CHEM 121 How to Prepare for Your Final Exam

REVIEW OF BASIC CHEMISTRY KNOWLEDGE

Nomenclature, especially the 8 common polyatomic ions

Solubility Rules

Conversion of units by dimensional analysis

KNOW conversion well:

o g to mg, g to kg and vice versa

o mL to L and vice versa

o torr, mmHg, atm

o °C to K and vice versa

No equations will be given

All constants will be given

How to Handle Significant Figures

Electronegativity trends, including H

How to write Lewis structures

Know the different molecular geometries, hybridization, bond angles

Know how to tell the type of bonds ( and ).

Know how to write electron configurations from the periodic table.

OLD MATERIAL (before Exam IV)

Go over your 4 exams.

It does not help to MEMORIZE answers from the exams.

Go through each question and THINK about the logic that goes behind answering the question.

If you don’t know how, look it up in your textbook or the corresponding PowerPoint.

Go over all your quizzes.

NEW MATERIAL (after Exam IV)

Go over the handout “What you need to know from Jespersen Chap. 11: Gases”

Re-do all the problems from the handout without looking at answers.

Do suggested practice problems.

If you have time, take a look at the ACS Study Guide on reserve at the library (available at all

campuses, but can be used only in the library). Only certain sections and questions pertain to the first

semester of General Chemistry (CHEM 121). The guide should have this information stapled to the

front. Or, you can refer to my website (HomePage) and scroll down until you see it.