AP Chemistry

What Students Learn

Students explain properties of matter at the particle level, use stoichiometry and energy relationships to analyze reactions, and study reaction rates and extent. Experimental inquiry and model analysis connect observations with microscopic explanations.

Course Units

The units and learning focuses below follow the official AP course framework.

Unit 1: Atomic structure and properties

Unit 2: Compound structure and properties

Unit 3: Properties of substances and mixtures

Unit 4: Chemical reactions

Unit 5: Kinetics

Unit 6: Thermochemistry

Unit 7: Equilibrium

Unit 8: Acids and bases

Unit 9: Thermodynamics and electrochemistry

AP Assessment

The AP exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, worth 50%, and seven free-response questions in 105 minutes, worth 50%. Three long responses and four short responses combine quantitative calculations and chemical explanations with experimental design and model analysis. Students explain calculations and support conclusions with chemical principles.

References (2026–2027): College Board course framework; assessment information