AP chemistry ! HELP !

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
1

<p>I am currently taking AP chem (only took regular chem before)
I feel like I am struggling. We were learning stoichiometry and I felt like I knew alot until word problems came in. Thats when I realized I dont know anything. I am really bad at word problems. I just took my very first test and I failed. I couldn't think. I dont know what formulas I should use ... so Is there anyways that I can improve/work on those ? (I dont want to drop out the class .. ) </p>

<p>What books should I buy and what techniques should I use ?</p>

2

<p>Do lots of practice problems. Eventually you'll learn when to use which formulas and equations. The best book I'd say is Princeton Review.</p>

3

<p>Princeton Review ? Should i buy that to review/study for ap exam or should I buy it now to help me understand all the topics while learning them in class ?</p>

4

<p>Hmm if you need help w/ the topics the only way to do it is to read word by word the chapter. Read all the small things. This is how I did it and I read the whole book and got a 5. I only used the review book to find out how the test is adminstered and for practice. But I read my real book completely.</p>

5

<p>Yeah, I meant use princeton review to supplement what you do in class, not replace it. Definitely read the textbook. And do practice problems.</p>

6

<p>Ya AP chem has a plethora of info on it. Make sure you read the book. It probably is very close, if not the hardest AP.</p>

7

<p>I do read the book. But I am struggling w/ word problems. Are there any specific books that have practice problems ? Should I buy PR rite now ? or wait. (wow .. you got a 5!! .. can you give me more advice ?!? I dont want to disappoint my family + myself .. )</p>

8

<p>I used a like a 6-7 year old textbook and don't have it anymore... and my school got new books. I hope they do well... i loved the book I had. But don't go buy PR yet. Wait till around AP time so that when you take the actual test you can actually do the tests in PR. But I can't remember my book. It had about 1400 pages. I DID skip over the basic stuff (that i learned in normal chem), but still had a good 600-700 pages to go. I did skim at times because for some reason... chemistry just comes so easy for me. Don't get why really :(.</p>

9

<p>Yes PR is a good option, if you want to do well on the AP. Pick up the Barrons book if you want in depth details.</p>

<p>And as others have said, never replace your textbook with these prep books. Extra practice should help.</p>

<p>If you really want in depth learning, turn to actual college level textbooks, since AP only covers elementary chemistry.</p>

10

<p>Have you considered using the molar map? lol.</p>

<p>Let's take a stroll down memory lane.....</p>

<p>Draw a diagram with MOLE in the middle with VOLUME to your left and NUMBER OF ATOMS on your right. Draw another circle (box, whatever) for your MASS on the bottom</p>

<p>To go from MASS to mole you divide by the molar mass (amu)</p>

<p>To go from MOLE to mass you multiple by the molar mass (amu)</p>

<p>To go from the NUMBER OF ATOMS to mole you divide by Avogrado's #</p>

<p>To go from MOLE to NUMBER OF ATOMS you multiply by Avogrado's #</p>

<p>To go from MOLE to VOLUME you multiply by 22.4 L/Mol</p>

<p>To go from VOLUME to MOLE you divide by 22.4 L/Mol</p>

11

<p>Have you considered using the molar map? lol.</p>

<p>Let's take a stroll down memory lane.....</p>

<p>Draw a diagram with MOLE in the middle with VOLUME to your left and NUMBER OF ATOMS on your right. Draw another circle (box, whatever) for your MASS on the bottom</p>

<p>To go from MASS to mole you divide by the molar mass (amu)</p>

<p>To go from MOLE to mass you multiple by the molar mass (amu)</p>

<p>To go from the NUMBER OF ATOMS to mole you divide by Avogrado's #</p>

<p>To go from MOLE to NUMBER OF ATOMS you multiply by Avogrado's #</p>

<p>To go from MOLE to VOLUME you multiply by 22.4 L/Mol</p>

<p>To go from VOLUME to MOLE you divide by 22.4 L/Mol</p>

12

<p>6.022 x 10^23!</p>

<p>i also like 5 steps to 5 as a review</p>

13

<p>gayguyoncampus, OMG I NEEDED THAT LIST!!
my teacher is boring and doesnt explain things too well
he doesnt even encourage us to take the class lol</p>

14

<p>Stoichemitry is really easy, simply because all of the equations are entirely formulaic material. Once you get into balancing equations and dealing with algebraic manipulation, the fun really begins</p>

15

<p>gayguyoncampus, thanks for the map.
I know the conversions/relations .. The problem for me is word problems.
But thanks anyways ~ :)</p>

16

<p>use the unit label method and keep converting the substance they give you keeping track of units until you have the correct units needed for the answer. that's what i do and it always works.</p>