Chemistry Topics: A Complete Subject Guide — What You Need to Know

Chemistry is often called the central science. It is a subject chiefly concerned with atomic and molecular structure and its change through chemical reactions. It is a stream of science that involves the study of the structure, composition, and properties of matter. Academic institutions usually divide it into five broad sub-disciplines: inorganic chemistry, online organic chemistry tutor, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. We at MEB provide online chemistry tutoring in the following topics of chemistry. Check ACS site for more info on chemistry.

Chemistry Topics

The Basics

• Phases and Classification of Matter
• Physical and Chemical Properties
• Measurements
• Measurement Uncertainty, Accuracy, and Precision

Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

• Evolution of Atomic Theory
• Chemical Formulas
• Atomic Structure and Symbolism
• The Periodic Table
• Chemical Nomenclature
• Ionic and Molecular Compounds

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Composition of Substances and Solutions

• Determining Empirical and Molecular Formulas
• Formula Mass and the Mole Concept
• Molarity
• Other Units for Solution Concentrations

Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions

• Classifying Chemical Reactions
• Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations
• Reaction Yields
• Reaction Stoichiometry
• Quantitative Chemical Analysis

Thermochemistry

• Calorimetry
• Enthalpy

Electronic Structure and Periodic Properties of Elements

• The Bohr Model
• Electromagnetic Energy
• Electronic Structure of Atoms
• Development of Quantum Theory
• Periodic Variations in Element Properties
• Electron Configurations

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Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry

• Covalent and Ionic Bonding
• Formal Charges and Resonance
• Lewis Symbols and Structures
• Molecular Structure and Polarity
• Strengths of Ionic and Covalent Bonds

Advanced Theories of Covalent Bonding

• Multiple Bonds
• Valence Bond Theory
• Hybrid Atomic Orbitals
• Molecular Orbital Theory

Gases

• Gas Pressure
• Stoichiometry of Gaseous Substances, Mixtures, and Reactions
• Relating Pressure, Volume, Amount, and Temperature: The Ideal Gas Law
• The Kinetic-Molecular Theory
• Effusion and Diffusion of Gases
• Non-Ideal Gas Behavior

Liquids and Solids

• Properties of Liquids
• Intermolecular Forces
• Phase Diagrams
• Phase Transitions
• The Solid State of Matter
• Lattice Structures in Crystalline Solids

Solutions and Colloids

• Electrolytes
• The Dissolution Process
• Colligative Properties
• Colloids
• Solubility

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Kinetics

• Chemical Reaction Rates
• Rate Laws
• Factors Affecting Reaction Rates
• Integrated Rate Laws
• Reaction Mechanisms
• Collision Theory
• Catalysis

Fundamental Equilibrium Concepts

• Chemical Equilibria
• Shifting Equilibria: Le Châtelier’s Principle
• Equilibrium Constants
• Equilibrium Calculations

Acid-Base Equilibria

• pH and pOH
• Relative Strengths of Acids and Bases
• Brønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
• Polyprotic Acids
• Hydrolysis of Salts
• Acid-Base Titrations
• Buffers

Equilibria of Other Reaction Classes

• Precipitation and Dissolution
• Coupled Equilibria
• Lewis Acids and Bases

Thermodynamics

• Entropy
• Spontaneity
• Free Energy
• The Second Law of Thermodynamics
• The Third Law of Thermodynamics

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Electrochemistry

• Redox Chemistry
• Electrode and Cell Potentials
• Galvanic Cells
• Batteries and Fuel Cells
• Potential, Free Energy, and Equilibrium
• Electrolysis
• Corrosion

Representative Metals, Metalloids, and Nonmetals

• Occurrence and Preparation of the Representative Metals
• Structure and General Properties of the Nonmetals and Metalloids
• Periodicity
• Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Carbonates and Hydrogen
• Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Sulfur, Halogens, and Noble Gases

Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry

• Coordination Chemistry of Transition Metals
• Occurrence, Properties, and Preparation of Transition Metals and Their Compounds
• Spectroscopic and Magnetic Properties of Coordination Compounds

Organic Chemistry Topics

• Hydrocarbons
• Alcohols and Ethers
• Amines and Amides
• Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, and Esters

Note: Read our post — how to learn organic chemistry.

For students where chemistry intersects with biology, this complete guide to biochemistry academic support is a useful resource.

Nuclear Chemistry

• Transmutation and Nuclear Energy
• Nuclear Equations
• Nuclear Structure and Stability
• Uses of Radioisotopes
• Radioactive Decay
• Biological Effects of Radiation

A-Level students tackling complex topics like these may also find value in reading about mastering molecules and A-Level Chemistry success strategies.

Properties of Water

Standard Thermodynamic Properties for Selected Substances

Composition of Commercial Acids and Bases

Ionization Constants of Weak Bases

Ionization Constants of Weak Acids

Solubility Products

Standard Electrode (Half-Cell) Potentials

Formation Constants for Complex Ions

Half-Lives for Several Radioactive Isotopes

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