AP Chemistry Study Guide (Units 1–9)

This study guide gives you a high-level overview of each AP Chemistry unit. Use it alongside practice problems, your textbook, and released FRQs to build a complete understanding.

Unit 1 – Atomic Structure & Properties

Focus on electron configuration, PES graphs, and periodic trends like ionization energy and atomic radius.

Unit 2 – Molecular & Ionic Compound Structure

Master Lewis structures, VSEPR, polarity, and differences between ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding.

Unit 3 – Intermolecular Forces & Properties

Be able to compare boiling points, vapor pressures, and solubility using LDF, dipole–dipole, H-bonding, and ion–dipole forces.

Unit 4 – Chemical Reactions

Practice stoichiometry, limiting reactants, net ionic equations, and redox balancing.

Unit 5 – Kinetics

Understand rate laws, reaction order, mechanisms, and how catalysts change activation energy.

Unit 6 – Thermodynamics

Know how to use q = mCΔT, enthalpy changes, and Hess’s law.

Unit 7 – Equilibrium

Equilibrium constants, Q vs K, and ICE tables are essential tools in this unit.

Unit 8 – Acids & Bases

Work with pH, pOH, Ka, Kb, titrations, and buffers.

Unit 9 – Applications of Thermodynamics

Combine ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG with electrochemistry (voltaic cells, cell potentials, and spontaneity).

After reviewing this guide, test your knowledge with the AP Chem Quiz and estimate your score with the Score Calculator.