CHEMISTRY-1CH0 · Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1)
CHEMISTRY-1CH0/21
(Foundation Tier)
Chemistry · 2022 · Variant 1
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: Pearson Edexcel
Analysis aligned to the official syllabus and assessment design.
2.0 / 5
200
210 min
Fuels and Earth Science
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
200
Duration
210 min
Session difficulty
2.0 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
The Summer 2022 Foundation Tier papers presented an accessible and balanced assessment.
While fundamental recall questions on atomic structure, Group 1 trends, and lab apparatus were straightforward, students were frequently tested on their ability to explain chemical phenomena and perform multi-step calculations.
The exam penalized students who overlooked specific mathematical instructions or lacked precise scientific terminology.
Question difficulty map
How candidates performed on each question in this series
No data available in official reports
Assessment objectives
Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary
Skill weighting
Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.
Recall & Understanding
Weight: 6100%Identification Mathematical
Weight: 583%Experimental
Weight: 350%Chemical Explanation
Weight: 233%
Method marks watchlist
Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost
No data available in official reports
Recurring mistakes across years
Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject
No data available in official reports
Question choice intelligence
Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)
No data available in official reports
Level exemplars
What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like
No data available in official reports
Grade & admission context
How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards
Report type
Examiner report — national grade boundaries and question-level commentary
Level 9
Approx. 73% of maximum mark
Level 8
Approx. 63% of maximum mark
Level 7
Approx. 53% of maximum mark
Level 6
Approx. 42% of maximum mark
Level 5
Approx. 31% of maximum mark
Level 4
Approx. 21% of maximum mark
Level 3
Approx. 15% of maximum mark
Deep insights
What top candidates did
Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series
No data available in official reports
Command word playbook
How to match each command word to the expected response style
Give reasons and link mechanism to outcome; each point needs a because/so chain.
Show formula, substitution, and unit; method marks need visible working.
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Match the expected response style for “Name” questions.
Present multiple perspectives with evidence; balance breadth and depth.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
Min per mark: 1.1
Min per mark: 1.1
Min per mark: 0.9
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Fuels and Earth science (Paper 2)
40 marks this session
Chemical changes (Paper 1)
36 marks this session
Key concepts in chemistry (Paper 1)
20 marks this session
MCQ trap analytics
Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary
No data available in official reports
Topic heatmap across years
Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject
Mark intensity
Fuels and Earth science (Paper 2)
Key concepts in chemistry (Paper 1)
Chemical changes (Paper 1)
Rates of reaction and energy changes (Paper 2)
Difficulty trend
How session difficulty has shifted across recent years
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Paper 1F (Foundation Tier):
Paper 2F (Foundation Tier):
Marks you can still earn
Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit
No data available in official reports
Practise what examiners flagged
Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app
Fuels and Earth science (Paper 2)
40 marks this session
Practise in RevuiChemical changes (Paper 1)
36 marks this session
Practise in RevuiKey concepts in chemistry (Paper 1)
20 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
The Summer 2022 Foundation Tier papers presented an accessible and balanced assessment.
- 2Message
While fundamental recall questions on atomic structure, Group 1 trends, and lab apparatus were straightforward, students were frequently tested on their ability to explain chemical phenomena and perform multi-step calculations.
- 3Message
The exam penalized students who overlooked specific mathematical instructions or lacked precise scientific terminology.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
2022 2022
Chemistry
The Summer 2022 Foundation Tier papers presented an accessible and balanced assessment. While fundamental recall questions on atomic structure, Group 1 trends, and lab apparatus were straightforward, students were frequently tested on their ability to explain chemical phenomena a
The Summer 2022 Foundation Tier papers presented an accessible and balanced assessment.
While fundamental recall questions on atomic structure, Group 1 trends, and lab apparatus were straightforward, students were frequently tested on their ability to explain chemical phenomena and perform multi-step calculations.
The exam penalized students who overlooked specific mathematical instructions or lacked precise scientific terminology.
- Total marks
- 200
- Duration
- 210 min
- Session difficulty
- 2.0 / 5
Session analysis
The Summer 2022 Foundation Tier papers presented an accessible and balanced assessment. While fundamental recall questions on atomic structure, Group 1 trends, and lab apparatus were straightforward, students were frequently tested on their ability to explain chemical phenomena and perform multi-step calculations. The exam penalized students who overlooked specific mathematical instructions or lacked precise scientific terminology.
Updated Jun 14, 2026
Paper breakdown
Paper 1F (Foundation Tier):
Paper 2F (Foundation Tier):
Top chapters
Exam structure insights
Marks by chapter
See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.
Mark accessibility
Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.
87% within easy or medium reach
Command word frequency
Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.
Question type mix
Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.
Explanations / Descriptions
76·32·38%
Short Answer / Labelling
52·34·26%
Calculations
32·14·16%
Extended Writing
(6-markers)
24·4·12%
Multiple Choice
16·16·8%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Time vs marks
Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.
Paper 1F Questions …
0.89 m/minPaper 1F Questions …
1.07 m/minPaper 2F Questions …
0.88 m/minTotal marks
158
Total time
170 min
Avg pace
0.93
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
Dynamic Equilibria and Le Chatelier's Principle
85%85%
Acid-Alkali Titration Volume Calculations
80%80%
Electrolysis Half-Equations
75%75%
Difficulty Verdict
The Summer 2022 Foundation Tier papers presented an accessible and balanced assessment. While fundamental recall questions on atomic structure, Group 1 trends, and lab apparatus were straightforward, students were frequently tested on their ability to explain chemical phenomena and perform multi-step calculations. The exam penalized students who overlooked specific mathematical instructions or lacked precise scientific terminology.
Where the Marks Are
A substantial portion of the marks was concentrated in two major areas: Fuels and Earth Science (Paper 2, 40 marks) and Chemical Changes (Paper 1, 36 marks). Key practical skills such as titration steps, filtration/crystallisation procedures, and plotting pH graphs also carried high tariff weightings. Mastery of quantitative chemistry—specifically empirical formulas, percentage yields, and concentration calculations—was essential to securing a top Foundation grade.
Examiner notes & key calculations
- Empirical Formula Inversion: Candidates frequently divided the relative atomic mass by the mass of the element rather than dividing the reacting mass by the relative atomic mass (mass/Ar) (\text{mass} / A_r) (mass/Ar).
- Omitting Units and Signs: In calorimetry questions, many students calculated the temperature change magnitude (2.5) but failed to specify the negative sign (−2.5 -2.5 −2.5) or write the Celsius unit (∘C ^\circ\text{C} ∘C).
- Qualitative vs. Quantitative Indicators: When evaluating litmus paper versus universal indicator, many struggled to articulate that litmus paper is binary/qualitative and cannot display the gradual numerical pH changes required.
Exam tips
Paper format
- Duration
- 1h 45min
- Total marks
- 100
- Weighting
- 50%
- Question types
- Multiple Choice, Short Answer / Structured, Extended Writing
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.