To pass high school chemistry, you need to be able to learn and understand chemical concepts and facts, solve chemical problems, and apply chemical rules. You will want to know the key objectives of chemistry and describe the scientific method. In particular, you have to learn about compounds and molecules, atoms and ions, chemical change, matter, measurement, and more.
In order to pass highschool chemistry class, you need to learn how to build derived units and memorize the SI base. Derived units like speed and density can be used as conversion factors. Next, you will have to distinguish between random error and systemic error, measurements and exact numbers, accuracy and precision.
With regard to matter, you need to know the main groups and regions that comprise the periodic table. You need to classify samples of matter as pure substances, homogenous mixtures, heterogeneous mixtures, compounds, and elements. You should also distinguish between liquids, solids, and gases.
Pay attention to ions and atoms. Be familiar with the Dalton’s atomic theory and learn about modern atomic history and its early development. Be able to predict common ions, formed by a key group element, and know the concept of atomic weight.
To learn about molecules and compounds, you should know the main kinds of chemical bonding. Be able to distinguish between molecular formulas, empirical formulas, and structural formulas when it comes to compounds. Remember that there are formulas for simple ionic compounds, addition compounds, inorganic acids, binary compounds, and polyatomic ions.
These are some of the concepts you should know well to pass high school chemistry. You should also be familiar with the concept of molarity, chemical change and energy, the quantum theory, and the various properties of solutions. Make sure you underline various concepts, questions, and problems your chemistry teachers mentions as possible exam questions. Your exam may not cover all concepts above, as that depends on whether you have discussed the material in class. You should attend class regularly in order to know the concepts, problems, and facts you have covered. For obvious reasons, leaving class early and attending classes only on quiz days is a no-no. Copying the answers from somebody else may get you an A, but the risk is not really worth it.
A chemistry class may not be that difficult if you have mastered some essential math skills. Be familiar with negative numbers, logarithms, fractions, exponents, and scientific notation. Learn the method of solving algebraic equations.
Finally, be responsible when it comes to learning. If you don’t understand certain concept or cannot solve some equation, make sure your chemistry teacher knows that. You should not be afraid to ask your instructor for help. If you don’t like chemistry, you probably won’t get a high grade. See if there is something you like about the class and focus on it. It will be easy to pass high school chemistry with positive attitude.