High School Chemistry is often the first time students are introduced to concepts in the physical sciences. Unlike biology, Earth and space sciences, and environmental sciences, chemistry is governed by strict mathematical constructs and principles. High School Chemistry allows students an opportunity to apply mathematical and reasoning skills outside of math classes, developing an understanding for chemical systems and reactions on a molecular level. Whether you need top Chemistry tutors in Syracuse, Chemistry tutors in Chicago, or top Chemistry tutors in San Francisco, working with a pro may take your studies to the next level.

Most High School Chemistry classes begin with an introduction to elements and compounds, with a focus on atoms and molecules, respectively. Students gain familiarity with elemental properties, groupings, and the periodic table. Solution chemistry is also introduced early in the course, focusing on solubility rules and precipitate formation. Electron configuration is used to introduce Lewis dot structures and bonding principles, with a focus on the differences between ionic and covalent bond formation and the development of intermolecular forces. Students will then become familiar with VSEPR geometries, orbitals, and hybridization. These topics will all be covered before reaction chemistry, which will build a strong fundamental foundation. Varsity Tutors offers resources like free High School Chemistry Diagnostic Tests to help with your self-paced study, or you may want to consider a Chemistry tutor.

Introductions to reaction chemistry will focus on the four principle reaction types: addition (synthesis) reactions, dissociation (decomposition) reactions, single-replacement reactions, and double-replacement reactions. Some courses will classify specific reactions (such as oxidation-reduction, acid-base, or combustion) as their own categories. Balancing chemical equations and understanding stoichiometry become essential components to the course. Students will frequently be asked to make several stoichiometric conversions to arrive at an answer. Manipulating given quantities is an essential skill in High School Chemistry, and will be tested through questions about limiting reagents, precipitate formation, and other conversion questions. In addition to the High School Chemistry Practice Tests and Chemistry tutoring, you may also want to consider taking some of our High School Chemistry Flashcards.

High School Chemistry has a heavy foundation in math, and may require formula memorization. Most formulas will revolve around the properties of gases, chemical equilibrium, and pH, though different courses may introduce different formulas. It will be important to know the gas laws and relationships regarding the equilibrium constant of a reaction; pH and acidity are commonly tested in High School Chemistry, and you will need to be familiar with exponents and logarithms in order to solve these types of questions.

Some High School Chemistry courses will include a laboratory component, which will emphasize the scientific method, hypothesis formation, and chemical procedures. Students should be prepared to analyze solution chemistry, acids and bases, and stoichiometric principles in a hands-on environment. Titrations often play a large role in the laboratory portion of High School Chemistry.

After taking a course in High School Chemistry, students will have a solid understanding of several relationships between observable phenomena and the mathematics governing those phenomena. This will serve as a tool for understanding physical chemistry and relationships in any physics or chemistry endeavors that students face in the future. To start studying High School Chemistry right now, you can take Varsity Tutors’ free High School Chemistry Practice Tests. Each free Practice Test consists of about a dozen problems that you might be presented with in a High School Chemistry course. You can choose to focus on doing questions by individual topic or in more comprehensive groupings. After completing a High School Chemistry Practice Test, you can see data about how long you took to answer each question, how you did in relation to other test-takers, and detailed explanations for every question you were asked. By making the most out of Varsity Tutors’ free High School Chemistry resources, you can expand your High School Chemistry knowledge efficiently and master the subject in no time!