Exam 1 Topics and Study
Tips/Strategies
Supplemental Instruction
Iowa State University
Leader:
Course:
Instructor:
Date:
Hannah J.
Chem 331
Dr. Winter
9/14/15
Exam 1 Topics:
The following is a (checkable) list of the topics you should know and understand for exam 1:
Ch. 1 & 2:
 3 bond types and how to tell which type a given bond is from electronegativity
values
 Conceptual understanding of electronegativity
 Lewis structures: understand the difference between dot and full/Kekulé
structures and be able to draw either or both given the condensed molecule (i.e.
H2CO)
 Dipole moments: understand and be able to draw individual bond and net
molecule dipole vectors given a molecule, partial charges, sign of dipole moment
 Molecular geometries: VSEPR, the 3 molecular geometries and the # of
bonds/lone pairs (“things that the atom is attached to”), bond angles, and
hybridization type that go with each
 Formal charges: know the formula and be able to calculate formal charges for
each atom of a molecule
 Skeleton & condensed structures: understand the “real” (full Lewis) structure that
these represent, especially where (& how many) carbons are
 Arrow pushing: where an arrow can start from and go to, what this represents
 Resonance & resonance structures: purpose, how they are used to represent the
“real” structure, common patterns (4 were given in class), be able to draw all
resonance structures for a given molecule including arrow pushing and identify
the major & minor contributors based on stability (know the 3 rules that go along
with this)
 Bronstead acids & bases: definition of a Bronstead acid and a Bronstead base,
how to predict reaction direction given pKa values, strength of acids based on
stability of conjugate bases, predict products of an acid/base reaction including
arrow pushing
 Lewis acids & bases: definition of a Lewis acid and a Lewis base, predict
products of an acid/base reaction including arrow pushing
Ch. 3:
 Functional groups: memorize the ~15 given in class and be able to identify them
in a larger molecule
 Nomenclature: the difference between IUPAC and common names, general
formula for systematic names
 Alkane naming: memorize the names of the basic 1- through 10-Carboncontaining alkanes (remember Mary Eats Peanut Butter), 3 rules for naming, be
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able to draw structures given the name or vice versa, memorize the 3 commonnamed complex substituents given in class
 Isomers: definition, be able to draw different isomers given a formula
 Conformations/Newman Projections: understand that atoms can spin around a
single bond, what a conformation is, and the purpose of Newman projections, be
able to draw Newman projections for any (relatively short) hydrocarbon, know
the 2 (for ethane) or 4 (for propane and beyond) conformations and which is the
highest and lowest energy and why (based on the 2 types of strain)
Ch. 4:
 Cycloalkanes:
o What they all contain (a hydrocarbon ring)
o Naming (follows same rules as for alkane naming except with a –
cyclo-), how to decide if the ring or the straight-chain is the parent
chain, how to number the ring’s carbons based on substituents (if the
ring is the parent chain), trans vs. cis stereoisomers
o Angle strain: what it is, why it occurs, and what it means for smaller
cycloalkanes and which cycloalkane is the most stable, chair
conformations
Note: Each student is also responsible for any new material covered in class on Monday, 9/14/15
that Dr. Winter says will be on the exam (not included in this list).
Study Tips/Strategies:
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Go through your notes, reading them and highlighting important topics and details (This
is a good first step in studying for any exam. If you don’t have good notes, ask a friend.)
Redo in-class examples and/or SI worksheets without looking at the solutions, then check
your work
Do end-of-chapter problems (Ch. 1-4) in textbook
Read end-of-chapter summaries and passages on confusing topics in textbook
Form a study group and study together
Make flashcards for the memorized items and go through them until you can identify the
name given the structure/functional group or vice versa in any order on the first try
Finish all applicable Sapling homework & look back through past assignments
Come to SI 
DO THE PRACTICE EXAM POSTED ON BLACKBOARD (if it’s helpful to you,
consider taking it once without studying to gauge where you are, then retake it after
studying)
Ask a friend, me (your SI leader), or Dr. Winter in person or via email about any topics
that you are still confused on after studying
Power through and don’t forget to breathe! If you’ve been putting in the effort and gotten
a good grasp on the material, you’ll be successful on the exam—you can do it! 