Grade 12 Chemistry aims for students to learn the fundamentals of this fascinating science they have probably acquired in previous years, incorporating a bit more complex concepts and discovering laboratory work. It basically deepens the understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, the properties of matter, energy, and much more. But is Chemistry Grade 12 hard? What are the main topics? Discover Grade 12 Chem and the best way to get started on science!
What are the topics in Grade 12 Chemistry?
It studies the properties, composition, and structure of elements and compounds and their transformations. But what are the topics in Chemistry 12? It is one course many students take in secondary school when they wish to pursue a career in science. It is not required to take Chem 12 since its importance varies according to each province's education system. Plus, the Chemistry 12 curriculum differs from one province to another.
In high school, it is pretty common to be assigned the task of independent study and research. In many cases, you will be asked to choose an area you are interested in and complete research and experiments so you can develop a report or presentation on the subject. But what is learning grade 12 chemistry like? Let's explore this exciting subject and its units below.
Grade 12 Chemistry Curriculum
Organic Chemistry
It studies organic substances and compounds that contain carbon in their molecular structure, combined with other elements such as hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. It focuses mainly on analyzing chemical compounds' structure, properties, behavior, and uses, making it possible to explain how these chemical processes occur in living organisms and at the molecular level.
Structure and properties of matter
Studying the structure and properties of matter involves understanding how changes in its composition happen. Like this, it is possible to describe how a substance changes to form other substance. For example, a common chemical property is flammability, which refers to the ability of a substance to burn if there is oxygen.
Energy changes and reaction rates
When a chemical reaction takes place, an energy change occurs. Reactions that release energy are called exothermic (releasing excess energy as heat). On the other hand, the rate of a chemical reaction is defined as the rate of change in the concentration of a reactant or product divided by its coefficient of a balanced equation. You will demonstrate how these energy changes and reaction rates can be quantitatively described.
Chemical systems and equilibrium
Chemical equilibrium is a reacting system state in which no changes are observed as time passes despite the ongoing reaction among the substances present. Here, you are going to understand how chemical systems work and respond to changing conditions.
Electrochemistry
It is a branch that studies the transformation between electrical and chemical energy. In other words, the chemical reactions occur at the interface of an electrical conductor and an ionic conductor. You are going to demonstrate an understanding of the predictable way electrons are transferred from one substance to another in oxidation and reduction reactions.
What is an AP Chemistry Class?
Canadian students can take AP or Advanced Placement Chemistry after completing Grade 12 if their school curriculum offers it. AP is a course developed by the College Board for American and Canadian students interested in pursuing a science career.
The purpose of the AP Chemistry Course is to provide students with college-level credit in general chemistry topics. Students can then use the course knowledge and gained skills to get a sense of what post-secondary lessons will be like and gain intensive background knowledge that will support them in their future learning.
Sometimes, your local secondary school may offer AP, or you can take it online with an external provider. AP students must take an exam specific to the course, where the following topics are covered:
Choosing your high school subjects can be tough with so many options to choose from. Learn how to make the Chemistry course selection pathways you want most!
Is Grade 12 Chem hard?
It is known for its somewhat complex curriculum. However, we must mention that the complexity of Chem 12 depends on several factors, such as whether you have a good knowledge base from previous grades, your teacher, and the different resources you use to review what you have learned in class.
Even if the course demands students to have good analytical skills and mathematical concepts, for many, the challenge lies in applying this theoretical knowledge correctly to answer practical problems. However, practice makes perfect. If you have already excelled in Chemistry 11 (the typical prerequisite for grade 12), you have already created effective study habits and access to reliable resources, and if you count on the proper guidance, you will excel in Chemistry 12 before you expect it.
What do you expect in you grade 11 and 12 courses? Find out what subjects you should go for in secondary school to get your journey in science off on the right foot, and keep reading to learn how to master Chemistry 12.
How do I Choose a Good Chemistry Study Guide?
Of course, getting through your secondary school and AP courses are the first hurdles you must jump through before facing the rigor of university or college courses. To stay on top of your learning, you may want to obtain a good study guide to support your work. But what are these types of resources exactly?
Study guides summarize a course's main concepts and topics in an easy-to-use manual or site. A good study guide is tailored to your age and your type of academic curriculum. If you don't find your province's curriculum, we recommend you use a guide from another province.
Some of the best resources to excel are:
| Study Resources | Description |
| 📘 Organic Chemistry. T.W. Graham Solomons | This is one of the best textbooks for studying and practicing its general principles. It includes practice exercises and their solutions for you to learn from your mistakes. |
| 🎓 Wizeprep's Grade 12 Chemistry Course | It provides excellent theoretical and practical lessons tailored to the Canadian curriculum. You are going to find lessons to practice related topics such as chemical bonding and electrochemistry. |
| 📑 Permacharts Quick Reference Guides | These guides are very popular across North America, and they help students better prepare for all related topics and tests. With these, you will master the fundamental Chemistry 12 topics. |
| 🔬 SparkNotes Chemistry Study Guides | These resources help you learn diverse topics, such as kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. |
Your Chemistry 12 teacher may also have virtual alternatives and extra-school resources to download for free, so we recommend contacting your teachers for more information. In AP chemistry, you will undoubtedly be able to find plenty of training guides on sites like Amazon or Indigo. Go check and get all of your chemistry questions answered.
What is the Best Way to Learn Chemistry 12?
Another excellent way to improve your knowledge and acquire analytical and mathematical skills is to hire a private tutor. Tutors are excellent for helping you make your learning stick, as there is nothing more powerful than human interaction and guided instruction to support your learning process. But what are some benefits of hiring a private tutor to learn Chem 12?
Benefits of Hiring a Private Tutor
🧠 Brush up on complex topics
A tutor can help you review the most complicated and challenging concepts.
💡 Access the best resources
They can provide study resources to reinforce your knowledge.
✅ Learn from your mistakes
They provide valuable feedback on your assessments or tests.
🎯 Get the best test training
Get full test preparation through the most comprehensive review.
🧑🏫 Flexible learning options
You can review everything in face-to-face classes or virtual lessons.
🚀 Personalized instruction
Tutors tailor the content of their classes to adapt it to your needs and academic goals.
Wait no more and find the proper private instruction with Superprof! Superprof.ca is an amazing site to find the best chemistry tutor profiles across the country. If you want a tutor knowledgeable in the subject, who understands your province's curriculum, and whose personality matches yours, find them through Superprof. As a student, the first class is free, and you will find the best tutoring lesson price.
Take the time to browse all the prospective chemistry tutors on the platform, read student online reviews, and contact those teachers who interest you the most. The Superprof platform provides secure payment methods, and all our tutors are 100% verified to provide you with the best quality instruction. Find your chemistry tutor on Superprof in Ontario or Alberta, and anywhere in Canada!
Read more to learn all about applying to Chemistry programs for further education.
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