AP Chemistry Review

[ap-chemistry-yo]

me trying to figure out how tf to balance a redox equation in a basic solution. fml, man.

[historys-hoe]

AP Gothic

You open the test booklet. The first page is formulas. The second page is formulas. They’re all formulas. You can’t find the questions. Everyone around you is diligently working. You flip through the booklet but all of it is formulas. They consume you.

“Close your booklet and stop working.” Pencils sound as they hit the desk. Time is called. Time doesn’t answer. Where is it? It is lost. You are all lost.

You are told to seal the multiple choice question booklet. The white labels don’t fit properly in the designated sections. None of this fits. You may never discuss these questions. They no longer exist. They never existed. Ryan tried to fight back. They drag him away. Ryan never existed either.

The test references AP students in it. Haha. The test is very funny. Laugh. College Board wants you to laugh. College Board just wants to be friends. College Board is very friendly. College Board beckons you closer. Closer. They are very funny. L A U G H

You may only use black or blue ink. Your pen breaks. The ink spills everywhere. Milky black liquid falls over everything you knew and loved. The College Board confiscates it. “How can we accurately assess your skills without gathering all your materials?” They smile. You never noticed they had so many teeth before. 

The proctor reads the instructions and you begin writing. The proctors circle you. They lean over your test and make disapproving noises. They are hunting. They pick out the weak. You will be next. 

[determinationandcaffeine]

*This probably only applies to those of you entering college, as high school lab work seems to be much more chill. Also, this is just my experience and may very well vary from place to place.*

Sleep a decent amount of hours (if you can, have a nap right before) and EAT BEFORE YOU GO THERE - lab work is physically exhausting, you’re usually there for several hours and you can count the times you get to sit down on one hand.

Read whatever information you are given about your lab work beforehand. You don’t want to get there and not know what’s going on.

Be active! There’s nothing worse than a lab partner than needs to be told to do things. If you’ve read whatever info you were given, you’ll have an idea of what to do so take the initiative. Offer to do stuff. Don’t just stand around waiting for orders.

Wear layers. Labs are freezing cold 10% of the time and scorching hot 90% of the time (especially once you put on your lab coat). The heat is specially bad because you may even get dizzy so please wear layers (the lightest one should be a short-sleeve or tank fop).

Don’t forget:

Water bottle - heat = dehydration

Hair tie - tie your hair up. Just do it.

WEAR COMFY SHOES - you may think those boots are soo comfy and chic but I guarantee you’ll change your mind after there hours of standing. Sneakers are the way to go 

Yes you can just have one lab coat. But you still need to wash it. Volatile solvents don’t mask B.O.

Things break. Try your best not to break them but know that it’s not that big of a deal so don’t worry too much if you do.

‘Water’ always means deionized water. Always. Unless stated otherwise. Seriously, it can ruin your whole experiment. Also when you’re washing any equipment, you should always give them one last rinse with deionized water.

If you need to take away from something you’re weighting or a liquid you’re transfering with a pippete, that never goes back into the ‘original tub’. It’s a residue.

Painted nails + organic solvents equal ruined nails. Gloves don’t help. Beware. But, gloves are great and v recommended if you’re dealing with oh idk rat pee.

Once you get home, you’re probably just going to want to pass out. Don’t. Do whatever you have to do (have coffee ready?) to write as much as you remember about what you’ve done. It makes writing the lab write-up. So. Much. Easier.

On the same note, if you know you have something due the day after a lab, get it done beforehand because you probably won’t have the energy to do it afterwards. If you have lab work all week long (like I do), get as much done on the weekend as possible 

Listen, if you know an upper classman who’s taken that class, ask to borrow their write-ups. Beg for them if you must. They will save your life.

Have a lab write-up template. You can look for one online or model It after your professor’s directions or an upper-classman’s write-up. Having something that you can just ‘fill in’ is super convenient.

Other masterposts

How To Stop Procrastinating

How To Stop Skipping Class

Skincare 101

Memorization Tips

Implementing a Study Routine

Use Studyblr to Become Productive

[the-royal-paintbrush]

Remember when I resolved not to go to bed at 2 am anymore?

Nah, neither do I.

[ap-chemistry-yo]

AP Chem study group

A fellow studyblr, tragicallystudying, has made a new study group for all you taking AP Chem this year! Here is the link below:

http://tragicallystudying.tumblr.com/post/146403236914/calling-all-ap-chemers-of-the-2016-2017-school

Go join and happy studying to all!

[ap-chemistry-yo]

What would you say are the hardest topics in AP Chem? I want to start studying before I start the class.

