Study Guide for Chemistry Placement Exam

Atomic Structure and Isotopes 

• 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

Periodic Properties and the Periodic Table

• • 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

Chemical and Physical Changes, States of Matter 

• 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

Electronic Structure 

• 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

Chemical Bonding

• Predict if the bond between two atoms is an ionic,  covalent or a metallic bond
• Use electronegativity to determine if a bond is polar or non-polar

Chemical Formulas and Nomenclature

• 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

Mass and Mole Relationships

• • Use a chemical formula to predict relative amounts of an element in the formula 
  • Calculate the molar mass given a formula
  • Convert between molar mass, grams and moles

Preperation Resource

Wyzant Chemistry Help and Problems