Supplemental Instruction
IowaStateUniversity / Leader: / Hannah J.
Course: / Chem 331
Instructor: / Dr. Winter
Date: / 9/14/15
Exam 1 Topics:
The following is a (checkable) list of the topics you should know and understand for exam 1:
Ch. 1 & 2:
3 bond types and how to tell which type a given bond is from electronegativity values
Conceptual understanding of electronegativity
Lewis structures: understand the difference between dot and full/Kekulé structures and be able to draw either or both given the condensed molecule (i.e. H2CO)
Dipole moments: understand and be able to draw individual bond and net molecule dipole vectors given a molecule, partial charges, sign of dipole moment
Molecular geometries: VSEPR, the 3 molecular geometries and the # of bonds/lone pairs (“things that the atom is attached to”), bond angles, and hybridization type that go with each
Formal charges: know the formula and be able to calculate formal charges for each atom of a molecule
Skeleton & condensed structures: understand the “real” (full Lewis) structure that these represent, especially where (& how many) carbons are
Arrow pushing: where an arrow can start from and go to, what this represents
Resonance & resonance structures: purpose, how they are used to represent the “real” structure, common patterns (4 were given in class), be able to draw all resonance structures for a given molecule including arrow pushing and identify the major & minor contributors based on stability (know the 3 rules that go along with this)
Bronstead acids & bases: definition of a Bronstead acid and a Bronstead base, how to predict reaction direction given pKa values, strength of acids based on stability of conjugate bases, predict products of an acid/base reaction including arrow pushing
Lewis acids & bases: definition of a Lewis acid and a Lewis base, predict products of an acid/base reaction including arrow pushing
Ch. 3:
Functional groups: memorize the ~15 given in class and be able to identify them in a larger molecule
Nomenclature: the difference between IUPAC and common names, general formula for systematic names
Alkane naming: memorize the names of the basic 1- through 10-Carbon-containing alkanes (remember Mary Eats Peanut Butter), 3 rules for naming, be able to draw structures given the name or vice versa, memorize the 3 common-named complex substituents given in class
Isomers: definition, be able to draw different isomers given a formula
Conformations/Newman Projections: understand that atoms can spin around a single bond, what a conformation is, and the purpose of Newman projections, be able to draw Newman projections for any (relatively short) hydrocarbon, know the 2 (for ethane) or 4 (for propane and beyond) conformations and which is the highest and lowest energy and why (based on the 2 types of strain)
Ch. 4:
Cycloalkanes:
- What they all contain (a hydrocarbon ring)
- Naming (follows same rules as for alkane naming except with a –cyclo-), how to decide if the ring or the straight-chain is the parent chain, how to number the ring’s carbons based on substituents (if the ring is the parent chain), trans vs. cis stereoisomers
- Angle strain: what it is, why it occurs, and what it means for smaller cycloalkanes and which cycloalkane is the most stable, chair conformations
Note: Each student is also responsible for any new material covered in class on Monday, 9/14/15 that Dr. Winter says will be on the exam (not included in this list).
Study Tips/Strategies:
- Go through your notes, reading them and highlighting important topics and details (This is a good first step in studying for any exam. If you don’t have good notes, ask a friend.)
- Redo in-class examples and/or SI worksheets without looking at the solutions, then check your work
- Do end-of-chapter problems (Ch. 1-4) in textbook
- Read end-of-chapter summaries and passages on confusing topics in textbook
- Form a study group and study together
- Make flashcards for the memorized items and go through them until you can identify the name given the structure/functional group or vice versa in any order on the first try
- Finish all applicable Sapling homework & look back through past assignments
- Come to SI
- DO THE PRACTICE EXAM POSTED ON BLACKBOARD (if it’s helpful to you, consider taking it once without studying to gauge where you are, then retake it after studying)
- Ask a friend, me (your SI leader), or Dr. Winter in person or via email about any topics that you are still confused on after studying
- Power through and don’t forget to breathe! If you’ve been putting in the effort and gotten a good grasp on the material, you’ll be successful on the exam—you can do it!