<p>OK so I'm taking AP Chemistry this year and I've never took a chemistry class. So I was wondering how much of the class goes into the basics and how much should I already know before the class starts?</p>
<p>Very few AP chem classes really go into the basics. If you’re a good student you can pick up some stuff, of course. But at the absolute minimum you need to have a general understanding of the periodic table and chemical bonding, and you need to be able to read, write, and balance reactions. That’s all I went into the class knowing, and I managed to do well.</p>
<p>You really should know all the basics. My teacher went through a year’s worth of regular chemistry stuff in two weeks. It’s basically a review, and you’re expected to know most of the material.</p>
<p>It’s imperative that you know how to name normal binary compounds, compounds with polyatomic ions (memorize the common polyatomic ions too), ionic compounds, acids, and hydrates. AP Chemistry expects you to be able to name and identify these things on the spot. You should also know how to balance formulas. And significant digits are a huge thing in AP Chem. Get familiar with chemistry units such as moles, molar mass…etc. It’s confusing at first, but with practice you’ll soon be able to convert them. </p>
<p>It’ll be difficult to try and keep up if you haven’t had any prior experience with chemistry. </p>
<p>Good luck :]</p>
<p>I guess I’ll have to start reading up but I was also wondering if I should get a regular chemistry textbook along with the AP chemistry textbook.</p>
<p>I have the same situation as you. I’m a sophmore and I’m also taking AP Chem. I didn’t know much about chem besides ionic and covalent compounds before I took the class. But the class is pretty easy, and buying a few study books wouldn’t hurt.</p>