2025 WAEC GCE Chemistry Obj/Essay & Alternative to Practical Questions and Answers

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Get free 2025 WAEC GCE Chemistry Obj/Essay & Alternative to Practical) Questions and Answers for Private Candidates | WAEC Chemistry Questions (20th Nov, 2025).

2025 WAEC GCE Chemistry Obj/Essay- Answers

The 2025 WAEC GCE (Nov/Dec) Chemistry Obj/Essay & Alternative to Practical paper is one of the most important science subjects in the General Certificate Examination for private candidates. Chemistry serves as a foundation for many courses in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, agriculture, and other science-related fields.

According to the official timetable, the WAEC GCE Chemistry Obj/Essay Exam will take place on Thursday, 20th November, 2025 as follows:

  • Chemistry 2 (Essay): 08:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (2 hours)

  • Chemistry 1 (Objective): 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (1 hour)

  • Chemistry 3 (Alternative to Practical Work): 13:00 p.m. – 14:30 p.m. (1 hr 30 mins)

This article explains the exam structure, sample questions and answers, likely focus areas, preparation tips, and importance of Chemistry in the WAEC GCE curriculum.

Structure of WAEC GCE Chemistry Obj/Essay & Alternative to Practical

  1. Paper 1 – Objective (1 hour):

    • About 50 multiple-choice questions.

    • Covers general chemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.

  2. Paper 2 – Essay (2 hours):

    • Long-answer questions requiring explanations, calculations, and balanced equations.

    • Tests deeper understanding of chemistry concepts.

  3. Paper 3 – Alternative to Practical (1 hr 30 mins):

    • For private candidates who cannot access a lab.

    • Assesses practical knowledge through structured questions on experiments, apparatus, and observations.

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Sample Objective Questions (Paper 1)

Q1: The number of atoms in one mole of oxygen gas is:
(a) 6.02 × 10²³
(b) 3.01 × 10²³
(c) 1.20 × 10²³
(d) 2.20 × 10²³
Answer: (a) 6.02 × 10²³

Q2: Which of the following is a covalent compound?
(a) NaCl
(b) MgO
(c) CO₂
(d) CaCl₂
Answer: (c) CO₂

Q3: Which gas is collected over water?
Answer: Hydrogen

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Sample Essay Questions (Paper 2)

Q1: State three differences between covalent and ionic compounds.
Answer:

  • Covalent compounds have low melting points, ionic compounds have high melting points.

  • Covalent compounds are poor conductors, ionic compounds conduct in molten/aqueous states.

  • Covalent bonding involves sharing electrons, ionic involves transfer.

Q2: Write balanced equations for the laboratory preparation of hydrogen gas.
Answer:
Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂↑

Q3: Explain the term enthalpy of combustion and provide an example.
Answer:

  • The enthalpy of combustion is the heat change when one mole of a substance is completely burned in oxygen under standard conditions.

  • Example: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O (ΔH = -890 kJ/mol).

Sample Questions for Chemistry 3 (Alternative to Practical Work)

Q1: A student titrated a solution of NaOH with HCl. If 25 cm³ of NaOH required 24 cm³ of 0.1M HCl for neutralization, calculate the molarity of the NaOH solution.
Answer:
Equation: NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H₂O
Moles of HCl = 0.1 × 24/1000 = 0.0024
Moles of NaOH = 0.0024
Molarity = 0.0024 × 1000 / 25 = 0.096 M

Q2: Identify one reagent that can be used to test for:
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Ammonia gas
Answer:
(a) Lime water → turns milky.
(b) Red litmus paper → turns blue.

Q3: State three differences between physical and chemical changes with examples.
Answer:

  • Physical: reversible (e.g., melting of ice).

  • Chemical: irreversible (e.g., burning wood).

  • Physical: no new substance formed, chemical: new substance formed.

Likely Focus Areas for 2025 WAEC GCE Chemistry Obj/Essay

  1. Atomic Structure & Periodic Table – Electron configuration, trends, properties.

  2. Chemical Bonding – Ionic, covalent, metallic.

  3. Stoichiometry & Mole Concept – Balancing equations, Avogadro’s number.

  4. Gas Laws – Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, Ideal gas equation.

  5. Energetics – Enthalpy, bond energy, calorimetry.

  6. Organic Chemistry – Hydrocarbons, alcohols, carboxylic acids.

  7. Electrochemistry – Electrolysis, redox reactions.

  8. Acids, Bases & Salts – Neutralization, titration.

  9. Industrial Chemistry – Haber process, Contact process.

  10. Practical Chemistry – Acid-base titrations, qualitative analysis, salt tests.

Tips for Excelling in WAEC GCE Chemistry Obj/Essay

  1. Understand, Don’t Cram: Chemistry requires logical reasoning and concept application.

  2. Master Balancing Equations: This is heavily tested in both essay and objective papers.

  3. Practice Calculations: Moles, molarity, and gas laws often appear in exams.

  4. Draw Neat Diagrams: Especially for apparatus in practicals.

  5. Use Past Questions: Revise trends and repeated topics.

  6. Focus on Weak Areas: Organic chemistry and electrolysis challenge many candidates.

  7. Practice Titration Calculations: They almost always appear.

  8. Revise Definitions: Clear, standard definitions are rewarded.

  9. Time Management: Allocate enough time to essay calculations and long answers.

  10. Simulate Practical Thinking: Even though it’s “Alternative to Practical,” think like you’re in a lab.

Why WAEC GCE Chemistry Obj/Essay Matters

  • Foundation for Higher Studies: Essential for Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, etc.

  • Skill Development: Builds logical reasoning, problem-solving, and practical skills.

  • Career Relevance: Opens doors to laboratory work, research, and industry jobs.

  • Scientific Literacy: Helps in understanding real-life processes such as combustion, corrosion, and energy conversion.

Extended Sample Essay Question & Answer

Q: Discuss the process of electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate using copper electrodes.

Answer:

  • At the cathode: Cu²⁺ ions gain electrons → copper deposited.

  • At the anode: Copper metal loses electrons → Cu²⁺ ions released into solution.

  • Equation:
    Cathode: Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
    Anode: Cu → Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻

  • The mass of copper deposited is proportional to the current and time (Faraday’s law).

Conclusion

The 2025 WAEC GCE Chemistry Obj/Essay & Alternative to Practical, set for Thursday, 20th November 2025, is a comprehensive assessment of theoretical and practical knowledge in Chemistry. Success depends on mastering stoichiometry, bonding, gas laws, energetics, and practical chemistry.

With consistent practice, a focus on balanced equations, calculations, and laboratory skills, private candidates can excel in this subject and secure admission into top science-based courses.

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