Chemistry Final Exam

Absolutely! Here’s a set of detailed flashcards based on your chemistry final topics. You can use them digitally or print them for physical use.

Atomic Structure & Periodic Table

Front: What is an atom?

Back: The smallest unit of matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Atoms form elements.

Front: What defines an element?

Back: The number of protons in its atoms (atomic number). All atoms of an element have the same number of protons.

Front: What is an isotope?

Back: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. Same atomic number, different mass numbers.

Front: What is an ion?

Back: An atom that has gained or lost electrons, becoming charged.

• Cation: positive (lost e⁻)

• Anion: negative (gained e⁻)

Front: What are valence electrons?

Back: Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. They determine bonding and reactivity.

Front: Define atomic number and atomic mass.

Back:

• Atomic number: Number of protons.

• Atomic mass: Weighted average of all isotopes (protons + neutrons).

Front: What do periods and groups represent on the periodic table?

Back:

• Periods: Horizontal rows, same number of electron shells.

• Groups: Vertical columns, same number of valence electrons and similar properties.

Chemical Bonding and Reactions

Front: Describe the difference between ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.

Back:

• Ionic: Electrons transferred (metal + nonmetal).

• Covalent: Electrons shared (nonmetals).

• Metallic: Sea of electrons among metal atoms.

Front: What are the steps for naming compounds?

Back:

• Ionic: Name metal first, then nonmetal with “-ide”. Use Roman numerals for transition metals.

• Covalent: Use prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-) for both elements.

Front: How do you write chemical formulas?

Back: Use ion charges to balance compounds. Total positive and negative charges must cancel out.

Front: How do you calculate formula mass?

Back: Add the atomic masses of all atoms in a compound (use periodic table).

Front: What are the steps to balance a chemical equation?

Back:

1. Count atoms of each element on both sides.

2. Use coefficients to balance.

3. Never change subscripts.

4. Check your work.

Acids, Bases, and Solutions

Front: What is the pH scale?

Back: Measures concentration of H⁺ ions:

• 0–6 acidic

• 7 neutral

• 8–14 basic (alkaline)

Front: Define molarity.

Back: Moles of solute per liter of solution. Formula: M = mol/L

Front: What is the difference between saturated, unsaturated, and supersaturated solutions?

Back:

• Saturated: Holds maximum solute.

• Unsaturated: Can dissolve more.

• Supersaturated: Holds more than normal (unstable).

Front: What’s the difference between a solution, suspension, and mixture?

Back:

• Solution: Uniform composition (homogeneous).

• Suspension: Particles settle out (heterogeneous).

• Mixture: Physically combined substances.

Models, Structures & Polarity

Front: What is a Lewis structure?

Back: A diagram showing valence electrons and bonds between atoms using dots and lines.

Front: What makes a molecule polar or non-polar?

Back:

• Polar: Unequal electron sharing; has a dipole (e.g., H₂O).

• Non-polar: Equal sharing (e.g., O₂).

Front: What are the energy sublevels and orbital types?

Back:

• s: 1 orbital

• p: 3 orbitals

• d: 5 orbitals

• f: 7 orbitals
  Electrons fill in the order of increasing energy (Aufbau principle).

Nuclear Chemistry

Front: Define radioactivity.

Back: The spontaneous emission of radiation by an unstable atomic nucleus.

Front: What are alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Back:

• Alpha (α): 2 protons + 2 neutrons; blocked by paper.

• Beta (β): Electron; blocked by aluminum.

• Gamma (γ): High-energy EM radiation; needs lead to block.

Front: What is nuclear fission vs. nuclear fusion?

Back:

• Fission: Splitting a nucleus (e.g., uranium in reactors).

• Fusion: Combining nuclei (e.g., in the sun).

Front: What is a nuclear transmutation?

Back: When one element changes into another due to nuclear reaction (e.g., radioactive decay).

Thermochemistry & Catalysts

Front: What is an exothermic reaction?

Back: A reaction that releases energy (feels hot).

Front: What is an endothermic reaction?

Back: A reaction that absorbs energy (feels cold).

Front: What is a catalyst?

Back: A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed.

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