name uni cambridge nsaa natural sciences (tripos

Name

Patrick Brannac www.SmashingScience.org & for China www.SmashingScienceCN.org of 97

Uni Cambridge NSAA… Natural Sciences (Tripos) Admissions Assessment, NSAA, Chemistry Section By IB Topic Disclaimer: This is hopefully a useful addition to preparing for Cambridge’s NSAA and while it includes information which is

helpful, it ought not be considered definitive, key details and essential information may not be included in here!

For the most UpToDate version of this revision resource check this website: https://www.smashingsciencecn.org/ib-sl-and-hl-diploma

Contents Disclaimer: ................................................................................................................................................................... 1

For the most UpToDate version of this revision resource check this website: ........................................................... 1

Key Points for IB HL Students .......................................................................................................................................... 2

IB SL students could solve most if not all of these questions if they had done iGCSE chemistry :o) ....................... 2

NSAA Section 1 Broken Down by Topic Analysis ............................................................................................................. 2

NSAA Section 1 Analysis Key Takeaways ..................................................................................................................... 3

For additional revision resources for Topic 1 (Moles) ..................................................................................................... 3

Multiple Choice Frequencies Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 4

MCQ Analysis Key Takeaways ..................................................................................................................................... 4

NCAA Chemistry Syllabus Overview ................................................................................................................................ 5

Advanced Chemistry Components .............................................................................................................................. 6

Admission assessment (from Cambridge) ....................................................................................................................... 6

Assessment format .......................................................................................................................................... 6

Specimen and past papers ............................................................................................................................ 7

NSAA Exam Section 1 Organised by IB Topic Number .................................................................................................... 8

Mark Scheme NSAA Exam Paper 1 Organised by IB Topic Number .............................................................................. 69

Questions that cover material not in the IB Syllabus (9 marks) .................................................................................... 74

Mark Scheme Questions that cover material not in the IB Syllabus (9 marks) ............................................................. 82

Appendix IB Syllabus Topic Numbers Explained ............................................................................................................ 83

Appendix: Further Information about the NSAA ........................................................................................................... 84

NSAA Chemistry Syllabus Details ................................................................................................................................. 86

http://www.smashingscience.org/

http://www.smashingsciencecn.org/

https://www.smashingsciencecn.org/ib-sl-and-hl-diploma


Key Points for IB HL Students Separation techniques, specifically chromatography are new here, but occur rarely. An iGCSE understanding of this

would probably be enough though.

Fractional distillation is also needed to be understood, but a good understanding of boiling points should get you

through to the right answer.

Tests for ions are also needed, though questions involving them are rare. An iGCSE 0620 understanding would be

enough however.

I’ve put an extra section at the back grouping all the questions that are not covered by the IB syllabus

IB SL students could solve most if not all of these questions if they had done iGCSE chemistry :o)

NSAA Section 1 Broken Down by Topic Analysis

Chem 1 Chem 2 Chem 3 Chem 4 Chem 5 Chem 6 Chem 7 Chem 8 Chem 9 Chem 10 Chem 11

P1 30.9 4.5 5.5 5.5 9.1 6.4 5.5 5.5 16.4 2.7 8.2

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

35.0

% o

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arks

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Paper 1 Topic Number

Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment PAPER 1Percentage of all marks awarded for each topic of the NSAA mapped

to IB Topics from Specimin Paper 2016 to Specimin Paper 2020 (6 papers)




NSAA Section 1 Analysis Key Takeaways Very small sample size so hard to generalise (but a good biologist ought to be able to draw a curve with a single

data point; a psychologist a unified experimental theory of mind with even less).

Understanding and using moles is a third of all questions.

Topic 9 is redox with some of those questions actually based on molar ratios, but requiring also understanding of

oxidation state and electrolysis, so moles is actually more important.

Organic Chemistry is hardly represented.

The new format of the Section 1 exam has not had any major shift towards any one topic, but the preference for

calculations involving moles, gases and the like is even more pronounced.

For additional revision resources for Topic 1 (Moles) It’s not as good as the questions in this revision booklet, but it is something to do. CAIE A Level Multiple Choice

Chemistry questions for this topic would also be good, probably better, but I haven’t broken down that syllabus yet.

T1HL: Stoichiometric Relationships HIGHER LEVEL IB 1 HL EQ Click

Here

Other IB Resources are here:


And here:

https://www.smashingscience.org/ib-chemistry-hl--sl.html

Chem 1 Chem 2 Chem 3 Chem 4 Chem 5 Chem 6 Chem 7 Chem 8 Chem 9 Chem 10 Chem 11

P1 40.0 0.0 10.0 5.0 5.0 10.0 5.0 5.0 10.0 5.0 5.0

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

35.0

40.0

45.0

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Paper 1 Topic Number

Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment PAPER 1Specimin Paper 2020 only



https://13c35962-6df0-4843-9028-c26407054a5a.filesusr.com/ugd/d26cc6_1a9046fb22e84c76988e127767218625.pdf

https://13c35962-6df0-4843-9028-c26407054a5a.filesusr.com/ugd/d26cc6_1a9046fb22e84c76988e127767218625.pdf


https://www.smashingscience.org/ib-chemistry-hl--sl.html


Multiple Choice Frequencies Analysis For all questions as well as for the chemistry only session

MCQ Analysis Key Takeaways The averages per paper, far left, is the most important part of this graphic.