Orgo chem is rough, then things like acids, bases, titrations, atomic structure/bonding are super important. It's also just a lot of memorization of different rules, equations, etc.

[cowplantcartel]

Hi! So @fortheloveofmath asked if I had a list of mathblrs, and I knew of a few studyblrs that are math-related but not many actual mathblrs…

So I came up with this small list of mathblrs & studyblrs that are somewhat math-related. If you are a mathblr please let me know so I can add you to the list, I want to keep this updated :-)

@mathematically-inclined

@maths-student

@studymathematics

@study-math

@themathblrs

@studybuzz

@studymath

@gingerlie-math

@superpulsar

@marshmallowmath

@prime-mathblr

@softerstudying

@crystal-mathblr

@mathematicool

@lunastudy

@academicagony

@stuudiesblr

@algorithmi

@thehappymathematician

@girlmeetsscreenshots

[ap-chemistry-yo]

Im currently in AP chem now but i want to get a head start on studying. Are there any review books or youtube channels you recommend for review?

Yes! On youtube, I found Hank Green’s chem crash courses to give good overviews, and then I watched a lot of Tyler DeWitt’s videos that were super helpful. For review books, I'd use Princeton to get a simple overview of everything, but if you want to really go in depth into the material, I had a Barron’s book that covered a ton of material. Good luck in the class!

[ap-chemistry-yo]

I need chem IA ideas ASAP

Well my school does AP, but you could really take any lab you've done or anything that really interests you and do an IA on it. Explore hydrogen bonding, or do some titrations, do flame tests or investigate noble gases. Or any process or thing you find really cool, just investigate the chemistry behind it.

[ap-chemistry-yo]

I'm considering taking AP Chem next year. Any pointers, tips, advice, etc ? / ultimate-studyblr (for some reason it wouldn't let me ask from my studyblr but it might be because its not my main blog)

If you've taken a general chem class already and like it, go for AP. If you've never taken chem before but still are interested in the class, make sure you have a good background in math and are willing to study probably a little more than you're used to. If you decide to take the class, I think you can do great! Review as you learn the material, and if you're ever unclear on a topic, go and learn about it that day, and don't put it off til last minute. Best of luck!

[ap-chemistry-yo]

A few notes on quantum numbers for electrons, where for the ml values, I have the orbital boxes drawn, so just think that each box has that value for the two electrons in that box.

[onlinecounsellingcollege]

When you want to give up

1. Remember why you started – what your reasons were. What was the “spark” that got you going, and inspired you to begin on the journey you are on?

2. List all the reasons why you can persevere, and make it to the end so you reach your goal. Remind yourself you have what you need to succeed.

3. Give yourself permission to give up if you choose. That reminds you that it’s you who is in control. You’re choosing to do this as it’s what you want to do.

4. Think of all the reasons why you should persevere – as that stops you focusing on why you should give up. What are the benefits? What will you gain? How will you feel when you’ve reached your goal?

5. Instead of concentrating on the struggle and the effort, focus all that energy on looking for solutions.

6. Recognise that success will require sacrifice. It’s always hard work, and every winner pays a price. “No pain no gain” is a basic truth in life.

[ap-chemistry-yo]

Hello my brave friends taking AP Chem this year! I made it through this class last year, so don't hesitate to ask me about anything and I can dig through my notes for you. A word of advice: start doing practice questions now. Find a review book or released questions online and do both multiple choice and free response questions. Doing questions that go along with what you're learning now will help you so much and it'll make reviewing right before the test a lot easier! Finally, believe in yourself. Best of luck everyone!

[ap-chemistry-yo]

I wish I would have found this blog while I was taking AP chem last year! I got a 3 on the exam.

Aww, well congratulations on passing! 

[study-well]

Some general resources:

Chemistry Glossary

Chemistry Exam Survival Guide

Toolbox – interactive graphing, tables, and calculators

Make virtual chemistry models

Interactive periodic table

Another site for making virtual chemistry models

Virtual labs – covers stoichiometry, thermochemistry, eq1uilibrium, acid base chemistry, solubility, oxidation/reduction and electrochemistry, analytical chemistry/lab techniques

Concept tests

Chemistry Science Fair Project Ideas

OChem Reaction Bank

Interactive chem simulations

Chemical calculations

The Chem Blog

Molecule of the day

Free chemistry drawing software

Laboratory Safety - Laboratory safety for the chemistry classroom

Periodic Table of Videos - Brady Haran

On this day in chemistry… - a history of chemistry

The faces of chemistry

Experimentation hub -  explore and enjoy our experiments to increase engagement in scientific investigation, develop new skills and enhance your knowledge.

