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Volume I · MMXXVI AP Chemistry
Library› AP Chemistry› Unit 2: Compound Structure and Properties
⁂   AP Chemistry · Unit 2

2. Compound Structure and Properties

7–9% of the AP exam. 8 key topics. 4 common errors analyzed.

7–9% exam weight

Unit 2: Compound Structure and Properties

Unit 2 (Compound Structure and Properties) is part of the AP Chemistry core curriculum. Work through each key topic in sequence, constructing ICE tables, net ionic equations, or energy diagrams as appropriate.

Key topics in this unit

  1. Chemical bonds
  2. Intramolecular forces
  3. Ionic solids
  4. Metallic structures
  5. Lewis diagrams
  6. Resonance structures
  7. VSEPR theory
  8. Bond hybridization (sp, sp2, sp3)

Common errors — what the rubric penalizes

These are the most frequently penalized mistakes on AP exam FRQs and MCQs. Review each before your next practice session.

Common error

Assigning sp3 hybridization to atoms with four substituents when the geometry is actually trigonal planar (sp2), such as failing to account for pi-bond planarity constraints

Common error

Drawing Lewis structures with incorrect formal charges by distributing lone pairs to minimize formal charge on the wrong atom

Common error

Confusing molecular polarity with bond polarity — students correctly identify polar bonds but incorrectly conclude the molecule is polar when the geometry is symmetric (e.g., CO2, CCl4)

Common error

Misapplying resonance: treating resonance structures as rapidly interconverting species rather than as a single averaged structure with delocalized electrons

Study checklist

  • Can you list all key topics from memory without this page?
  • Have you worked through at least one FRQ-style question per topic?
  • Can you explain each common error above — and why the correct answer differs?
  • Have you reviewed the relevant College Board CED section and formula sheet entries?
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