Introduction
The Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry Free Response Questions (FRQs) are a crucial component of the AP Chemistry exam, designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking skills and mastery of the course content. The 2017 AP Chemistry FRQs presented unique challenges and opportunities for students, and this article provides an in-depth analysis to help future test-takers prepare effectively.
Section I: Multiple Choice
The Multiple Choice section of the 2017 AP Chemistry FRQ consisted of 59 questions that covered a wide range of topics from the course curriculum. According to the College Board, the mean score on this section was 28.9, which corresponds to approximately 67% of the questions answered correctly.
Section II: Free Response
The Free Response section of the 2017 AP Chemistry FRQ contained seven questions, each worth a total of 10 points. The questions required students to demonstrate their ability to analyze concepts, solve problems, and communicate their understanding through clear and concise writing.
Question 1: Equilibrium
This question tested students’ understanding of chemical equilibrium and Le Chatelier’s principle. Students were given a reaction system and asked to predict how changes in temperature, concentration, and volume would affect the equilibrium position.
Question 2: Thermodynamics
This question focused on thermodynamics and the concept of entropy. Students were presented with a hypothetical chemical process and asked to determine the change in entropy, predict the feasibility of the process under specified conditions, and explain their reasoning.
Question 3: Electrochemistry
This question examined students’ knowledge of electrochemistry and redox reactions. Students were provided with a voltaic cell and asked to calculate the cell potential, explain the role of the cathode and anode, and predict the direction of electron flow.
Question 4: Kinetics
This question assessed students’ understanding of chemical kinetics and reaction rates. Students were presented with experimental data on a hypothetical reaction and asked to determine the order of the reaction with respect to each reactant, calculate the rate constant, and predict the half-life of the reaction under different conditions.
Question 5: Nuclear Chemistry
This question explored the area of nuclear chemistry and radioactive decay. Students were given a radioactive isotope and asked to determine its decay constant, calculate the half-life, and explain the concept of radioactivity.
Question 6: Molecular Spectroscopy
This question introduced students to molecular spectroscopy and the use of spectroscopy to identify unknown compounds. Students were provided with infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and asked to deduce the structure of an organic compound.
Question 7: Synthesis and Reactivity
This question challenged students to apply their understanding of organic chemistry to synthesize a specific product. Students were given a starting material and a series of reactions and asked to propose a feasible synthesis pathway to the desired product.
Tips for Success
To excel on the 2017 AP Chemistry FRQs and future FRQs, students should follow these tips:
- Master the Content: Ensure a thorough understanding of all AP Chemistry content areas, including equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, kinetics, nuclear chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, and synthesis and reactivity.
- Practice Regularly: Solve numerous FRQs from past exams and practice tests to familiarize yourself with the question formats and develop problem-solving skills.
- Manage Time Effectively: Allocate time wisely during the exam to ensure you have enough time to complete all questions.
- Write Clearly and Concisely: Communicate your understanding clearly and support your answers with evidence and reasoning.
- Review and Revise: After completing the FRQs, take time to review your answers and make any necessary revisions or corrections.
Conclusion
The 2017 AP Chemistry FRQs were a challenging but rewarding opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in chemistry. By following the tips outlined above and engaging in rigorous preparation, students can confidently approach future FRQs and achieve their desired scores.
Tables
The following tables provide a summary of key information related to the 2017 AP Chemistry FRQs:
Table 1: Question Distribution
| Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Equilibrium | 1 |
| Thermodynamics | 1 |
| Electrochemistry | 1 |
| Kinetics | 1 |
| Nuclear Chemistry | 1 |
| Molecular Spectroscopy | 1 |
| Synthesis and Reactivity | 1 |
Table 2: Average Scores
| Section | Mean Score |
|---|---|
| Multiple Choice | 28.9 |
| Free Response | 17.5 |
Table 3: Time Allocation
| Section | Recommended Time |
|---|---|
| Multiple Choice | 1 hour |
| Free Response | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Table 4: Difficulty Level
| Question | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | Medium |
| 2 | Hard |
| 3 | Medium |
| 4 | Hard |
| 5 | Medium |
| 6 | Hard |
| 7 | Hard |
Innovative Applications of FRQ Concepts
The concepts and skills assessed in the 2017 AP Chemistry FRQs have far-reaching applications in various fields, including:
- Medicine: Understanding equilibrium and Le Chatelier’s principle is crucial in drug design and development.
- Energy: Electrochemistry plays a vital role in the development of clean energy technologies, such as fuel cells and batteries.
- Materials Science: The principles of thermodynamics and kinetics guide the synthesis and properties of new materials with tailored applications.
- Environmental Chemistry: Understanding nuclear chemistry and radioactivity is essential for managing and remediating radioactive waste.
- Spectroscopy: Molecular spectroscopy enables the identification and characterization of compounds, contributing to advancements in pharmaceuticals, forensics, and environmental analysis.
