AP CHEMISTRY
AP Chemistry Exam – Student Guide
AP Chemistry - Exam Overview
The AP Chemistry Exam will test your understanding of the scientific concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to design and describe chemical experiments.
Starting with the 2023 exam, a scientific or graphing calculator is recommended for use on both sections of the exam. You will be provided with a periodic table and a formula sheet that lists specific and relevant formulas for use on the exam.
Exam Duration
3hrs 15mins
Exam Components
Section I: Multiple Choice - 60 questions | 1hr 30mins | 50% of Score
The multiple-choice section includes individual, single questions as well as sets of questions that refer to the same diagram or data presentation.
Questions will test your ability to:
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Explain, analyze, and interpret models and representations of chemical properties or phenomena
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Design experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory
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Solve problems using mathematical relationships
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Make or justify a scientific claim and support it with evidence and/or reasoning
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A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended for use on Section I
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Section II: Free Response - 7 questions |1hr 45mins | 50% of Score
The free-response section includes three long essay questions (worth 10 points each) and four short-answer questions (worth 4 points each).
Questions will test your ability to:
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Explain, analyze, and interpret models and representations of chemical properties or phenomena
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Design experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory
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Represent data and chemical phenomena with graphs and diagrams
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Solve problems using mathematical relationships
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Make or justify a scientific claim and support it with evidence and/or reasoning
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A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended for use on Section II.
AP Chemistry Exam – Scoring
For the first section (multiple-choice), for every question you answer correctly, you will get one point each. There is no negative marking. It means that even if your answer is wrong or left blank, no points are deducted.
Next is the free response section. Its scoring system is a bit complicated. Rather than being graded by AI, it is reviewed by AP graders following these guidelines.
For more information about AP Chemistry Exam and scoring, you can visit the College Board’s website.
AP Chemistry Exam – Credit
Keep in mind, credit and advanced standing based on AP scores vary widely from school to school. Though a score of 3 is typically considered passing, it is not always enough to receive credit. Regulations regarding which APs qualify for course credits or advanced placement depend on the policy that your desired college or university has for AP exams.
AP Chemistry Exam - Study Resources
• College Board Classroom Resources
• Barron’s AP Chemistry Premium
• Bozeman Science – AP Chemistry
• American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT) – Classroom Resources
• Tyler DeWitt – YouTube Channel
• ChemDemos – University of Oregon
AP Chemistry Exam Tips
The College Board strongly encourages you to study outside of class. Use a study outline to focus on the concepts and skills most likely to be tested. Consider studying in groups to go over challenging problems or concepts.
Calculate Accurately
Arithmetic may not involve round numbers on multiple-choice questions, and accurate answers are expected on free-response questions. Be familiar with the functions of your scientific calculator in order to select the appropriate calculator buttons.
Multiple-Choice Questions
There are two types of multiple-choice questions on the AP Chemistry Exam, discrete items, and item sets. The discrete items are the typical stand-alone test questions in which four choices, A–D, are given from which the correct answer is to be selected. Item sets will have two or more test questions, each with four choices, A–D, based on a graph, an experiment, a set of data, or some other stimulus given at the beginning of the set.
Pace Yourself
Remember that you will have access to a calculator, the AP Periodic Table of the Elements, and the AP Chemistry equations and constants sheet for the entire exam.
For even pacing and maximizing your score, try the following strategy:
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Examine each question for a maximum of 40 seconds (on average, some will take less time allowing more time for others, like item sets).
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Quickly determine the subject of the question. Remember that there will be some math questions but their solutions will be based on basic calculations, rounding, estimating, and approximation.
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By the end of the 40 seconds either:
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Mark the correct answer from one of the 4 answer choices.
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Mark a “Y” next to the questions that you know how to work but need more time.
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Mark an “N” next to the questions that you don’t have any idea how to work.
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Force yourself to move through 15 questions each 10 minutes and the full 60 questions in 40 minutes.
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Now make a second pass concentrating on the “Y” questions only. Do not spend any time on the “N” questions. If you don’t know the correct answer see if some key piece of knowledge will allow you to eliminate 2 or 3 of the choices. Complete this pass in 40 minutes.
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Now make your third pass. Focus only on the “N” questions. Attempt to eliminate at least 2 choices. Make an intelligent guess. Any correct “guesses” on this pass are bonus points. You have only 10 minutes, so make it count!
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You should try to answer all questions. Remember that there is no penalty for guessing.
Free-Response Questions
There are two types of free-response questions on the AP Chemistry Exam; three are long, multipart questions; and four are short, single/multipart questions. The questions cover all nine units in the chemistry course and will pertain to experimental design, analysis of lab data and observations for patterns or explanations, analysis or creating atomic or molecular views to explain observations, translating between representations, and following a logical analytical path to solve problems. You should pace yourself to allow for approximately 10 minutes each for the short questions and about 16 minutes each for the long questions.
Task Verbs
Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response. Here are the task verbs you’ll see on the exam:
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Calculate: Perform mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer, including algebraic expressions, properly substituted numbers, and correct labeling of units and significant figures.
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Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic.
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Determine: Make a decision or arrive at a conclusion after reasoning, observation, or applying mathematical routines (calculations).
