Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Chemistry, Paper 2 · CAPS
Acids and Bases – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Paper 2)
What Acids and Bases covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), the 5 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 5
- Exam-style questions
- 11
- Marks of practice
- 91
- Study time
- ≈ 4 h 55 min
What it covers
Acids and bases uses the Arrhenius and Lowry–Brønsted models, conjugate pairs and ampholytes (which can behave both ways), and the difference between strong and weak and between concentrated and dilute solutions. You calculate pH using Kw, predict through hydrolysis whether a dissolved salt gives an acidic or a basic solution, choose a suitable indicator for a titration, and do titration calculations such as finding a concentration or the purity of a sample.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) – Monday 2 November 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Chemical change ≈ 92/150 (acids and bases typically ≈ 15–18 marks, typically Question 7, plus 2 MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 7 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Acid–base models, conjugate pairs and ampholytes30 min
- Kw, pH and strong versus weak acids35 min
- Hydrolysis of salts and choosing an indicator35 min
- Titration calculations and percentage purity45 min
- Reactions of acids30 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples5 sections | 2 h 55 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions11 questions · 91 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 1 h 50 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 4 h 55 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 11 exam-style questions on Acids and Bases (91 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 5 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Acids and Bases? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Acids and Bases as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Chemistry P2 topics
- Electrochemistry 1: Redox and Galvanic Cells
- Electrochemistry 2: Electrolytic Cells
- Quantitative Chemistry (Stoichiometry) Revision
- Organic Molecules: Structure and Naming
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Acids and Bases
How many marks is Acids and Bases worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Chemical change ≈ 92/150 (acids and bases typically ≈ 15–18 marks, typically Question 7, plus 2 MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 7 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Acids and Bases?
About 4 h 55 min: 2 h 55 min for the notes and worked examples in its 5 sections, 1 h 50 min for the 11 exam-style questions (91 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Acids and Bases?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Acids and Bases as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.