Understanding journals - including reading articles, referencing, and example articles.

Resources for specific topics:

Stochiometry – the mole, molarity and density, reaction stoichiometry and limiting reagents, empirical formula and mixtures, gravimetric analysis

Themochemistry – energy and enthalpy, entropy

Kinetics – phenomenological and mechanistic kinetics

Equilibrium – LeChatlier’s principle, progress of reaction, equilibrium calculations, common ion effect

Acid base chemistry – strong acid and bases, weak acids and bases, buffer solutions, acid/base titrations

Solubility – solubility product, solubility and PH, common ion effect

Oxidation/Reduction and Electrochemistry – standard reduction potentials, galvanic cells

Analytical chemistry/ Lab techniques – reaction stoichiometry and limiting reagents, acid/base titrations, redox titrations, gravimetric analysis, UC/Vis spectroscopy

Physical chemistry – quantum mechanics, spectroscopy

Properties of solutions – intermolecular forces, colligative properties

Textbooks:

Chemistry Virtual Textbooks, Stephen Lower

Organic Chemistry, Tim Soderberg

Organic Chemistry I, George Mhehe

Environmental Chemistry, Dejene Tessema

Virtual Organic Chemistry

Industrial Chemistry, Helen Njenga

Inorganic Chemistry, Chrispin Kowenje

Physical Chemistry I, Onesmus Munyaki

General Chemistry, Principles, Patterns and Applications

Chemistry Books - a variety of chemistry textbooks

Chemistry Tutorials/Guides:

Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Chemical reactions and stoichiometry

Electronic structure of atoms

Periodic table

Chemical bonds

Gases and kinetic molecular theory

State of matter and intermolecular forces

Chemical equilibrium

Acids and bases

Acid base equilibria and solubility equilibria

Thermodynamics

Redox reactions and electrochemistry

Kinetics

Nuclear chemistry

Organic Chemistry Tutorials/Guidelines:

Structure and bonding

Dot structures

Hybridization

Bond-line structures

Electronegativity

Resonance and acid base chemistry

Counting electrons

Resonance structures

Organic acid-base chemistry

Alkanes, cycloalkanes and functional groups

Naming alkanes

Naming alkanes, cycloalkanes, and bicyclic compounds

Conformations of alkanes

Conformations of cycloalkanes

Functional groups

Stereochemistry

Chirality

Enantiomers

Stereoisomeric relationships

Subsituation and elimination reactions

Free radical reaction

Sn1 vs Sn2

Nucleophilicity and basicity

Elimination reactions

Sn1/Sn2/E1/E2

Sn1 and Sn2

Alkenes and alkynes

Naming alkenes

Alkene reactions

Alkene nomenclature

Alkene reactions

Naming and preparing alkynes

Alkyne reactions

Alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulphides

Alcohol nomenclature and properties

Synthesis of alcohols

Reactions of alcohols

Nomenclature and properties of ethers

Synthesis and cleavage of ethers

Nomenclature and preparation of epoxides

Conjugation, Diels-Alder, and MO theory

Addition reactions of conjugated dienes

Diels-Alder reaction

Molecular orbital theory

Aromatic compounds

Naming benzene derivatives

Reactions of benzene

Aromatic stability

Electrophilic aromatic substitution

Directing effects

Other reactions and synthesis

Aldehydes and ketones

Introduction to aldehydes and ketones

Reactions of aldehydes and ketones

Carboxylic acids and derivatives

Naming carboxylic acids

Formation of carboxylic acid derivatives

Nomenclature and reactions of carboxylic acids

Nomenclature and reactions of carboxylic acid derivatives

Alpha carbon chemistry

Formation of enolate anions

Aldol condensations

Amines

Naming amines

Spectroscopy

Infrared Spectroscopy

UV/Vis Spectroscopy

proton NMR

Careers:

A future in Chemistry

What can I do with my chemistry degree?

Chemistry Careers - American Chemical Society

What to do with a degree in chemistry - The Guardian

[ap-chemistry-yo]

Here's a great resource for all you embarking on the chemistry journey this year!

[ap-chemistry-yo]

The big week at last

This is the week that we find out our AP scores, so just remember that numbers do not define you. You are wonderful, intelligent people. The thoughts and talents that make you who you are can't be put into a single one-digit number. No matter what scores you got, be proud of yourself for working so hard and surviving an entire year of AP life. Once again, numbers do not define you.

[salon]

Watch Robert Reich explain how to save America’s education system