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Estimate: Roughly calculate numerical quantities, values (greater than, equal to, less than), or signs (negative, positive) of quantities based on experimental evidence or provided data.
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Explain: Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning to support or qualify a claim. Explain “how” typically requires analyzing the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome; whereas, explaining “why” typically requires analysis of motivations or reasons for the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome. Also phrased as “give one reason.”
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Identify/Indicate/Circle: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic in words or by circling given information. Also phrased as “what is?" or “which?” or other interrogatory words.
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Justify: Provide evidence to support, qualify, or defend a claim and/or provide reasoning to explain how that evidence supports or qualifies the claim.
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Make a claim: Make an assertion that is based on evidence or knowledge.
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Predict/Make a prediction: Predict the causes or effects of a change in, or disruption to, one or more components in a relationship, pattern, process, or system.
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Represent/Draw/Write an Equation/Complete a Diagram: Use appropriate graphs, symbols, words, and/or models to describe phenomena, characteristics, and/or relationships.
Read the Whole Question First
Read each free-response question all the way through before doing any work. Spend more time reading and less time writing to make sure you really understand what is being asked.
Read All Parts of the Question
The short and the long AP Chemistry questions have several parts. Read all the parts before you start answering and think about how they might be related (sometimes they aren’t). If any part asks you to answer a question based on your results to the previous parts, be sure to actually use your prior results to answer.
Maximize Credit
Answer the question that is asked as specifically and concisely as possible. Do not simply restate the question. When an answer includes multiple options, such as “increases, decreases, or remains the same”, make sure your answer is one of the three options given. If you are asked to select the best answer, make a single selection and justify the reasoning for making that choice.
“Explain or justify your prediction” usually means that a correct prediction without an explanation will not earn a point. Be sure that an explanation or justification goes beyond a simple restatement of information given in the problem.
If you are asked to make a comparison, mention both possibilities and then make a single choice with accompanying justification. Remember that you might be getting partial credit. Answer any part of the question, about which you have any knowledge.
Be Clear
Communicate clearly and precisely. Vague, unclear, and rambling answers often make it impossible to determine whether students fully understand the chemistry required in the question. Remember, AP readers can best grade your exam if you write legibly and use proper grammar. Write in pencil or blue-ink pens and avoid using pens that smear easily. Write all answers in the lined spaces provided instead of squeezing words in between the question parts. Give details as often as possible. Do not continue writing further explanations after the question is answered.
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Be Consistent
Consider your prior answers, be sure to answer the next related questions based on the prior answers given.
Use the Right Words and Symbols
Use appropriate scientific language when answering questions. It is not acceptable to refer to an atom as a “molecule” or an “ion” or to refer to an intermolecular force as a “bond.”
Know proper chemistry symbols and notation (e.g., mol versus m versus M, k versus K, parentheses notation versus brackets, the appropriate use of superscripts and subscripts, etc.).
Understand Trends
Understand that referencing a periodic trend or identifying a filled shell or subshell does not constitute an explanation of atomic property differences.
Understand Forces
The bonds between atoms in molecules must be distinguished from the interactions that keep the molecules attracted to each other. The forces within a molecule (Intramolecular) are different from the forces between the molecules (Intermolecular).
Calculate Accurately
Since a calculator is allowed for the entire free-response section, accurate answers are expected. Be familiar with the functions of your scientific calculator in order to select the appropriate calculator buttons. Be sure that the numbers used for calculations are the numbers given in the question, paying close attention to exponents, especially the sign of the exponent. Even for simple calculations, show your work.
Understand Significant Figures
Review and consistently apply rules for significant figures, and avoid rounding off before the final answer. (Round calculations to appropriate significant figures at the end of the problem.)
Use Correct Units
Include units in your final answers as appropriate. If no units are specified, use the most convenient units.
Draw and Label Graphs Correctly
Any graph you are asked to draw should have clearly labeled axes with appropriate scales. Be familiar with the methods used to linearize data, such as using the natural log or the reciprocal of the data.
Lab Questions
Designing an Experiment
Never indicate that you will measure volumes with a reaction vessel, like a beaker or an Erlenmeyer flask. All volume measurements must take place in a calibrated instrument (graduated cylinder, volumetric flask, volumetric pipet, etc.).
Error Analysis
Recognize that a variety of errors implicit in every measurement made in the laboratory will have an effect on final calculated answers—and be able to describe that effect in terms of increasing, decreasing, or having the final result stay the same.
Titration Curves
Recognize the important regions or points in a titration curve. They are the initial pH, the buffer region, the inflection point, the equivalence point, the pH at the equivalence point, and the region where the pH levels off at the end of the titration. Distinguish clearly between endpoint and equivalence point with specific examples from the laboratory (not just by definition). Also be able to compare concentrations of the species at each point and region.
Percent Error
Distinguish between the different types of percent: percent error, percent yield, and percent of a component.
In addition, the night before the exam, be sure to remember such basics as getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, and dressing comfortably and warm enough for the room environment.
Conclusion
No matter how challenging an AP Chemistry Exam is, when you know you are 100% prepared for it, you will be confident that you will pass. Just always do your best, if you fail, do not be afraid to try again. Good luck!