Study Guide for Chemistry Placement Exam

Define atomic number and mass number
Explain how subatomic particles are distributed in an atom
Explain the role of subatomic particles in determining identity, mass and charge of an
atom or ion
Select atoms that are isotopes of one another
Calculate the numbers of protons and neutrons in an isotope from mass number or full
atomic symbol
Determine the mass number and write full atomic symbol from numbers of protons and
neutrons
Calculate the number of electrons, protons, and neutrons in an atom or ion
Predict if electrons are lost or gained to form anions or cations

Locate the following on a periodic table of the elements: metals, semimetal, and
nonmetals; halogens, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, noble gases, transition metals,
lanthanides, actinides, and main group elements
Use the periodic table to predict trends in atomic radii, electronegativity, metallic
character, or similar chemical properties
Classify/identify an element as a metal, semimetal, or nonmetal based on properties or
location in periodic table
Associate elements with the group/family to which they belong
Organization of matter into molecules and ions
Describe the difference between or identify representations of: atoms and molecules,
elements and compounds; diatomic and polyatomic molecules; homonuclear and
heteronuclear molecules
Know which elements in the periodic table exist as molecules in their elemental state and which as atoms

Distinguish between physical and chemical changes
Describe or recognize differences in the organization of matter in solid, liquid or gas
phases
Determine if heat is absorbed or released when different phase changes occur

Predict the number of valence electrons an atom has based on location in periodic table
Represent valence electrons in atoms with dots around the element symbol (Lewis
Model)
Predict the type of ion an element will form based on where it is in the periodic table
Recognize the shape of atomic orbitals

Predict the formula of an ionic compound formed from two ions
Identify the ions from a formula
Use rules of nomenclature to name ionic and molecular compounds and acidsto write
names or formulas

Balance chemical equations
Use mole ratios from chemical equations to calculate mole amounts of reactants and
products
Perform basic stoichiometric calculations using gram amounts of substances and a
balanced chemical equation
Solutions, molar concentration and dilution
Calculate the molar mass given a molecular or ionic compound formula
Convert between moles, molar concentration and volume of solution
Convert between grams, moles, molar concentration and volume of solution
Perform dilution calculations

Define exothermic and endothermic reactions
Define the sign of the enthalpy change for exothermic and endothermic reactions
Predict if heat is absorbed or released during exothermic and endothermic reactions
Predict if the temperature of the system increases or decreases during exothermic and endothermic reactions

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