General Chemistry Final Exam Study Guide

Essentials of General Chemistry – Final Exam Topics

Chapter 1 & 2: Mathematical Operations and Atomic Structure

This section covers foundational mathematical skills and the basic structure of atoms and elements, which are essential for understanding chemical principles.

• Algebraic Manipulation: Solving for variables, isolating variables in equations.

• Mathematical Operations: Significant figures, unit conversions, and scientific notation.

• Using Scientific Notation: Expressing large and small numbers efficiently.

• Dimensional Analysis: Converting units using conversion factors.

• Density Calculations: $\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}$

• Classification of Matter: Elements, compounds, mixtures.

• Physical vs. Chemical Properties: Distinguishing between changes in state and chemical identity.

• Periodic Table: Organization and use for predicting element properties.

• Atomic Structure: Protons, neutrons, electrons, isotopes, ions.

• Electron Configuration: Arrangement of electrons in atoms.

• Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

• Ion Formation: Loss or gain of electrons to form charged species.

• Periodic Trends: Atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity.

• Classification of Elements: Metals, nonmetals, metalloids.

• Formulas and Naming Compounds: Ionic, acid, and molecular compounds.

Chapter 3: Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry

This chapter focuses on the types of chemical reactions, balancing equations, and quantitative relationships in chemical processes.

• Writing and Balancing Equations: Conservation of mass and charge.

• Mole Concept: $1 \text{ mole} = 6.022 \times 10^{23}$ particles.

• Molar Mass: $\text{Molar Mass} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Moles}}$

• Calculating Quantities: Mole-mass, mole-mole, and mass-mass conversions.

• Empirical and Molecular Formulas: Determining simplest and actual ratios of atoms.

• Limiting Reactants: Identifying the reactant that determines the amount of product formed.

• Percent Yield: $\text{Percent Yield} = \frac{\text{Actual Yield}}{\text{Theoretical Yield}} \times 100\%$

Chapter 4: Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions

This section explores solution chemistry, precipitation reactions, and the identification of reaction types.

• Types of Reactions: Molecular, ionic, and net ionic equations.

• Precipitation Reactions: Formation of insoluble products.

• Identifying Reaction Types: Recognizing redox, acid-base, and precipitation reactions.

Chapter 5: Quantum Mechanics and Periodic Properties

This chapter introduces quantum numbers, electron configurations, and periodic trends, which explain the behavior of electrons in atoms.

• Quantum Numbers: Principal ($n$), angular ($l$), magnetic ($m_l$), and spin ($m_s$).

• Shapes of Orbitals: s, p, d, and f orbital geometries.

• Electron Configuration: Full and condensed notation for electron arrangement.

• Orbital Diagrams: Visual representation of electron placement.

• Periodic Trends: Variations in atomic properties across the periodic table.

Chapter 7: Bonding & Molecular Structure

This section covers the formation of chemical bonds, Lewis structures, and the geometry of molecules.

• Lewis Dot Structures: Representation of valence electrons in atoms and molecules.

• Valence Electrons: Electrons involved in chemical bonding.

• Bond Formation: Covalent and ionic bond formation mechanisms.

• AXE Notation: Describes molecular geometry based on electron domains.

• Molecular Geometry: Shapes of molecules (linear, bent, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, etc.).

Additional info: These study notes are based on a final exam topic outline and cover the main chapters and concepts relevant to a General Chemistry college course. The content has been expanded for clarity and completeness, suitable for exam preparation.