100+ Free Advanced Higher Chemistry Practice Questions
Pass your Scottish Advanced Higher Chemistry (C813 77) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Which combination is most useful for confirming the structure of an unknown organic compound?
Explore More Scottish Qualifications (National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher)
Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.
Key Facts: Advanced Higher Chemistry Exam
A-D
Pass grades on Advanced Higher
Qualifications Scotland
100 + 30
Marks (paper + project)
AH Chemistry course specification C813 77
2h 30
Question paper duration
Qualifications Scotland
100
Free practice questions here
OpenExamPrep
Qualifications Scotland Advanced Higher Chemistry (C813 77) is graded A-D and assessed by a 2h 30 question paper (100 marks) plus a 30-mark project. The 2026 specification covers quantum theory, transition metals, thermodynamics, kinetics, organic mechanisms, instrumental analysis (MS/IR/NMR), and laboratory research skills.
Sample Advanced Higher Chemistry Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Advanced Higher Chemistry exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which observation could the Bohr model of the atom not explain, requiring the development of quantum mechanics?
2The four quantum numbers n, l, ml and ms describe an electron in an atom. Which quantum number determines the shape of an orbital?
3How many orbitals are present in the d subshell of any atom?
4According to Hund's rule, electrons in a 2p subshell occupy orbitals so that:
5Which electron configuration represents a chromium atom (Z = 24) in its ground state?
6Which electron configuration is correct for a copper atom (Z = 29) in its ground state?
7Which of the following sets of quantum numbers (n, l, ml, ms) is NOT allowed?
8Which list correctly shows atomic radius DECREASING across Period 3 (Na to Cl)?
9There is a large jump between the third and fourth successive ionisation energies of an element. To which group does it most likely belong?
10On the Pauling scale, which atom has the highest electronegativity?
About the Advanced Higher Chemistry Exam
Advanced Higher Chemistry (course code C813 77) is delivered by Qualifications Scotland at SCQF Level 7. Three units — Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, and Researching Chemistry — are assessed by a 100-mark question paper and an externally marked 30-mark project.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
Question paper 2 hours 30 minutes; Project completed under supervision
Passing Score
Grade A is the highest, A-D count as a pass (A-B-C-D), No Award is a fail
Exam Fee
Funded by Scottish Government for school candidates; private candidate entry fee approx GBP 49.10 per subject (Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA))
Advanced Higher Chemistry Exam Content Outline
Electronic Structure and Quantum Theory
Wave-particle duality, quantum numbers n/l/ml/ms, s/p/d/f orbital shapes, Aufbau/Pauli/Hund's rules, configurations including Cr and Cu exceptions
Periodic Trends
Trends in atomic and ionic radii, successive ionisation energies, Pauling electronegativity across periods and down groups
Transition Metals and Crystal Field Theory
Variable oxidation states, coloured d-d transitions, monodentate and polydentate ligands, isomerism in complexes, octahedral/tetrahedral splitting, high/low spin
Thermodynamics and Equilibrium
Born-Haber cycles, lattice and hydration enthalpies, entropy from S° values, free energy and spontaneity, Kp and Kc
Reaction Kinetics
Rate equations, order of reaction, overall order, first-order half-life t1/2 = ln 2 / k, Arrhenius equation and Ea by graph
Organic Structure and Stereochemistry
Sigma and pi bonds, sp/sp2/sp3 hybridisation, E/Z geometric isomerism, optical isomerism, chirality, R/S nomenclature, racemic mixtures, polarimetry
Organic Reaction Mechanisms
Electrophilic addition (Markovnikov), electrophilic aromatic substitution (nitration, Friedel-Crafts), SN1 vs SN2, nucleophilic addition (Grignard, NaBH4), aldehyde/ketone tests
Instrumental Analysis
Mass spectrometry (M+, M+1, fragments), IR diagnostic regions (OH, C=O, NH, CN), 1H and 13C NMR, chromatography (TLC, GC, HPLC, column)
Researching Chemistry
Volumetric technique, titration calculations, recrystallisation, distillation, melting point, uncertainty propagation, Beer-Lambert, risk assessment and project design
How to Pass the Advanced Higher Chemistry Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Grade A is the highest, A-D count as a pass (A-B-C-D), No Award is a fail
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: Question paper 2 hours 30 minutes; Project completed under supervision
- Exam fee: Funded by Scottish Government for school candidates; private candidate entry fee approx GBP 49.10 per subject
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Advanced Higher Chemistry Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who awards Advanced Higher Chemistry?
Advanced Higher Chemistry is awarded by Qualifications Scotland, the awarding body formed from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) on 1 February 2026. The course code is C813 77 and it sits at SCQF Level 7.
How is Advanced Higher Chemistry assessed?
Assessment is a 100-mark question paper of 2 hours 30 minutes plus a 30-mark externally marked project. Combined marks out of 130 determine the final grade.
What grades are awarded for Advanced Higher Chemistry?
Grades A, B, C, D and No Award are issued. Grades A through D count as a pass; the project mark contributes alongside the written paper to the overall grade.
How does Advanced Higher Chemistry compare to A-Level Chemistry?
Advanced Higher Chemistry is widely regarded as comparable to or slightly more demanding than A-Level Chemistry, with a strong focus on quantum theory, transition metals, instrumental analysis (NMR/MS/IR) and a substantial independent research project.