Course content
The twelve units
Each unit maps the syllabus's Tro sections to free OpenStax Atoms First 2e readings, then adds concepts, equations, worked examples, and a quiz.
Exam 1
Unit 1
Matter, Measurement & Problem Solving
The foundation of chemistry: what matter is, how we classify it, how it changes, and how we measure and quantify it with confidence.
11 concepts · 5 examples · 15 questions · ~10 h
Unit 2
Atoms, Elements, Molecules & Compounds
How atomic theory developed, what atoms are made of, how the periodic table organizes elements, and how atoms combine into ionic and covalent compounds.
12 concepts · 5 examples · 15 questions · ~12 h
Unit 3
Chemical Quantities & Introduction to Equilibrium
Balancing equations, the mole concept, stoichiometry, limiting reactants and yield, and a conceptual first look at chemical equilibrium.
10 concepts · 5 examples · 15 questions · ~13 h
Exam 2
Unit 4
Solutions, Concentration & Acid–Base Basics
Quantitative treatment of aqueous solutions — molarity, dilution, solution stoichiometry, electrolytes and solubility — leading into Brønsted–Lowry acid–base theory, the pH scale, and titration.
10 concepts · 5 examples · 14 questions · ~11 h
Unit 5
Light, Quantum Theory & the Nuclear Atom
The wave and particle nature of light, the Bohr model, the development of quantum mechanics, quantum numbers and orbitals, and a historical look at nuclear structure and radioactive decay.
10 concepts · 5 examples · 14 questions · ~12 h
Unit 6
Electron Configurations & Periodic Properties
Building electron configurations using the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle, then using the periodic table to explain and predict trends in atomic size, ionization energy, electron affinity, and metallic character.
10 concepts · 5 examples · 14 questions · ~10 h
Exam 3
Unit 7
Chemical Bonding I: Lewis Structures & Molecular Geometry
Build Lewis structures systematically, use formal charge to pick the best resonance form, and predict 3-D molecular shapes and polarity with VSEPR theory.
10 concepts · 5 examples · 15 questions · ~12 h
Unit 8
Chemical Bonding II: Valence Bond & Molecular Orbital Theory
Go beyond Lewis structures: use valence bond theory and orbital hybridization to explain sigma/pi bonding, then use molecular orbital theory to predict bond order, magnetism, and stability.
11 concepts · 5 examples · 15 questions · ~11 h
Unit 9
Reactions in Aqueous Solution & Redox
Classify and predict aqueous reactions — precipitation, acid–base, gas-evolution, and redox — by mastering solubility rules, ionic equations, oxidation numbers, and half-reaction balancing.
12 concepts · 5 examples · 15 questions · ~12 h
Exam 4
Unit 10
Intermolecular Forces, Liquids & Solids
Why matter condenses into liquids and solids: intermolecular forces, vapor pressure, phase diagrams, solid-state structure, and solutions.
10 concepts · 5 examples · 15 questions · ~12 h
Unit 11
Gases
Gas laws, the ideal gas law, gas mixtures and stoichiometry, kinetic-molecular theory, and real-gas behavior.
9 concepts · 5 examples · 15 questions · ~12 h
Unit 12
Thermochemistry
Energy bookkeeping for chemical change: heat, work, calorimetry, enthalpy, Hess's law, and standard enthalpies of formation.
8 concepts · 6 examples · 15 questions · ~9 h