CHEM 121
How to Prepare for Your Final Exam
REVIEW OF BASIC CHEMISTRY KNOWLEDGE
Nomenclature, especially the 8 common polyatomic ions
Solubility Rules
Conversion of units by dimensional analysis
KNOW conversion well:
o g to mg, g to kg and vice versa
o mL to L and vice versa
o torr, mmHg, atm
o °C to K and vice versa
No equations will be given
All constants will be given
How to Handle Significant Figures
Electronegativity trends, including H
How to write Lewis structures
Know the different molecular geometries, hybridization, bond angles
Know how to tell the type of bonds ( and ).
Know how to write electron configurations from the periodic table.
OLD MATERIAL (before Exam IV)
Go over your 4 exams.
It does not help to MEMORIZE answers from the exams.
Go through each question and THINK about the logic that goes behind answering the question.
If you don’t know how, look it up in your textbook or the corresponding PowerPoint.
Go over all your quizzes.
NEW MATERIAL (after Exam IV)
Go over the handout “What you need to know from Jespersen Chap. 11: Gases”
Re-do all the problems from the handout without looking at answers.
Do suggested practice problems.
If you have time, take a look at the ACS Study Guide on reserve at the library (available at all
campuses, but can be used only in the library). Only certain sections and questions pertain to the first
semester of General Chemistry (CHEM 121). The guide should have this information stapled to the
front. Or, you can refer to my website (HomePage) and scroll down until you see it.