AP Chemistry 

About the Course 

Learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. You’ll do hands-on lab investigations and use chemical calculations to solve problems. 

 
Skills You’ll Learn 

• Designing experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory. 

• Creating graphs, diagrams, and models that represent chemical phenomena. 

• Balancing a chemical equation. 

• Making a scientific claim and supporting it with evidence. 

Equivalency and Prerequisites 

College Course Equivalent 

A one-year, introductory college general chemistry course. 

Recommended Prerequisites 

High school courses in chemistry and Algebra II. 

Course Content 

The course content outlined below is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. Your teacher may choose to organize the course content differently based on local priorities and preferences. 

Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties 

You’ll learn about the composition of atoms and ways scientists measure and categorize these molecular building blocks. 

Unit 2: Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties 

You’ll discover the range of chemical bonds and how their structure can affect the properties of the molecules created. 

Unit 3: Intermolecular Forces and Properties 

You’ll explore how atoms come together to create solids, liquids, and gases, and how subatomic forces govern the properties of everything around you. 

Unit 4: Chemical Reactions 

You’ll learn how to differentiate physical and chemical processes, and how to measure and express chemical reactions via chemical equations. 

Unit 5: Kinetics 

You’ll explore various methods to observe the changes that occur during a chemical reaction and the effects of a series of reactions. 

Unit 6: Thermodynamics 

You’ll learn about energy changes in chemical reactions and how a transfer of energy can change a substance’s physical qualities. 

Unit 7: Equilibrium 

You’ll chart how chemical reactions change over time, what causes substances to reach equilibrium, and how systems react when that equilibrium is disturbed. 

Unit 8: Acids and Bases 

You’ll learn more about pH, the qualities and properties of acids and bases, and how they interact in chemical reactions. 

Unit 9: Applications of Thermodynamics 

You’ll be introduced to the concept of “thermodynamic favorability” for reactions, meaning how likely they are to occur given energy changes and environmental factors.