Waec Gce Chemistry Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
Chemistry is one of the most feared subjects in WAEC GCE, especially for science students planning to study Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, or related fields. But you can reduce that fear with proper focus—study the most repeated topics, understand their patterns, and revise past WAEC GCE questions that are likely to come back.
This blog is your full guide to smart success in the 2025/2026 WAEC GCE Chemistry exam.
What This Guide Covers:
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WAEC GCE Chemistry exam format
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Most repeated Chemistry topics
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Frequently asked past questions
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Theory and objective samples
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Practical/alternative-to-practical tips
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Revision and scoring strategies
WAEC GCE Chemistry Exam Format
Paper | Type | Duration | Details |
---|---|---|---|
Paper 1 | Objective (Multiple Choice) | 1 hour | 50 compulsory questions |
Paper 2 | Essay (Theory) | 1 hour 30 mins | Structured questions. Answer 4 out of 6 |
Paper 3 | Practical (Alt. to Practical) | 1 hour | Based on diagrams, chemical tests, reactions, equations |
Most Repeated WAEC GCE Chemistry Topics
Topic | Key Subtopics |
---|---|
Atomic Structure | Atomic number, mass number, electronic configuration |
Periodic Table & Periodicity | Group trends, properties of elements |
Chemical Bonding | Ionic, covalent, metallic bonding |
Gas Laws | Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, Ideal gas equation |
Acids, Bases and Salts | pH scale, titration, neutralization |
Mole Concept | Avogadro’s number, molar calculations |
Stoichiometry | Balancing equations, reacting masses |
Electrolysis | Electrolytes, Faraday’s laws |
Organic Chemistry | Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, functional groups |
Rates of Reaction | Factors affecting rate, energy profile diagram |
Chemical Equilibrium | Reversible reactions, Le Chatelier’s Principle |
Water and Solutions | Hard/soft water, purification, solubility |
Separation Techniques | Filtration, distillation, chromatography |
Environmental Chemistry | Air pollution, water pollution, greenhouse gases |
WAEC GCE Chemistry Past Questions (Samples)
Objective Questions (Paper 1)
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Which of the following is a noble gas?
A. Oxygen
B. Neon
C. Nitrogen
D. Chlorine
✅ Correct Answer: B -
What volume of oxygen is required for the complete combustion of 10cm³ of methane?
A. 10 cm³
B. 15 cm³
C. 20 cm³
D. 25 cm³
✅ Correct Answer: C
Theory Questions (Paper 2)
Question 1 (Repeated):
Define the term mole and calculate the number of moles in 22g of CO₂. (Molar mass of CO₂ = 44g/mol)
Sample Answer:
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Mole is the amount of substance containing Avogadro’s number of particles.
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Moles = Mass / Molar Mass = 22 / 44 = 0.5 mol
Question 2 (Likely):
Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid.
State the type of reaction.
Answer:
NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H₂O
Type: Neutralization
Question 3 (Repeated):
Explain briefly three methods of separating mixtures and give one example for each.
Method | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
Filtration | Separates insoluble solid from liquid | Sand + water |
Distillation | Separates liquids based on boiling point | Ethanol + water |
Chromatography | Separates mixtures of pigments | Ink or plant dye analysis |
Chemistry Practical (Alternative to Practical – Paper 3)
This paper tests your ability to:
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Observe changes (e.g., colour, gas, precipitate)
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Write ionic and balanced equations
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Identify unknown compounds
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Use simple chemical tests
Sample Practical Question:
A solution X reacts with barium chloride to form a white precipitate.
(a) What ion is present in solution X?
(b) Write a balanced equation for the reaction.
Answer:
(a) Sulphate ion (SO₄²⁻)
(b) BaCl₂ + H₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ (s) + 2HCl
Tip: Study color changes, gases evolved, and confirmatory tests (e.g., for chloride, nitrate, carbonate, etc.)
Repeated Topics by Year
Year | Frequently Tested Topics |
---|---|
2024 | Mole concept, Acid-base titration |
2023 | Electrolysis and organic chemistry |
2022 | Gas laws, chemical bonding |
2021 | Periodic table, atomic structure |
2020 | Acids, bases, and pH |
2019 | Separation techniques and rate of reaction |
How to Score A1 in WAEC GCE Chemistry
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Master calculations – Mole, molar mass, titration and gas laws.
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Draw and label apparatus – e.g., burette, pipette, distillation setup.
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Memorize color changes – In tests involving salts and gases.
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Use past questions – Focus on last 10 years of WAEC GCE Chemistry.
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Practice writing equations – For all types of reactions.
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Be exam smart – Read instructions carefully and manage time well.
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Don’t skip practical revision – It carries a lot of marks.
WAEC GCE Chemistry FAQs
Q: Can I pass Chemistry without doing the actual practical?
Yes, WAEC GCE uses "Alternative to Practical," so diagrams and observations are tested instead.
Q: Are calculations common in WAEC Chemistry?
Absolutely! They appear in both theory and objective papers.
Q: Are chemical equations required in the theory paper?
Yes. Always write balanced equations where applicable.
Q: What textbooks should I use?
Use New School Chemistry by Ababio, Essential Chemistry, and WAEC past question booklets.
Final Words
WAEC GCE Chemistry may seem tough, but once you understand the patterns and repeated questions, it's very passable. Focus on mastering the core topics, revise regularly, and practice solving questions under timed conditions.
“Chemistry is like a puzzle. Solve the patterns, and you'll score high.”