AP Chemistry Last Minute Reminders, Tips, & Tricks - Before the Exam

Jeremy Krug
28 Apr 202309:43
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this video, Jeremy Krug provides last-minute reminders and tips for AP Chemistry exam preparation. He emphasizes the importance of thoroughness in essays, using the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) method to structure responses. Krug also stresses the significance of using the correct number of significant figures, utilizing a familiar calculator, and employing a strategic three-pass method for the multiple-choice section. He advises including units in free-response answers and reading questions carefully to avoid carry-through errors. Krug reassures students that with consistent effort throughout the year, they are well-prepared for the exam and encourages them to approach it confidently.

Takeaways
  • 📝 When writing essays, use the CER method: Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning to structure your answers effectively.
  • 🔢 Ensure you use the correct number of significant figures in your answers, adhering to the guidelines provided.
  • 🧮 On exam day, use a familiar and reliable scientific or graphing calculator, and make sure it's fully functional before the test.
  • ⏱️ For the multiple-choice section, employ a three-pass strategy to maximize your score and don't leave any questions unanswered.
  • 📉 Eliminate obviously incorrect answer choices to improve your odds of selecting the correct answer.
  • ✍️ Always include the correct units in your free-response answers; omit them and you risk losing credit.
  • 🧐 Read the questions carefully, including headers, as they provide essential information for answering the questions.
  • 🚫 There is no penalty for carry-through errors, so proceed with calculations even if you're unsure about earlier parts.
  • 💤 Get a good night's rest before the exam and have a proper breakfast to ensure you're at your best.
  • ✏️ Sharpen your pencils and have a simple digital watch ready to manage your time effectively during the exam.
  • 🎓 Trust in your preparation and study habits; hard work throughout the year will pay off on the AP Chemistry exam.
  • 🙅‍♂️ Avoid relying on luck; confidence in your knowledge and skills is the key to success on the exam.
Q & A

  • What is the importance of using the initials C E R when writing an essay in the AP Chemistry exam?

    -The initials C E R stand for claim, evidence, and reasoning. Using this structure ensures that the essay is thorough, providing not only the answer but also the justification and the logical reasoning behind the claim.

  • How does Jeremy Krug suggest students approach the multiple-choice section of the AP Chemistry exam?

    -Jeremy Krug recommends using the three-pass method. During the first pass, students should answer the questions they know. In the second pass, they should attempt questions they are unsure about and try to eliminate wrong answers. The third pass is for taking a guess at the questions they don't know. After all passes, any remaining time should be used to check work and reconsider unsure answers.

  • What is the significance of significant figures in the AP Chemistry exam?

    -Significant figures are crucial because they indicate the precision of a measurement or calculation. Students must use the correct number of significant figures in their answers, aligning with the data presented in the question or providing a reasonable number based on the context.

  • Why is it recommended to use a calculator that the student is familiar with on the AP Chemistry exam?

    -Using a familiar calculator ensures that the student can efficiently perform calculations without wasting time learning how to use a new device. It also prevents potential issues with unfamiliar functions or features that could disrupt the exam.

  • What should students do if they are unsure about the number of significant figures to use in their answer?

    -If unsure, students should use three significant figures, as this usually falls within the tolerance accepted by the AP readers and covers a range from two to five significant figures.

  • What is the policy regarding carry-through errors in the AP Chemistry exam?

    -There is no penalty for carry-through errors. If a student gets an answer wrong in part (a) but uses it in part (b), they will still receive full credit for part (b) as long as the rest of the calculation is correct.

  • Why is it important to include units in the answers for the free-response questions?

    -Including the correct units is essential as it shows an understanding of the physical quantities involved and ensures that the answer is meaningful and measurable. Omitting units may result in no credit being awarded for the answer.

  • How should students approach reading the questions on the AP Chemistry exam?

    -Students should read the questions carefully, including the headers and lead-in sentences, as they often provide valuable information necessary to solve the problem. It's important not to skip over any part of the question.

  • What is the advice given for students who are unsure about an early part of a question on the AP Chemistry exam?

    -If a student is unsure about an early part of a question, they should not leave the entire problem blank. Instead, they can make an educated guess and move on, as there is still a chance to earn points on later parts of the question.

  • Why does Jeremy Krug say not to say 'good luck' to the students taking the AP Chemistry exam?

    -Jeremy Krug believes that success on the AP Chemistry exam is not a matter of luck but a result of hard work and preparation throughout the year. He encourages students with the confidence that they have what it takes to do well.

  • What are some general tips that Jeremy Krug gives for the day of the AP Chemistry exam?

    -Jeremy Krug suggests getting plenty of rest the night before, having a good breakfast, sharpening pencils, and wearing a simple digital watch. These tips aim to ensure that students are comfortable and prepared for the exam.

Outlines
00:00
📝 AP Chemistry Exam Essay Tips

Jeremy Krug provides last-minute reminders and tips for the AP Chemistry exam. He emphasizes the importance of being thorough in essays, using the CER method (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) to structure responses. For instance, when comparing ionic radii, one should state the answer, provide evidence like the number of valence electrons, and explain the reasoning behind the evidence, such as electron-electron repulsion.

05:02
🔢 Significant Figures and Calculator Use

Significant figures are crucial; one should use the correct number as per the question's requirement or provide a reasonable number by matching the precision of given numbers. Jeremy also advises using a familiar calculator on the exam day and confirms that programmable calculators do not need their memory cleared before the test.