Knowing the answers would be the most effective strategy, but if you’re not sure then the patterns in the structure

of the answers provided can help, but they are not always present. An often splendid strategy of only guessing C

was heavily penalised in 2018, for instance. In many syllabi these patterns have been removed, and there is some

evidence that moving forward that it will be actively avoided (but whenever F was offered as a choice, it was always

incorrect).

The bottom box allows a comparison of the different number of answers that different questions offer, none of the

2020 specimen questions, for instance, has more than 6 possible answers in chemistry.

There is a persistent bias against A and B, and G and H (the first couple and the last couple). This bias is present in

all sections.

So if it’s a pure guess, then alternating B, C, D might work better.

This information can also help you if you’re in a 50/50 situation, probability will be on your side if you know which

options are historically biased against.




NCAA Chemistry Syllabus Overview The first syllabus point is included to give some idea of context, the complete version is in the appendix.

From: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/nsaa_specification_2020.pdf

C1. Atomic structure C1.1 Describe the structure of the atom as a central nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by

electrons moving in shells/energy levels.

C2. The Periodic Table (IUPAC conventions, Groups are labelled as 1-18) C2.1 Know that Periods are horizontal rows and Groups are vertical columns.

C3. Chemical reactions, formulae and equations C3.1 Understand that in a chemical reaction, new substances are formed by the rearrangement of atoms and

their electrons, but no nuclei are destroyed or created.

C4. Quantitative chemistry C4.1 Use Ar values to calculate the relative molar mass, Mr.

C5. Oxidation, reduction and redox C5.1 Know that on a basic level, oxidation is the gain of oxygen and that reduction is the removal of oxygen.

C6. Chemical bonding, structure and properties C6.1 Define and understand the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures.

C7. Group chemistry C7.1 Know the physical and chemical properties of the alkali metals (Group 1), the halogens (Group 17) and

the noble gases (Group 18).

C8. Separation techniques C8.1 Know that chemical processes are required to displace constituent elements from their compounds.

C9. Acids, bases and salts C9.1 Acids:

a. Define an acid as a substance that can form H+(aq) ions or that is an H+ donor.

C10. Rates of reaction a. C10.1 Describe the qualitative effects on a rate of reaction of concentration, temperature, particle

size, a catalyst and, for gases, pressure.

C11. Energetics a. C11.1 Understand the concepts of an exothermic reaction, for which ΔH is negative (negative enthalpy

change), and an endothermic reaction, for which ΔH is positive (positive enthalpy change).

C12. Electrolysis a. C12.1 Understand the terms electrode, cathode (negative electrode), anode (positive electrode) and

electrolyte.

C13. Carbon/Organic chemistry C13.1 General concepts:

a. a. Know that crude oil is the main source of hydrocarbons and that it is separated into fractions by

fractional distillation (names and uses of specific fractions not expected).

C14. Metals a. C14.1 Understand that the reactivity of a metal is linked to its tendency to form positive ions and the

ease of extraction of the metal.

C15. Kinetic/Particle theory a. C15.1 Be able to describe the packing and movement of particles in the three states of matter: solid,

liquid and gas.



https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/nsaa_specification_2020.pdf


C16. Chemical tests a. a. hydrogen – explodes with a ‘squeaky pop’ when a burning splint is held at the open end of a test

tube

C17. Air and water a. C17.1 Know and be able to use the composition of dry air, and understand that fractional distillation

can be used to separate the components of air.

Advanced Chemistry Components (C18) AC1. Atomic structure

a. AC1.1 Deduce the electron configuration of atoms (up to Z = 36) and corresponding ions (given ionic

charge) in terms of main energy levels and s, p and d orbitals.

(C19) AC2. Bonding and structure a. AC2.1 Describe permanent and induced dipole–dipole interactions between molecules, including

hydrogen bonding.

(C20) AC3. Energetics a. AC3.1 Define and be able to use quantitatively the terms: standard enthalpy changes of reaction,

formation and combustion.

(C21) AC4. Kinetics a. AC4.1 Be able to draw and interpret Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution curves for two different

temperatures in order to explain the effects of temperature change and a change of activation energy

on rate of reaction.

(C22) AC5. Equilibria a. AC5.1 Know that equilibria are dynamic in nature; know Le Chatelier’s principle and use it to deduce

the qualitative effects of temperature, pressure and concentration changes on the position of

equilibrium (homogeneous reactions only).

(C23) AC6. Redox a. AC6.1 Be able to apply the rules for assigning oxidation state to atoms in elements, compounds and

ions; recognise and write the oxidation state of an element in a formula.

