Writes Jack Talboys, Head of Chemistry
On the 19th of June, 42 Lower Sixth chemists sat the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, otherwise known as the C3L6. This was a challenging 90-minute paper, which required the application of A Level concepts in a logical way to solve complex problems.
The results for these were awarded in July, just after term had finished. However, the results were worth the wait; the Lower Sixth chemists achieved the best results we have seen in recent years. Eleven students attained a Gold award, placing them in the top 10% of chemistry students nationally. The range of results were impressive, with twelve students being awarded a Silver award (top 20% nationally) and fourteen students attaining a Copper award.
Notable mention must go to Alex E. and Joshua R., who both scored 44 marks out of a possible 65. This puts them within the top 2% of students participating in the competition, and just 8 marks from the prestigious Roentgenium award.
The following students received a Gold award:
Alex E.
Joshua R.
Thomas E.
Shayan N.
Ishaan P.
Henry L.
Bardia H.
Raeef M.
Jaidev R.
Zach F.
Sebastian L.
As usual, this year’s Cambridge Chemistry Challenge was made up of two long and difficult, yet interesting questions.
The first question focused on isomers of organic molecules and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, which started by introducing the concept of isomer and built upon knowledge of NMR from studying the A level courses. The question then asked pupils to use rate equations and equilibrium constants to determine the interconversion between the isomers.
The second question focused on the chemistry Boron, which is the fifth-lightest element on The Periodic Table. It began with questions about its basic properties, before becoming a mathematical question about its energy change in reactions. It then asked a question about the how the formulae of boron containing compounds would change as they undergo thermal decomposition. Ultimately, it was a challenging paper which our boys relished getting their teeth into. Well done to all involved!
