A.P. Chemistry

Content Standards: The Chemistry standards focus on student growth in understanding the nature of science. This scientific view defines the idea that explanations of nature are developed and tested using observations, experimentation, models, evidence, and systematic processes. The nature of science includes the concepts that scientific explanations are based on logical thinking; are subject to rules of evidence; are consistent with observational, inferential, and experimental evidence; are open to rational critique; and are subject to refinement and change with the addition of new scientific evidence and the concept that science can provide explanations about nature, can predict potential consequences of actions, but cannot be used to answer all questions. AP Chemistry content standards are governed by the College Board’s AP Program which and emphasizes an extensive study of the following six big ideas: 1. The chemical elements are fundamental building blocks of matter, and all matter can be understood in terms of arrangements of atoms. These atoms retain their identity in chemical reactions. 2. Chemical and physical properties can be explained by the structure and arrangement of atoms, ions or molecules and the forces between them. 3. Changes in matter involve the rearrangement and/or reorganization of atoms and/or the transfer of electrons. 4. Rates of chemical reactions are determined by details of the molecular collisions. 5. The Laws of thermodynamics describe the essential role of energy and explain and predict the direction of changes in matter. 6. Any bond or intermolecular attraction that can be formed can be broken. These two processes are in dynamic competition, sensitive to initial conditions and external perturbations. Topics/units covered in addressing the six big ideas: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Ideal Gas Laws, Intermolecular Forces in the Condensed Phases, Solutions, Stoichiometry, Chemical Kinetics, Chemical Equilibrium, Thermodynamics, Acids and Bases, Electrochemistry, Writing Net Ionic Equations