H2 Chemistry Kinetics Practical Playbook for Paper 4

TL;DR
SEAB’s 2026 H2 Chemistry syllabus (9729) lists kinetics as a recurring Paper 4 investigation (2 h 30 min, 55 marks; Planning 5%, MMO/PDO/ACE 15% combined).
Secure accurate rate data by standardising reagent prep, clocking mixes quickly, and logging raw readings alongside temperature notes.
Build ACE commentary around gradient analysis, uncertainty propagation, and links to mechanism pathways in the 9729 syllabus outcomes.

Status: SEAB H2 Chemistry (9729, first exam 2026) syllabus last checked 2025-11-29 (PDF last modified 2024-07-17). Paper 4 is unchanged at 2 h 30 min, 55 marks, weighting 20 % with Planning at 5 % and MMO/PDO/ACE at 15 % combined.

1 | Where kinetics sits in Paper 4

• Scope defined by SEAB: The Practical Assessment section of the 2026 H2 Chemistry syllabus (9729) lists chemical kinetics (continuous and initial rate methods) alongside titration, thermochemistry, qualitative analysis, gas collection, and simple organic synthesis. Kinetics investigations check how well candidates select variables, maintain temperature, and justify methods against the theory taught in H2 Unit 7 (Chemical Kinetics).
• Skill strands: The same document reiterates that Paper 4 grades P/MMO/PDO/ACE holistically; kinetics tasks expect you to:
  • plan collision-theory-aligned methods (P),
  • execute timing and volumetric measurements precisely (MMO),
  • present rate data with clear unit tracking (PDO),
  • evaluate method limitations and suggest refinements anchored in kinetics principles (ACE).
• Assessment weighting: Paper 4 remains $20 \%$ of the H2 grade, runs $\pu{2 h 30 min}$