🧮 Multiple-Choice Strategy and Units

For the multiple-choice section, Jeremy recommends a three-pass method: first, answer questions you know, secondly, attempt those you're unsure about by eliminating wrong answers, and lastly, guess on the remaining questions. He also stresses the importance of including correct units in free-response answers and carefully reading questions to fully understand what's asked.

🧐 Reading Carefully and Avoiding Errors

Jeremy highlights the necessity of reading the AP Chemistry questions carefully, as headers often contain important information. He also mentions that there's no penalty for carry-through errors, so students should not leave questions blank and should attempt all parts of a question for the best chance of scoring points.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡AP Chemistry exam
The AP Chemistry exam is a standardized test offered by the College Board for high school students. It is designed to assess students' understanding of college-level chemistry concepts. In the video, Jeremy Krug provides last-minute reminders and tips specifically for this exam, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding the exam format.
💡Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER)
CER is a method for structuring written responses, particularly in essay sections of exams like the AP Chemistry. It involves making a claim (stating your answer), providing evidence (supporting facts), and giving reasoning (explaining the significance of the evidence). In the script, Jeremy uses the example of comparing ionic radii of oxygen ions to illustrate how to apply the CER method effectively.
💡Significant figures
Significant figures refer to the number of meaningful digits in a number, which is related to the precision of the value. In the context of the AP Chemistry exam, it is crucial to use the correct number of significant figures in answers to avoid losing points. Jeremy advises on how to determine the appropriate number of significant figures based on the problem's context.
💡Calculator
A calculator is an essential tool for solving mathematical problems, especially in a chemistry exam. Jeremy emphasizes using a familiar scientific or graphing calculator and ensuring it is in working order before the exam. He also clarifies that starting from 2023, calculators are allowed in both sections of the AP Chemistry exam, which is a change from previous years.
💡Three-pass method
The three-pass method is a strategy for tackling multiple-choice questions efficiently. It involves three rounds of attempting questions: first, solving the ones you know; second, working on those you're unsure about; and third, making educated guesses for the remaining questions. This method aims to maximize the number of correct answers within the given time limit.
💡Units
Units are a fundamental part of scientific measurements and are critical in chemistry. Jeremy stresses the importance of including the correct units in answers to free-response questions. Omissions or incorrect units can lead to points being deducted, even if the numerical answer is correct. He provides specific examples, such as using kilojoules instead of joules when specified.
💡Reading questions carefully
Reading questions carefully is a vital skill for any standardized exam, including AP Chemistry. Jeremy advises students to pay close attention to the question headers and lead-in sentences, which often provide critical information needed to answer the questions correctly. This is especially important for free-response questions, where understanding the context is key.
💡Carry-through errors
Carry-through errors occur when an incorrect answer in one part of a question affects subsequent parts due to being used in calculations. Jeremy informs viewers that there is no penalty for such errors on the AP Chemistry exam, meaning that if the rest of the work is correct, students can still earn full credit for the subsequent parts, even if an earlier part is incorrect.
💡Ionic radius
Ionic radius is the measure of the size of an ion. In the video, Jeremy uses the comparison of the ionic radii of oxygen ions to demonstrate how to apply the CER method. The concept is central to understanding chemical reactions and the behavior of ions in a chemical context, which is a key topic in AP Chemistry.
💡Electron-electron repulsion
Electron-electron repulsion is a fundamental concept in chemistry that describes the force between electrons within an atom or molecule. Jeremy uses this concept to explain why an ion with more valence electrons has a larger ionic radius. This principle is crucial for understanding the structure and stability of ions and molecules.
💡Eliminating wrong answers
Eliminating wrong answers is a strategy used in multiple-choice questions to increase the chances of selecting the correct answer. By identifying and ruling out options that are clearly incorrect, students can improve their odds of guessing correctly if they are unsure of the answer. Jeremy provides an example of how to apply this strategy in the context of a question about the reactivity of elements.
Highlights

When writing an essay in the AP Chemistry exam, use the CER method: Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning.

For essay questions, provide a clear answer, support it with evidence, and explain its relevance.

On significant figures, use the correct number as required by the question and provide a reasonable number when not specified.

Always use three significant figures if you're unsure about the number to use in your answer.

Use a reliable scientific or graphing calculator that you're familiar with on the exam day.

Starting from 2023, calculators are allowed in both sections of the AP Chemistry exam.

There's no need to clear the memory of your programmable calculator before the test.

For the multiple-choice section, use the three-pass method to maximize your score.

Eliminate obviously wrong answer choices to increase your chances of guessing correctly.

Always include the correct units in your free-response answers.

Read the questions carefully, including the headers, to understand what is being asked.

There is no penalty for carry-through errors; you can still get full credit for parts of the question answered correctly.

Even if you're unsure about an early answer, make an educated guess and continue to the next part.

Get plenty of rest, have a good breakfast, and be prepared with sharpened pencils and a simple digital watch for the exam.

Confidence is key; rely on your preparation and knowledge rather than luck on the exam day.

The importance of thoroughness in essay writing, including a clear claim, supporting evidence, and reasoning.

The significance of using the correct number of significant figures and the strategy if unsure.

The recommendation to use a familiar calculator and the allowance of calculators in both sections of the exam.

The strategy for tackling the multiple-choice section effectively using the three-pass method.

The necessity of including units in free-response questions and the importance of reading questions carefully.

The reassurance that carry-through errors do not penalize your score and the encouragement to attempt all questions.

Transcripts

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