WASSCE Chemistry · Paper 1 style

Environmental chemistry

One sample question with the full working. 2 more in the app, with instant feedback and repair sessions for the traps below.

Acid rain is mainly caused by atmospheric

Acarbon monoxide
Bmethane
Cozone
Dsulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides

Show the answer and working

Answer: D

These dissolve in rain to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

Trap A Picks a related substance or process with a different role: Learn reagents and processes as one-line 'name → job' cards and contrast neighbours in a table (process | product | catalyst | conditions). Match the job in the stem, not just the topic.

Trap B Mixes up a pair of similar chemical terms: Keep a list of confusable pairs with one defining feature each and a hook. Underline the key word in the stem and check it against the definition, not the sound of the name.

Trap C Uses everyday or macroscopic thinking instead of particles: Ask what the particles, ions or electrons are doing. Properties of a substance come from its particles and bonds, not from how it looks or feels.

Traps in Environmental chemistry

Picks a related substance or process with a different role
Learn reagents and processes as one-line 'name → job' cards and contrast neighbours in a table (process | product | catalyst | conditions). Match the job in the stem, not just the topic.
Mixes up a pair of similar chemical terms
Keep a list of confusable pairs with one defining feature each and a hook. Underline the key word in the stem and check it against the definition, not the sound of the name.
Uses everyday or macroscopic thinking instead of particles
Ask what the particles, ions or electrons are doing. Properties of a substance come from its particles and bonds, not from how it looks or feels.
Chooses a true but irrelevant statement
Re-read the question word (why, which, what causes). A true fact that answers a different question is still wrong.

Practise Environmental chemistry (2 questions)Send to your class on WhatsApp