This section of the website is still under construction. Last updated 8/5/2025
The introductory chemistry unit is filled with a set of skills and vocabulary that we will use in almost every unit this year. We will start with units of measurement and a skill called dimensional analysis. Though we will not usually need to know how to change kilometers into inches on the AP exam, these same mathematical routines will help us correctly set up our mass and mole relationships in stoichiometry and solution chemistry. It is very important to use the format for dimensional analysis used in our textbook and in our notes to keep track of units. Think of this unit of study as a giant metaphor for the "real" chemistry later. The nomenclature that we explore this unit will not be directly tested on the AP exam, but you better believe that you will be writing and using chemical formulas on the exam. The more you practice now, the more comfortable you will be all year long.
As we get started in the school year, we will spend about 25% of our total time analyzing demonstrations, learning new skills in "labettes," and working together on designing labs in guided inquiry labs. To keep track of all of your experiences, we will put together a lab notebook. These inserts are for your reference:
Keeping a Science Notebook & Writing an Inquiry Lab Report
How to Prepare to Handwrite (version 2 with AI guidance)
First Homework:
Polyatomic Ion List for Memorizing
Note taking tips: The Cornel Note-Taking Strategy
NOTES: Significant Figures, Filled Out
Practice Worksheets/Homework:
Scientific Notation and Sig Figs, Answers
Sig Fig Calculations and Rounding, Answers
Notes: Dimensional Analysis Part 1, Filled Out
Worksheets:
SI Unit Conversions 2, Answers
Notes:
Dimensional Analysis Part 2, Filled Out
Worksheets:
Let's explore how people modified their conceptions of what atoms are through experimentation and modeling. Hopefully, your mental models will be modified as well.
Guided Inquiry Notes: The Nuclear Atom (from Chemistry: A Guided Inquiry by Moog and Farrell)
These problems serve as our first introduction to converting units using a ratio that always remains true, no matter how much matter is present. This is a metaphor for gram to mol calculations in the stoichiometry chapter and also for molarity calculations in the aqueous reactions chapter.
Labette: Mass and Volume Relationships
Worksheets:
In this section, we will explore what happens when an atom gains or loses an electron. There's quite a bit of memorization necessary in this section, so be prepared to make a lot of flash cards and spend 20 minutes a day practicing.
Notes:
Binary Ionic Compounds Nomenclature, Filled Out
Worksheets:
Binary Ionic Compound Naming, Answers
Transition Metal Ionic Compound Naming, Answers
Mixed Ionic Compound Practice, Answers
Resources:
Polyatomic Ion List for Memorizing
Online Practice for Naming Binary Ionic Compounds
Online Practice for Naming Transition Metal Ionic Compounds
Online Practice for Naming Polyatomic Ions in Ionic Compounds
Covalent compounds are pretty commonly discussed in other science courses, but we will cover the official naming rules here to help boost your chemical vocabulary.
Notes for Nomenclature of Covalent Compounds and Acids, Filled Out
Resources:
(Lesson moved to chapter 4 for fall 2024)
Acids and Bases are some of the most frequently mentioned compounds in this course. It's wise to become familiar with their formulas and function early, and to repeat practicing memorizing names and the six strong acids.