AP Chemistry
Text: Brown, LeMay and Bursten. Chemistry: The Central Science. 11th ed., 2009.
AP Chemistry Course
We will be offering one section of AP Chemistry that meet 5 days each week for 55 minutes. There will
be two days a week focused on labs on average. Students must have a previous knowledge of some
chemistry concepts that they have acquired in some of their previous science courses. They also must
have an excellent background in algebra.
Grading Policy
You will have homework each and every night. You must keep up in this course. This will not be a class
that you can miss. Make up will not be given except in the case of excused absences. You must
remember this is designed as a college course. Therefore, the responsibility falls on you. Attendance is
a must.
You will have a variety of methods to acquire points throughout this course. The breakdown for the
course is as follows:
Exams………….50%
Daily Work (Quizzes/Homework)………..25%
Labs……………..25%
Grading Scale
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-59 F
Study Skills
It is highly important that you utilize and develop sound study skills as part of your AP Chemistry class.
You cannot “breeze” through this course. You will have to study to maintain a good grade in this class.
Take time every day to study, complete your homework, and go above and beyond with this class. This
class will be challenging, yet very rewarding.
Course Outline
Unit 1 – Calculations and Uncertainty
 Dimensional Analysis
 Precision vs. Accuracy
 Significant Digits
 SI System
 Scientific Notation
Unit 2 – Atoms, Molecules and Ions
 Formula Writing
 Oxidation Numbers & States
 Nomenclature
Unit 3 – Stoichiometry
 Equations
 The Mole
 Empirical Formulas
 Molecular Formulas
 Aqueous Solutions
 Limiting Reactants
 Concentration
Unit 4 – Thermochemistry
 Second Law of Thermodynamics
 Thermodynamics
 Enthalphy
 Calorimetry
 Hess’s Law
 Heats of Reactions
 Bond Energies
 Gibbs energy
Unit 5 – Atomic Structure
 Atomic Spectra
 Bohr Atom
 Quantum numbers
 Orbitals
 Electron Configurations
Unit 6 – Periodic Table and Periodicity
 Development of Periodic Table
 Atomic Size and Ions
 Electron Affinity
 Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids
 Group Trends
Unit 7 – Chemical Bonding
 Octet Rule and Lewis Structures
 Ionic Bonding
 Covalent Bonding
 Polarity and Electronegativity
 Resonance
 Exceptions to Octet
 Bond Strength
 VSEPR
Unit 8 – Gases
 Gas Laws
 Ideal Gas Equation
 Kinetic-Molecular Theory
 STP
 Real Gases
Unit 9 – Solids and Liquids
 Intermolecular Forces
 Phase Changes
 Vapor Pressure
 Phase Diagrams
Unit 10 – Properties of Solutions
 Electrolytes
 Molarity
 Molality
 Colligative Properties
 Colloids
Unit 11 – Chemical Kinetics
 Reaction rates
 The Rate law
 Temperature and Rate
 Reaction Machanism
 Catalysis
Unit 12 – Chemical Equilibrium
 The Equilibrium Constant
 Calculating Equilibrium Constants
 LeChatelier’s Principle
Unit 13 – Acids and Bases
 Bronstead-Lowry
 pH Scale
 Ka and Kb Relationships
Unit 14 – Electrochemistry
 Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
 Balancing Redox Reactions
 Voltaic Cells
 Free Energy and Redox
 Batteries
 Electrolysis
Unit 15 – Nuclear Chemistry
 Radioactivity
 Transmutations
 Rates of Decay
 Energy Changes
 Fusion and Fission
Labs:
1. Separation of a Solid Mixture
2. Paper Chromatography of Acid/Base Indicators
3. Gravimetric Analysis of a Chloride Sample
4. Group I Qualitative Analysis
5. MW of a Volatile Liquid
6. Charles’ Law
7. Cu to Cu
8. Formula of a Hydrate
9. FP Depression and BP Elevation
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Reactivity Series
Colorimetric Analysis
Rate Law
Equilibrium
Standardization of NaOH and %KHP
Preparation of Aspirin
Making a Co-polymer
Thermodynamics
Ksp, pH
Conjugate Acid/Base and pH of Salts
Determine Ka from Titration Curve
Electrochemistry/Reactivity Series
Notes about AP Chemistry Lab
 All labs will be done either in a group of 2-3 (rotating each lab) or individually.
 Labs will be graded based on lab reports turned in after labs are completed. Format of lab
reports will be covered in class.
 Students will be required to spend time in lab during class plus before and after school
(approximately 35 hours in class and 20 hours outside of class). This will be flexible to meet the
schedules of students. The lab will be opened each morning at 7:00 a.m. Afternoons will be
scheduled as needed.
 Your lab notebook will be provided for you. This notebook must be kept throughout the course
of the year. It will provide evidence to your college instructors of the quality of lab work that
you performed throughout your AP Chemistry course.