MrChemCoach
IGCSE Chemistry 0620 IGCSE Chemistry 0620 & 0971 · Complete course map
All labs
  1. Home
  2. Digital lab
  3. IGCSE Chemistry 0620
Cambridge IGCSE 0620

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 and 0971, topic by topic

0620 and 0971 are the same Cambridge IGCSE chemistry syllabus: identical content and identical papers, reported on the A*-G scale as 0620 and on the 9-1 scale as 0971. Whichever code is on your timetable, this page is the one you want. It is examined across three tiers of written paper and one practical component. This page maps the whole syllabus onto the experiments that make each part make sense - so a topic that reads as a paragraph in a textbook can be run, broken and re-run until the observation is obvious.

Cambridge 0620 & 0971Core and ExtendedPapers 1 to 623 simulatorsFree, no sign-up
Open the digital lab

Topic by topic

Start anywhere. Each row is a syllabus area; each link is a simulator that covers it, with the method, the observations and the marks examiners take off written underneath.

1 · States of matterParticle theory, changes of state, diffusion and the heating curve.
States of matter
2 · Atoms, elements and compoundsProton number, isotopes, electron arrangement, the evidence for the nucleus, ionic and covalent bonding, and molecular shape.
Build an atomRutherford gold foil experimentCathode ray experiment3D molecular labPeriodic table explorer
3 · StoichiometryFormulae, balanced equations, the mole and reacting masses.
Balancing equations
4 · ElectrochemistryElectrolysis of water and of brine, products at each electrode, and half equations.
Electrolysis of waterMolten lead bromideChlor-alkali process
5 · Chemical energeticsExothermic and endothermic change, and where the energy in a reaction comes from.
Thermite reactionBurning magnesium ribbon
6 · Chemical reactionsRate of reaction, collision theory, reversible reactions and redox.
Rate of reactionConcentration and rate
7 · Acids, bases and saltsThe pH scale, indicator choice, strong against weak, and preparing a salt.
Indicators and pHStrong and weak acids
8 · The Periodic TableGroup I, Group VII, the transition elements and the noble gases.
Periodic table explorer
9 · MetalsThe reactivity series, extraction, rusting and its prevention.
Metals with water and steamRusting of ironGreen patina on copperTarnishing of silverDouble displacement
10 · Chemistry of the environmentWater treatment, air quality and the gases that matter.
Tests for gases
11 · Organic chemistryCrude oil, fractional distillation, homologous series and cracking.
Fractional distillation
12 · Experimental techniques and analysisSeparation, purity, and the tests for cations, anions and gases.
Cation and anion testsTests for gasesFractional distillation

The labs in full

24 experiments matter for this syllabus. Each opens on its own page and is free to use.

States of matter

Build an atom

Rutherford gold foil experiment

Cathode ray experiment

3D molecular lab

Periodic table explorer

Balancing equations

Electrolysis of water

Molten lead bromide

Chlor-alkali process

Thermite reaction

Burning magnesium ribbon

Rate of reaction

Concentration and rate

Indicators and pH

Strong and weak acids

Metals with water and steam

Rusting of iron

Green patina on copper

Tarnishing of silver

Double displacement

Tests for gases

Fractional distillation

Cation and anion tests

Common questions

What is IGCSE Chemistry 0620?

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry, syllabus code 0620, is a two-year international qualification usually taken at the end of Year 11. It is offered at Core tier, graded C to G, and Extended tier, graded A* to E, and the entry decides which papers a candidate sits.

Which papers make up 0620?

Paper 1 or Paper 2 is the multiple-choice paper, Core or Extended. Paper 3 or Paper 4 is the theory paper, Core or Extended. Paper 5 is a timed practical test and Paper 6 is the alternative to practical, a written paper about experiments; a school enters candidates for one or the other.

Do I need a lab to prepare for Paper 5 and Paper 6?

You need bench time to learn apparatus handling, but most marks in both papers are for planning, recording observations, handling data and evaluating a method. Those you can rehearse anywhere, which is what the simulators on this page are for.

What is the difference between Core and Extended?

Extended covers everything in Core plus additional content, and is the only route to grades A* to B. Supplement material - the extra Extended sections - is marked in the syllabus, and the simulators here cover both.

Are the simulators free?

Yes. Every experiment on this site opens in a browser with no account and no install, and keeps working offline once it has loaded. Tuition is separate.

Studying something else?

The same labs, grouped for a different syllabus.

IGCSE Chemistry practicalsCBSE Class 10 chemistryJEE chemistryNEET chemistryChemistry virtual lab