(C24) AC7. Inorganic chemistry and the Periodic Table a. AC7.1 Be able to describe the organisation of elements in the Periodic Table according to their atomic

(proton) number and electron configurations; describe the classification of elements into s, p and d

blocks.

(C25) AC8. Organic chemistry a. AC8.1 Be able to represent and recognise the formulae of organic compounds in molecular, structural,

displayed and skeletal form.

Admission assessment (from Cambridge) From: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/natural-sciences#entry-requirements

For 2021 entry, applicants for Natural Sciences are required to take a pre-interview written assessment on 5 November 2020, at an authorised centre local to them (for a lot of applicants, this will be their school/college). You need to be registered by 15 October 2020 to take the assessment, and your

assessment centre must do this for you. Please note that open centres may set an earlier deadline for accepting entries, and it is your responsibility to check if this applies at your centre. See admission

assessments for full details.

Assessment format

The format for the 2020 assessment will be as follows:

▪ Section 1 www.SmashingScienceCn.org : Multiple choice questions in mathematics plus one

science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) (60 minutes)



https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/natural-sciences#entry-requirements

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/admission-assessments



▪ Section 2: Extended multiple choice questions in Biology, Chemistry or Physics (60 minutes)

Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment Specification 2020

Please note that your performance in the pre-interview assessment will not be considered in isolation, but will be taken into account alongside the other elements of your application.

In addition to the pre-interview assessment, applicants to the following Colleges are required to take a

College-set written assessment at interview (see individual College websites for details):

▪ Magdalene

▪ Trinity

Mature students (aged 21 or over) applying to one of the mature Colleges aren’t required to take the pre-interview assessment, and will instead sit an at-interview assessment. See the written assessments page for more details.

Specimen and past papers

A specimen paper has been produced to allow you to sample the written assessment format and practice under timed conditions. It is not expected that you will answer every question correctly; the written

assessment is designed to be challenging. Even some strong candidates may not complete the paper in the time allowed; it is designed to distinguish across our field of high-calibre applicants.

Experience with similar assessments and from trials indicates that, on average, typical applicants to the most highly selective undergraduate courses (who are by definition academically very able) will gain

approximately half of the available marks. The best applicants will score more highly, but only relatively few are expected to gain more than 80 per cent of the available marks.

Written assessments help admissions tutors to assess whether candidates have the skills, aptitudes and any

required subject knowledge and understanding required to study the relevant course at Cambridge. They are only one of the elements used in the admissions process. Others include a candidate’s academic record and forecast grades in school-leaving examinations; UCAS application form; examples of recent written

work submitted to the College to which they are applying; and performance at interview, if invited to attend.

When using the specimen and past papers below, please note the following changes to the 2020 Natural Sciences admissions assessment:

Natural Sciences

Admission Assessment In 2020 In previous years

Section 1

www.SmashingScienceCn.org

▪ 60 minutes

▪ 4 parts, of which candidates

should answer 2 (mathematics

and one of the sciences). Each

part contains 20 multiple-choice

questions.

▪ 80 minutes


should answer 3. Each part

contains 18 multiple-choice

questions.

Section 2 ▪ 60 minutes


should answer 1. Each part

contains 20 multiple-choice

questions.

▪ Marking solely based on answers

on multiple choice answer sheet

▪ Calculators not permitted

▪ 40 minutes

▪ 6 questions, of which

candidates answer 2

▪ Marking took account of

working provided on question

paper

▪ Calculators permitted




https://www.magd.cam.ac.uk/natural-sciences/

https://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/home/



NSAA Exam Section 1 Organised by IB Topic Number Mapped to IB HL topics (topic 2 and 12 are combined, 3 and 13 are as well, and so on)

IB Topic 1 Q# 1/ Cambridge/2020/Section 1 www.SmashingScienceCn.org








IB Topic 1 Q# 29/ Cambridge/2016 SP/Section 1 www.SmashingScienceCn.org (Specimen Paper)





Mark Scheme NSAA Exam Paper 1 Organised by IB Topic Number

Q# 1/ Cambridge/2020/Section 1 www.SmashingScienceCn.org































Q# 29/ Cambridge/2016 SP/Section 1 www.SmashingScienceCn.org (Specimen Paper)













Questions that cover material not in the IB Syllabus (9 marks) These questions are also represented in the sections above






Mark Scheme Questions that cover material not in the IB Syllabus (9 marks)













Appendix IB Syllabus Topic Numbers Explained Higher level and standard level topic numbers have been merged, so 2 and 12 material is in 2, 5 and 15 is in topic

I’ve labelled 5 etc.

For a complete syllabus, which would be especially useful to understand what is in Topic 1, the most common topic that the NSAA askes about, go here: https://www.smashingscience.org/uploads/2/1/5/0/21509466/ib_chem_syllabus_2016.pdf



https://www.smashingscience.org/uploads/2/1/5/0/21509466/ib_chem_syllabus_2016.pdf


Appendix: Further Information about the NSAA From: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/nsaa_specification_2020.pdf





NSAA Chemistry Syllabus Details



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