- Santa Monica High
- Chemistry
AP Chemistry
-
Course Description
AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. This course is demanding in both the time commitment and level of work required of the students. In AP Chemistry, students learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry such as structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, reactions, and how to use chemical calculations to solve problems. The main topics covered in this course include equilibrium, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, chemical bonding, properties of light and quantum mechanics, and the phases of matter. Students also complete AP Chemistry labs, which focus on the ability to express ideas with clarity and logic. Students work with classmates to conduct laboratory investigations that involve observing chemical reactions and substances, interpreting findings, and communicating experimental results. Students are expected to take the AP Chemistry exam in May. A link to the College Boards official AP Chemistry website can be found here.
Topics:
First Semester
I. General Chemistry
II. Equilibrium
III. Solubility
IV. Acids and Bases
V. ElectrochemistrySecond Semester
VI. Thermodynamics
VII. Reaction Kinetics
VIII. Quantum Mechanics, Periodic Trends, & Bonding
Ix. Phases and Phase ChangesAdditional Topics:
Nuclear Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Prerequisite: Chemistry (an A or a B in Chemistry is HIGHLY recommended).
Minimum math co-requisite: Algebra II (PreCalc/Calc A is HIGHLY recommended).