What should I start learning on my own about chemistry?

Question

I am taking this in the fall at a jr college. To help prepare myself for this class, what should I study up on the most? Thanks

Answer 1

Learn how to use the information on the periodic chart. While valence bond theory is no longer in vogue learning the valence of common ions will be a great help on tests. you can use the periodic chart in the classroom for the common reactive valence of the elements. In general the valence is the group number for the element. Knowing what is probably going to react with what and in what proportions goes a long way in chem101.

Answer 2

There are some great chemistry tutorial sites on the Internet. Here are some of my favorites:

http://schoolcenter.k12albemarle.org/education/components/links/links.php?sectiondetailid=14250&sc_id=1179451759

You can just pick a topic and just try a few example problems for practice.

Most likely, the course will begin with matter, mixtures, elements, and compounds. Then you will learn about scientific measurement and unit conversions. It would be good to study things like naming compounds and writing formulas. You could even make flash cards to learn the names of certain elements and ions.

The math seems to be the most intimidating, for students, so when you take the class, make sure that you do lots of practice problems. That will always be helpful!

Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions!

Answer 3

Use sparknotes, they have a great way of gaining know-how of organic and organic chemistry. i might circulate over isomers on account that's what you learn first. You learn the distinction between conformational, constitutional, and diastereomers. you many times methods to call in accordance to IUPAC standards and the thank you to entice skeletal systems of hydrocarbons. certainly, organic and organic chemistry is alot much less complicated than how no longer ordinary human beings say it genuinely is. organic and organic chemistry isn't ordinary for persons who are not good at conceptualizing issues. maximum persons of persons who say organic and organic chemistry isn't ordinary are biology/pre-med majors. actual chemistry is a hundred situations harder than organic and organic chemistry.

Answer 4

Periodic Table, you will save sooo much time if you knew most of the basic masses from elements 1-20. Other than that, know your ions. Like their charges. Shouldn't be too hard, I'm in high school and I know most of the periodic table pretty well.

Answer 5

A book on "General Chemistry" , Atomic structure, Gases Laws, elementary algrebra .

Answer 6

There is a type of book usually entitled, "General, Organic, and Biochemistry." These are texts used to teach one-semester courses to nurses and others. Go to amazon.com or alibris.com and see if you can get a used one, shortest and cheapest. Try to go through it by yourself. They only teach enough "general" chemistry to help you understand organic, and only as much organic chemistry as you need to understand biological chemistry.

Answer 7

study the periodic table...... learn elements and their symbols..... also read up on valence electrons, balancing equations (basics)