GCSE Chemistry revision

Formulations

Purity, formulations and chromatography

AQA 4.8.1.2 Foundation & Higher

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Revision summary

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Chemical analysis (analytical chemistry) involves the instruments and methods used to separate, identify, and quantify different substances.
Key techniques include paper chromatography, filtration, crystallisation, and distillation, as well as chemical tests for identifying gases.

Formulations are mixtures prepared using a specific formula so that they contain precise amounts of different components to achieve a particular function.
Formulations act like a recipe, ensuring that the different components are always present in the same proportions every time the mixture is made.
Each component in a formulation may contribute a different property to the overall mixture.

2. What are Formulations? AQA

Formulations are mixtures prepared using a specific formula so that they contain precise amounts of different components to achieve a particular function.
Formulations act like a recipe, ensuring that the different components are always present in the same proportions every time the mixture is made.
Each component in a formulation may contribute a different property to the overall mixture.

Common examples of formulations include fuels, cleaning agents, paints, medicines, alloys, fertilisers, and food and drink products.
For example, a green paint formulation would require components that provide colour, components that help it adhere to surfaces, and other components depending on the type of paint required.
Once a successful combination of components is established, that formulation can be reproduced repeatedly using the same formula.

3. Examples and Uses of Formulations AQA

Common examples of formulations include fuels, cleaning agents, paints, medicines, alloys, fertilisers, and food and drink products.
For example, a green paint formulation would require components that provide colour, components that help it adhere to surfaces, and other components depending on the type of paint required.
Once a successful combination of components is established, that formulation can be reproduced repeatedly using the same formula.

A physical test examines the physical properties of a substance, such as its melting or boiling point, without reacting it with another chemical.
A chemical test involves reacting a substance with another chemical in order to identify it, for example using chemical tests to identify common gases.

4. Physical vs Chemical Tests AQA

A physical test examines the physical properties of a substance, such as its melting or boiling point, without reacting it with another chemical.
A chemical test involves reacting a substance with another chemical in order to identify it, for example using chemical tests to identify common gases.

A pure substance contains only one element or compound, whereas an impure substance is a mixture of two or more different substances.
A formulation is a carefully prepared mixture with precise proportions of components, designed to fulfil a specific purpose.
Analytical chemistry provides the tools and methods needed to separate, identify, and quantify substances in both pure and impure samples.

5. Key Terminology Summary AQA

A pure substance contains only one element or compound, whereas an impure substance is a mixture of two or more different substances.
A formulation is a carefully prepared mixture with precise proportions of components, designed to fulfil a specific purpose.
Analytical chemistry provides the tools and methods needed to separate, identify, and quantify substances in both pure and impure samples.