STRATEGY #1: STUDY THE RIGHT STUFF IN
THE RIGHT WAY
One important strategy for preparing to take this exam is to study only the
concepts that will be tested. In Chapters 3 through 14 , we will take a look at all
the subjects that are certain to appear on the test and explain them in a way that’s
specifically designed to help you answer the test questions.
What topics do we cover? Well, the same topics that the College Board lists on
their website as being covered.
I. Structure of Matter (25% of the questions will be on this topic):
atomic theory and structure; periodic relationships; chemical bonding
and molecular structure; nuclear reactions
II. States of Matter (16%): kinetic molecular theory of gases; gas
laws; liquids, solids, and phase changes; intermolecular forces;
solutions, concentration units, solubility, and colligative properties
III. Reaction Types (14%): acids and bases; oxidation-reduction;
precipitation
IV. Stoichiometry (14%): mole concept and Avogadro’s number;
empirical and molecular formulas; percent composition, stoichiometric
formulas; limiting reagents
V. Equilibrium and Reaction Rates (5%): gas equilibria and ionic
equilibria; Le Chatelier’s principle; equilibrium expressions; rate of
reactions
VI. Thermochemistry (6%): energy changes in chemical reactions
and physical properties; Hess’s law; entropy
VII. Descriptive Chemistry (12%): physical and chemical properties
of elements and their familiar compounds; chemical nomenclature;
chemical reactivity and products of chemical reactions; simple
examples from organic chemistry and environmental chemistry
VIII. Laboratory (8%): equipment; measurements; procedures;
observations; safety; calculations; interpretations of resultsAs you can see, we do not include everything there is to know about chemistry;
your chemistry textbook does that. We just hope to strengthen and refresh your