Overview of High School Chemistry Topics

Are you confused by all the topics in high school chem class? Here is an overview of what is studied in high school chem, with links to essential chem resources and worked chem problems. Introduction to Chemistry To study high school chem, its a good idea to know what chem is. What Is Chem?What Is the Scientific Method? Math Basics Math is used in all the sciences, including high school chem class. To learn chem, you need to understand algebra, geometry, and some trig, as well as be able to work in scientific notation and perform unit conversions. Accuracy and  PrecisionSignificant FiguresScientific NotationPhysical ConstantsMetric Base UnitsDerived Metric UnitsMetric PrefixesHow to Cancel UnitsTemperature ConversionsCalculate Experimental Error Atoms and Molecules Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. Atoms join together to form compounds and molecules. Atom BasicsAtomic Mass and  Atomic Mass NumberTypes of Chemical BondsIonic and Covalent BondsOxidation NumbersLewis Structures or  Electron Dot ModelsMolecular GeometryWhat Is a Mole?More About Molecules and  MolesLaw of Multiple Proportions Stoichiometry Stoichiometry describes the proportions between atoms in molecules and reactants/products in chemical reactions. You can use this information to balance chemical equations. Types of Chemical ReactionsBalance EquationsBalance Redox ReactionsGram to Mole ConversionsLimiting Reactant  and Theoretical YieldMole Relations in Balanced EquationsMass Relations in Balanced Equations States of Matter The states of matter are defined by the structure of matter as well as whether it has a fixed shape and volume. Learn about the different states and how matter transforms itself from one state to another. States of MatterPhase Diagrams Chemical Reactions There are several types of chemical reactions that can occur. Reactions in WaterTypes of Inorganic Chemical Reactions Periodic Trends The properties of the elements exhibit trends based on the structure of their electrons. The trends or periodicity can be used to make predictions about elements. Periodic Properties and  TrendsElement Groups Solutions Its important to understand how mixtures behave. Solutions, Suspensions, Colloids, DispersionsCalculating Concentration Gases Gases exhibit special properties. Ideal GasesIdeal Gas Law ProblemsBoyles LawCharles LawDaltons Law of Partial Pressures Acids and Bases Acids and bases are concerned with the actions of hydrogen ions or protons in aqueous solutions. Acid and  Base DefinitionsCommon Acids and BasesStrength of Acids and  BasesCalculating pHBuffersSalt FormationHenderson-Hasselbalch EquationTitration BasicsTitration Curves Thermochemistry and  Physical Chem Learn about the relationships between matter and energy. Laws of ThermochemistryStandard State ConditionsCalorimetry, Heat Flow, and EnthalphyBond Energy and  Enthalpy ChangeEndothermic and  Exothermic ReactionsWhat Is Absolute Zero? Kinetics Matter is always in motion.  Learn about the motion of atoms and molecules, or kinetics. Factors That Affect Reaction RateChemical Reaction Order Atomic and  Electronic Structure Much of the chem that you learn is associated with electronic structure, since electrons can move around much more easily than protons or neutrons. Valences of the ElementsAufbau Principle and Electronic StructureElectron Configuration of the ElementsQuantum Numbers and  Electron OrbitalsHow Magnets Work Nuclear Chem Nuclear chemistry is concerned with the behavior of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus. Radiation  and  RadioactivityIsotopes and  Nuclear SymbolsRate of Radioactive DecayAtomic Mass and Atomic AbundanceCarbon-14 Dating Chem Practice Problems Index of Worked Chem ProblemsPrintable Chem Worksheets Chem Quizzes How to Take a Chem TestAtom Basics QuizAtomic Structure QuizAcids and  Bases QuizChemical Bonds QuizChanges in State QuizCompound Naming QuizElement Number QuizElement Picture QuizUnits of Measurement Quiz General Chem Tools Periodic Table.  Use the periodic table to make predictions about element properties. Click on any element symbol to get facts about the element.Chem Glossary.  Look up the definitions of unfamiliar chem terms.Chemical Structures.  Find the structures for molecules, compounds, and functional groups.