IB Chemistry — Diagnostic Guide

Coverage Map

Grading Rubric

PASS Criteria

• Correctly solve at least 2 out of 3 Unit Tests with complete working
• Correctly solve at least 2 out of 3 Integration Tests with complete working
• Demonstrate proper use of significant figures throughout
• Show clear, logical reasoning (not just the final answer)

PARTIAL Criteria

• Correctly solve 1—2 Unit Tests and 1 Integration Test
• Shows understanding of the method but makes arithmetic or algebraic errors
• Partially correct reasoning with some gaps in conceptual understanding
• Inconsistent use of significant figures

FAIL Indicators

• Unable to solve any Unit Test completely
• Fundamental misconceptions evident (e.g., wrong hybridisation, incorrect oxidation states)
• Unable to start Integration Tests (cannot connect concepts across topics)
• Systematic errors in unit conversions or algebra

Prerequisite Chains

Atomic Theory
  └── Atomic Structure and Periodicity
        ├── Periodicity
        ├── Chemical Bonding
        │     ├── States of Matter
        │     └── Organic Chemistry
        └── Redox Reactions
              └── Organic Chemistry

Stoichiometry (foundational -- not a separate diagnostic)
  ├── States of Matter
  ├── Acids and Bases
  ├── Redox Reactions
  └── Measurement and Data Processing

Recommended order of diagnostic completion:

1. diag-atomic-structure — foundational concepts
2. diag-periodicity — builds on atomic structure
3. diag-chemical-bonding — requires periodicity understanding
4. diag-states-of-matter — requires bonding understanding
5. diag-acids-bases — requires stoichiometry and equilibrium
6. diag-redox — requires oxidation number knowledge
7. diag-organic-chemistry — requires bonding, mechanisms, and redox
8. diag-measurement — applicable throughout; recommended last to assess lab skills

Timing Recommendations

Total recommended time: approximately 4.5 hours (spread across multiple sessions).

Full battery timing: Complete all 8 diagnostics over 3—4 sessions of 60—90 minutes each.

How to Use These Diagnostics

1. Complete each diagnostic without referring to notes.
2. Check solutions immediately after each question to identify gaps.
3. If you score FAIL on a diagnostic, review the corresponding source file before retrying.
4. If you score PARTIAL, focus on the specific misconceptions identified by the questions you missed.
5. Integration Tests are the best indicator of exam readiness — they test whether you can connect concepts.

Summary

The key principles covered in this topic are linked in the sub-pages above. Focus on understanding the definitions, applying the formulas or frameworks, and evaluating strengths and limitations of each approach.

Worked Examples

Worked examples demonstrating the application of key concepts are covered in the detailed sub-pages linked above.

Common Pitfalls

• Confusing terminology or concepts that appear similar but have distinct meanings.
• Overlooking key assumptions or boundary conditions that limit applicability.