Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Chemistry, Paper 2 · CAPS
Organic Molecules: Structure and Naming – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Paper 2)
What Organic Molecules & Naming covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), the 4 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 4
- Exam-style questions
- 10
- Marks of practice
- 71
- Study time
- ≈ 3 h 55 min
What it covers
Organic chemistry starts with how carbon compounds are represented and named. You learn to spot the functional group that defines each homologous series in the syllabus – the hydrocarbons, the compounds that contain a halogen, and the oxygen-containing families such as the alcohols, the esters and the acids – draw the different kinds of formulae, and give IUPAC names to straight and branched molecules. Isomers – the same atoms joined in a different arrangement – complete the topic.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) – Monday 2 November 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Matter & materials ≈ 58/150 (organic structure, properties and reactions together; naming/structure questions ≈ 12–18 marks plus 3–5 MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 2 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
- Functional groups and homologous series30 min
- IUPAC naming rules40 min
- Molecular, structural and condensed formulas30 min
- Structural isomers40 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples4 sections | 2 h 20 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions10 questions · 71 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 1 h 25 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 3 h 55 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 10 exam-style questions on Organic Molecules & Naming (71 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 4 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 Organic Molecules & Naming? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Organic Molecules & Naming as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Chemistry P2 topics
- Physical Properties of Organic Molecules
- Organic Reactions
- Rate and Extent of Reaction
- Chemical Equilibrium
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Organic Molecules & Naming
How many marks is Organic Molecules & Naming worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Matter & materials ≈ 58/150 (organic structure, properties and reactions together; naming/structure questions ≈ 12–18 marks plus 3–5 MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 2 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 Organic Molecules & Naming?
About 3 h 55 min: 2 h 20 min for the notes and worked examples in its 4 sections, 1 h 25 min for the 10 exam-style questions (71 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 Organic Molecules & Naming?
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 Organic Molecules & Naming as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.