Praxis Chemistry 5245 study plan
Praxis Chemistry 5245 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Matter and Its Structure
Classify matter by composition and particle type, distinguishing elements, compounds, homogeneous mixtures, and heterogeneous mixtures
Convert between mass, moles, and number of particles using molar mass and Avogadro's number
Apply the periodic table to predict atomic radius, ionization energy, and electron affinity trends
Draw electron configurations and orbital diagrams for neutral atoms and common ions
Your checkpoint
A one-page reference sheet of stoichiometry conversions and periodic trends, plus 25 self-written practice problems solved with work shown
Matter and Its Structure & Chemical Reactions and Energetics
Name and write formulas for ionic and covalent compounds from systematic rules
Balance chemical equations and classify reaction types by inspection
Calculate theoretical yield, limiting reactant, and percent yield for multi-step problems
Interpret phase diagrams and heating curves in terms of energy input and intermolecular forces
Your checkpoint
A worked problem set of 20 balanced equations, 5 limiting-reactant calculations, and 2 annotated phase diagrams
Chemical Reactions and Energetics
Apply Hess's law and standard enthalpies of formation to compute reaction enthalpy
Distinguish exothermic and endothermic processes using sign conventions for q and delta H
Calculate calorimetry quantities from temperature change, mass, and specific heat
Predict spontaneity using sign combinations of delta H and delta S
Your checkpoint
A thermochemistry problem portfolio of 15 problems including at least 3 calorimetry scenarios and 3 Hess's law cycles
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Draw Lewis structures for molecules and polyatomic ions, including resonance and expanded octets
Assign formal charges and select the most plausible resonance structure
Predict molecular geometry and bond angles using VSEPR theory
Determine bond polarity and molecular polarity from electronegativity and geometry
Relate intermolecular force types to observed boiling point and solubility trends
Your checkpoint
A molecular geometry chart for 20 species listing Lewis structure, VSEPR shape, hybridization, and net polarity
Acids, Bases, and Solutions
Differentiate strong and weak acids and bases by extent of dissociation
Calculate pH, pOH, and ion concentrations for strong and weak acid and base solutions
Perform titration stoichiometry calculations to find unknown concentration
Describe how buffers resist pH change using conjugate acid-base pairs
Interpret solubility rules and Ksp to predict precipitation
Your checkpoint
A solutions and acid-base problem set of 20 items, including 4 titration calculations and 2 buffer design scenarios
Kinetics and Equilibrium
Express rates in terms of reactant consumption and product formation with correct stoichiometric coefficients
Determine rate law order from initial-rate data
Apply Le Chatelier's principle to predict equilibrium shifts from concentration, pressure, and temperature changes
Calculate equilibrium constants and equilibrium concentrations from ICE tables
Your checkpoint
A kinetics and equilibrium workbook of 15 problems, including 3 initial-rate data tables and 4 ICE-table calculations
Scientific Inquiry, Measurement, and Laboratory Safety
Identify significant figures, precision, and accuracy issues in measurement scenarios
Select appropriate glassware and instruments for a stated measurement goal
Apply laboratory safety protocols for chemical handling, waste disposal, and emergency response
Design a controlled experiment that isolates a single independent variable
Evaluate sources of experimental error and distinguish random from systematic error
Your checkpoint
A written experimental design for one lab scenario that includes variables, controls, safety plan, and an error analysis section
Science, Technology, and Society & Matter and Its Structure & Chemical Reactions and Energetics
Connect chemistry concepts to real-world applications in energy, materials, medicine, or environment
Evaluate the societal and environmental tradeoffs of a chemical technology
Integrate concepts across matter, reactions, and bonding in mixed-topic problems
Complete a timed full-length practice assessment and analyze missed items by domain
Your checkpoint
A timed practice test score report with a domain-by-domain error log and a prioritized review list for the final days
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 20-item quiz covering matter, nomenclature, and stoichiometry; redo any item missed before moving on
Week 4: Correctly draw Lewis structures and assign VSEPR geometry for 18 of 20 species, and correctly compute enthalpy for 4 of 5 Hess's law problems
Week 6: Solve 12 of 15 kinetics and equilibrium problems correctly, including at least 3 of 4 ICE tables without reference notes
Week 8: Achieve at least 75% on a full-length timed practice test with no domain scoring below 60%