WAEC · 10% of test plan
Chemistry for the WAEC Exam
WAEC Chemistry is required for science and engineering admissions. The examination covers atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, qualitative analysis (salt analysis), organic chemistry, and industrial processes. Practical chemistry (titrations, qualitative analysis) is tested separately.
Locale-specific study guides
Pass-rate data, regulatory context, and study tips for Chemistry all change by candidate locale. Pick your context:
Common failure modes
These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.
- !Incorrectly identifying anions and cations in salt analysis practical
- !Balancing ionic equations without accounting for state symbols
- !Confusing oxidation states of transition metals in their compounds
Study tips
- 1Memorize the flame test colours: Li (red), Na (yellow), K (lilac), Ca (brick-red), Ba (apple-green), Cu (blue-green).
- 2Practice titration calculations: moles = concentration × volume (in dm³), then use mole ratios.
- 3For organic chemistry, learn functional group tests: bromine water, silver nitrate, acidified K₂Cr₂O₇, Fehling's solution.
Sample WAEC Chemistry questions
These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real WAEC questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.
- 1
When sodium is burned in excess oxygen, the product is:
- ASodium oxide (Na₂O)
- BSodium peroxide (Na₂O₂)Correct
- CSodium superoxide (NaO₂)
- DNo reaction occurs
Why this answer?
When sodium burns in excess oxygen (not in limited oxygen), the main product is sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂), not sodium oxide. This is a common WAEC trap — limited oxygen gives Na₂O while excess oxygen gives Na₂O₂.
Practice WAEC SSCE free with Koydo.
English Language, Math, and the sciences — WAEC syllabus with PYQs.