Chemistry Lab

Study Event with Lab:

In this study event participants will also conduct a lab pertaining to the certain topic for that year. Each year covers material from two aspects of chemistry in specific, but it is still important for participants to have a general knowledge of topics such as stoichiometry or uses of different lab equipment. This event closely aligns with AP Chem curriculum if you are or have already taken the class. However, that is not necessary to compete, anyone can do chem lab.

Event Rules Overview

Participants: 2

Time: 50 mins

One double-sided sheet of notes per partner (as of right now they can have different content)
Non-graphing calculator (but must have logs)
A periodic table will be in the testing room, it might be at a weird angle (I would recommend putting a periodic table on the note sheet if there's room)
List of lab equipment + lab coat + goggles (not all of the equipent is needed for some topics - alligator clips aren't needed this year for example)

Studying and Resources

If you are looking for content Tuori's website is a great resource for notes and even practice problems. Also check out Khan Academy for videos.

Basic labs that you should know how to do would be a titration and using solutions to identify other solutions

Aqueous Solutions

Know solubility rules really well
Know all polyatomic ion names and charges
Know basic solution colors - it didn't come up on any tests but may come up in the future
Be able to write equations both net ionic and molecular
Know molarity, molarity, and mass %
Know Ksp and be able to calculate it and also think about how it will change - drawing ICE tables may be helpful

Acids and Bases

Buffers are only on States exams
Know titration curves for
- Strong acid - strong base
- Weak acid - strong base
- Strong acid - weak base
Know strong acids and bases
Know different definitions of acids and bases
- Bronstead-Lowry
- Arrhenius
- Lewis
Be able to calculate pH, pKa, and pKb

Competition Tips

I would suggest dividing up the topics - this year one person can do Acids and Bases and the other can do Aqueous Solutions.

Generally I have found that the test has pretty simple questions, the hardest part is the time. Most people don't finish the test, so the key is being able to do the problems quickly. Most problems are multiple choice with a few pages of short answer questions that may involve reading tables or graphs

Written test and lab timing is variable. Sometimes competitions won't even have you preform a lab and will instead have you interpret data.

If you have any further questions, there’s a good chance they’re answered in the official rules otherwise, ask your partners (on both teams). Good luck, and have fun!

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