WAEC GCE Chemistry Syllabus 2025/2026
The 2025/2026 WAEC GCE Chemistry syllabus covers key areas such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, organic chemistry, and practical laboratory techniques. It is designed to assess candidates’ theoretical understanding and experimental skills.
This syllabus is intended for candidates preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates (GCE). It aligns with the senior secondary school curriculum and emphasizes both conceptual knowledge and laboratory competence.
Scheme of Examination
- Paper 1: Objectives
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 1 hour
- Marks: 50
- Paper 2: Theory
- Structured and essay-type questions
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks: 80
- Paper 3: Practical
- Laboratory-based questions on qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marks: 60
Core Syllabus Topics
1. Introduction to Chemistry
- Scientific methods and measurements
- SI units, precision, and accuracy
- Physical vs. chemical changes
2. Structure of the Atom
- Atomic number, mass number, isotopes
- Electron configuration and orbitals
- Atomic theories: Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr
3. Periodic Table and Periodicity
- Classification of elements
- Trends in groups and periods
- Properties of metals and non-metals
4. Chemical Bonding
- Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds
- Bond polarity and intermolecular forces
- Hybridization and molecular geometry
5. States of Matter
- Properties of solids, liquids, and gases
- Gas laws: Boyle’s, Charles’, Ideal Gas Law
- Kinetic theory of matter
6. Stoichiometry and Chemical Calculations
- Mole concept and Avogadro’s number
- Empirical and molecular formulas
- Limiting reagents and yield calculations
7. Chemical Reactions
- Types of reactions: synthesis, decomposition, redox
- Balancing equations
- Energy changes and reaction rates
8. Acids, Bases, and Salts
- pH scale and indicators
- Neutralization and titration
- Preparation and properties of salts
9. Electrochemistry
- Electrolysis and Faraday’s laws
- Galvanic cells and standard electrode potentials
- Corrosion and its prevention
10. Organic Chemistry
- Hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes
- Functional groups: alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters
- Isomerism and polymerization
11. Environmental Chemistry
- Water treatment and pollution
- Air pollutants and greenhouse gases
- Sustainable chemical practices
Sample Questions
Objective Example:
Which of the following is a covalent compound?
- NaCl
- MgO
- H₂O
- KBr
Answer: C. H₂O
Theory Example:
Describe Rutherford’s alpha particle experiment and its contribution to atomic structure.
Answer Tip: Include setup, observations, and conclusions about the nucleus.
Practical Example:
You are given a solution of HCl and NaOH. Outline the steps to determine the concentration of HCl using titration.
Answer Tip: Use standard NaOH, indicator (e.g., methyl orange), and burette readings.