Reference to HKCEE Chemistry Prepared by T.C.

Ng
Appendix 1: Components removed from the Current Syllabus Page 1 of 2

Components removed from the Current Syllabus

The previous syllabus consists of 8 sections in total, in which some chemistry components are not included in the
current syllabus. The relevant components are briefly listed below:

Topic 1 – Fundamentals of Matter

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Topic 2 – Common Metals

2.4. Alloys − To recognise that alloys are formed by the introduction of other elements into metals
− To recognise the major constituents of the following alloys:
(a) Brass: copper and zinc
(b) Steel: iron, carbon and other metals
(c) Solder: tin and lead
(d) Coinage metals: e.g. nickel and copper
(e) Gold of different carats: gold, sliver and copper in different proportions
− To relate the use of the above alloys to their properties as compared with the pure
metals

Topic 3 – Chemical Cells and Electrolysis

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Topic 4 – Common Acids and Alkalis

4.5. pH − To describe from experiments the effect on hair of solutions of different pH

Topic 5 – Fossil Fuels

5.5. Burning of − To recognise that fire is an observable phenomenon during the burning of fuels
fuels and fire − To state the three conditions for combustion viz. fuel, oxidant and temperature (the
fighting fire triangle)
− To recognise that fire fighting involves the removal of one or more conditions for
combustion
− To recognise the need for the use of different kinds of fire extinguishers for different
types of fire:
(a) Carbon dioxide, BCF (bromochlorofloromethane) and BTM
(bromotrifluromethane) fire extinguisher for electrical fire
(b) Foam type fire extinguisher for fire caused by liquid combustibles (e.g. kerosene,
petrol, thinner)
(c) Water type fire extinguisher for fire caused by solid combustibles (e.g. town gas,
liquefied petroleum gas)

Topic 6 –Important Products from Petroleum

6.2. Alkanols − To recognise that alkanols can be manufactured by the catalytic hydration of alkenes
− To describe the preparation of ethanol of fermentation of sugar and its subsequent
extraction by fractional distillation

HKCEE Chemistry – Components removed from the current syllabus Page1 of 2

 Reference to HKCEE Chemistry Prepared by T.C. Ng
Appendix 1: Components removed from the Current Syllabus Page 2 of 2
− To discuss the suitability and practicality of using ethanol as a fuel for cars

Topic 7 – Nitrogenous Fertilisers and Bleach

7.1. Nitrogenous − To recognise that fertilisers are added to the soil to replenish minerals (e.g. nitrogen-,
fertilisers phosphorous- and potassium-containing salts) which are essential for plant growth
− To recognise that ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate are useful nitrogenous
fertilisers
− To recognise that the raw materials for the manufacture of ammonium sulphate
fertilisers are ammonia (from Haber process) and sulphuric acid (from Contact
process)
− To plan and design an experiment to prepare and isolate ammonium sulphate crystals
− To discuss the manufacture of ammonia by the Haber process (Industrial details and
explanation of the optimum conditions for the process are NOT required)
− To recognise that the volume ratio of reactants in the Haber process is the same as the
mole ratio in the balanced equation
− To discuss the other use of ammonia
(a) As a cleaning agent
(b) In the manufacture of nitric acid (By equations only)

Topic 8 – Chemicals and Health

8.1. Food additives − To be aware that the appearance and the flavouring of food can affect appetite
− To recognise that artificial colouring is used to enhance appearance of food
− To recognise that salt, sugar, vinegar and MSG (monosodium glutamate) are some
chemicals used to enhance flavouring of food
− To recognise that sulphur dioxide, benzoic acid, salt, sugar, vinegar and nitrites are
common food preservatives
− To recognise the following actions of food preservatives:
(a) Dehydration, e.g. salt, sugar
(b) Provision of an unfavourable condition to the growth of micro-organisms, e.g.
sulphur dioxide, vinegar
(c) Toxicity towards micro-organisms, e.g. benzoic acid, nitrites
− To recognise that some food preservatives are hazardous to health
8.2. Drugs − To recognise that drugs are substances which change the state or function of our body
− To recognise that some drugs are used as painkillers, e.g. aspirin, panadol
− To recognise that the active ingredients of aspirin and panadol are acetylsalicylate
and paracetamol respectively
− To recognise that drugs may have adverse side effects, e.g. aspirin may cause damage
to stomach lining, codeine and/or morphine contained in some cough mixture may
cause drowsiness
− To recognise that overdose and abuse use of drugs can be dangerous
− To recognise that burning cigarettes (tobacco) release particulates, carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide, mixtures and tar
− To recognise that nicotine is additive and that some chemicals in cigarette smoking
are suspected carcinogens

HKCEE Chemistry – Components removed from the current syllabus Page2 of 2