Chemistry Regents Exam Overview

Test Structure

• Part A: 35 multiple choice questions from all units

• Part B: ~25 questions, mix of short answer and multiple choice; focuses on Reference Tables, graphing, and lab experiments

• Part C: ~15 short answer, often multipart; covers various units, may require equations, graphs, or diagrams

• Required for Exam: 4-function or scientific calculator (not graphing), pen, pencil, Reference Tables provided

• Exam Duration: Minimum 2-hour stay required

Topics Covered

1. The Atom
2. Moles and Stoichiometry
3. Nuclear Chemistry
4. Solutions
5. Bonding
6. Kinetics and Equilibrium
7. Matter
8. Acids, Bases, and Salts
9. Energy
10. Oxidation-Reduction (Redox)
11. The Periodic Table
12. Organic Chemistry

Study Approach

• Emphasis on NY State Core Curriculum
• Utilization of review sheets, past exams, and Reference Tables
• Active preparation through study, questioning, problem analysis, and review sessions

Key Topics Overview

Topic One: The Atom

• Models of the Atom
  • Dalton: Atoms form elements, identical atoms form elements, compounds from atom combinations
  • Rutherford: Alpha particles and gold foil; atoms mostly empty space, dense positive nucleus
  • Bohr: Electrons in circular orbits around a dense positive nucleus
  • Wave-Mechanical: Electrons in electron cloud around small dense nucleus; orbitals indicate high probability areas for electrons
• Atomic Structure
  • Nucleus: Protons (+) and neutrons (neutral)
  • Electrons (-): Orbit nucleus, match proton count for neutrality
  • Atomic Mass: Sum of protons and neutrons
  • Ground State vs Excited State: Energy levels of electrons
  • Valence Electrons: Outermost, influence chemical properties; stable with filled valence level
  • Isotopes: Same protons, different neutrons, affecting atomic mass

Topic Two: Nuclear Chemistry

• Stability and Decay
  • Stability based on proton-neutron ratio, radioactive if atomic number > 83
  • Half-life: Consistent decay rate
  • Transmutation changes atom type through nuclear change
• Nuclear Reactions
  • Fission: Splitting nucleus; Fusion: Combining nuclei, powers sun
  • Energy: Matter to energy conversion (E=mc²)
  • Uses: Medicine, dating, power, with risks like radiation

Topic Three: Bonding

• Types of Bonds
  • Ionic: Transfer of electrons
  • Covalent: Sharing electrons
  • Metallic: Sea of electrons
• Properties
  • Ionic: High melting/boiling, conducts in solution
  • Covalent: Lower melting/boiling, non-conductive
  • Molecule polarity based on shape and charge distribution
• Electronegativity & Bond Types
  • Electronegativity difference dictates bond type and polarity

Topic Four: Matter, Phases, and Gas Laws

• Classification
  • Pure substances vs mixtures; elements vs compounds
  • Physical and chemical changes
• Phases of Matter
  • Solid, liquid, gas: Properties and phase changes
• Gas Laws
  • Ideal Gas Law and Kinetic Molecular Theory
  • Relationships: Pressure, temperature, volume

Topic Five: Energy

• Forms and Laws
  • Kinetic vs Potential Energy
  • Conservation of Energy: Energy changes forms, not lost
• Heat and Temperature
  • Heat transfer and effects on surroundings

Topic Six: The Periodic Table

• Organization
  • Elements by atomic number, identifying element properties
  • Groups and Periods: Similar properties and trends
• Element Classification
  • Metals, non-metals, metalloids, noble gases
  • Trends: Atomic radius, electronegativity, ionization energy

Topic Seven: Moles and Stoichiometry

• Chemical Formulas
  • Empirical vs Molecular vs Structural
• Conservation in Reactions
  • Mass, energy, charge
  • Mole ratios from balanced equations

Topic Eight: Solutions

• Solubility
  • Dependence on temperature, pressure, solute/solvent nature
  • Concentration expressed as molarity, percent mass, ppm

Topic Nine: Kinetics and Equilibrium

• Reaction Rates
  • Influenced by temperature, concentration, etc.
• Equilibrium
  • Dynamic balance, stress effects by Le Chatelier’s Principle

Topic Ten: Acids, Bases, and Salts

• Acid-Base Theories
  • Arrhenius: Acids yield H⁺, Bases yield OH⁻
  • Neutralization reactions: Form salts and water

Topic Eleven: Oxidation-Reduction (Redox)

• Electron Transfer
  • Reduction: Gain electrons, Oxidation: Lose electrons
• Electrochemical Cells
  • Voltaic: Spontaneous conversion; Electrolytic: Requires energy

Topic Twelve: Organic Chemistry

• Organic Compounds
  • Carbon-based, various structures
  • Naming and functional groups
• Reactions
  • Types including addition, substitution, polymerization

Topic Thirteen: Lab Skills

• Essential Lab Practices
  • Scientific method, graphing, measurement, lab safety
  • Skills: Significant figures, equipment use