPR, why is the bond angle in H2O less than 109.5°?
  8. Describe how metallic bonding explains ductility and conductivity.
  9. Sketch a dipole moment diagram for HCl and justify the bond polarity.
  10. Explain how polarity affects intermolecular forces and boiling points.

Section C: Extended Problems (10 marks)

  1. Draw all resonance structures for NO2, include formal charges and justify the most stable resonance form. (4 marks)

  2. Using VSEPR theory, predict the shape and approximate bond angles of SF4, then evaluate its molecular polarity. (5 marks)

  3. Derive the relationship between bond polarity and electronegativity difference using examples from sticky notes’ compounds table. (4 marks)

  4. Compare three solids: NaCl (ionic), graphite (covalent network), and Fe (metallic). Explain differences in hardness, melting point, and conductivity by relating to bonding and structure. (6 marks)

  5. Justify the differences in properties between diamond and graphite based on their atomic structure and bonding. Include diagrams. (6 marks)


Answer Key + Marking Guidelines

  • Mark each MCQ as 1 mark for correct answer
  • Short answers awarded marks for key points and clear chemical notation/symbols
  • Extended questions awarded for stepwise reasoning, justified conclusions, and labelled diagrams
  • Accept chemical notation with state symbols, significant figures, and correct terminology
  • Partial credit for answers with reasonable steps toward solution

Mapping of Questions to NSW Year 11 Chemistry Module 1 Syllabus Dot Points

  • Bonding Types & Properties: Sections A (Q1,4,8), B (3,5,8), C (4,5)
  • Lewis Structures & Formal Charge: A (Q2,6), B (1,4,6), C (1)
  • VSEPR Theory & Shapes: A (Q3,5), B (1,7), C (2)
  • Molecular Polarity & Dipole Moments: A (Q7,9,10), B (2,9,10), C (3)
  • Properties of Solids: B (3,5,8), C (4,5)
  • Nanomaterials: Extension Activity

Teacher Notes:

  • This plan maps tightly to the Australian Curriculum (v9) and the NSW HSC Chemistry Module 1 outcomes on bonding, molecular geometry and periodic property relationships
  • The worksheet uses HSC-style cognitive verbs: justify, evaluate, derive which build deep understanding and exam readiness
  • Diagrams embedded in question prompts support visual learning and connect abstract theory to tangible models
  • Extension activities foster enrichment for high-ability students and integrate advanced content linking real materials to bonding concepts

If you want me to provide the full worksheet with diagrams included formatted for printable use together with worked answer keys, just let me know!

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