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Last updated: April 2026 | Based on the AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description
If you have two weeks before the AP Chemistry exam, you don't need to relearn everything from scratch. You need to study in the shape of the exam: broad coverage across all nine units, active recall of the most testable concepts, and timed practice with multiple-choice questions and free-response questions that test problem solving, stoichiometry, equilibrium calculations, and conceptual reasoning.
Here's the thing most students get wrong. They spend too long memorizing the periodic table and not enough time practicing the calculations the exam actually tests. AP Chemistry rewards you for understanding how to set up problems, work with moles and molarity, apply equilibrium expressions, and connect concepts across units. You can't afford to skip that.
What This Plan Covers
- All 9 AP Chemistry units in a strategic, day-by-day sequence
- Active recall practice through flashcards and calculation-focused quizzes
- Free-response question (FRQ) practice built in on Days 6, 9, 12, and 14
- Cumulative checkpoints on Days 7, 10, and 14 to keep earlier material fresh
- Focus on stoichiometry, equilibrium, pH calculations, and electrochemistry
What's in this study plan:
What's on the AP Chemistry exam?
The AP Chemistry exam is 3 hours long. It has two sections:
Section 1: Multiple Choice — 60 questions in 90 minutes. All nine units are tested. Questions focus on core concepts and calculations, and often require connecting ideas between units.
Section 2: Free Response — 3 questions in 105 minutes. One long free-response question worth 10 points (usually about synthesis, mechanism, or multi-step problem solving). Two medium free-response questions worth 5 points each. Free-response questions test your ability to show your work, justify your reasoning, balance equations, perform stoichiometric calculations, analyze equilibrium, and explain thermochemical principles.
Both question types matter. A lot of students focus only on multiple-choice and then panic when they see a free-response problem that requires showing their work. This plan builds in FRQ practice starting in the first week so you're not scrambling at the end.
The nine AP Chemistry units (and what each one covers)
The AP Chemistry course is organized into nine units. Here's what you need to know about each one and where to focus your review time.
Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties (7-9% of the exam)
This unit covers the foundation of chemistry: atoms, electrons, and periodic trends. It's foundational but not the heaviest unit.
What to focus on:
- Electron configurations and orbital diagrams
- Periodic trends: ionization energy, electronegativity, atomic radius, ion size
- Photoelectric effect and quantized energy
- The mole concept and Avogadro's number
- Atomic mass and isotopes
Unit 2: Compound Structure and Properties (7-9% of the exam)
This unit is about chemical bonding and molecular structure. You need to know ionic bonding, covalent bonding, metallic bonding, and how structure determines properties.
What to focus on:
- Ionic and covalent bonding
- Lewis structures and formal charges
- VSEPR theory and molecular geometry
- Electronegativity and bond polarity
- Intermolecular forces: dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding, London dispersion, ionic interactions
- How structure relates to properties (melting point, boiling point, solubility)
Unit 3: Properties of Substances and Mixtures (18-22% of the exam)
This is a heavy unit. It covers solutions, solubility, molarity, and stoichiometry in aqueous systems. You'll see multiple FRQs testing your understanding of dilution, molarity, density, and percent composition.
What to focus on:
- Percent composition and empirical formulas
- Molar mass and mole relationships
- Molarity and solution stoichiometry
- Dilution calculations (M1V1 = M2V2)
- Solubility rules and ionic equations
- Net ionic equations
- Oxidation states and redox balancing
Unit 4: Chemical Reactions (7-9% of the exam)
This unit covers types of reactions, reaction rates, and basic reaction mechanics. Understanding what drives reactions forward is key.
What to focus on:
- Types of reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, double displacement, combustion
- Balancing chemical equations
- Limiting reactants and percent yield
- Types of reactions (precipitation, acid-base, redox)
- Collision theory and reaction mechanisms
- Catalysts and reaction rates
Unit 5: Kinetics (7-9% of the exam)
This unit covers reaction rates and how fast reactions happen. You need to understand rate laws, rate order, and factors affecting reaction speed.
What to focus on:
- Reaction rate calculations
- Rate laws and rate constants
- First-order, second-order, and zero-order reactions
- Half-life and exponential decay
- Temperature and the Arrhenius equation
- Activation energy and catalysts
Unit 6: Thermochemistry (7-9% of the exam)
This unit covers energy in chemical reactions. You need to understand enthalpy, exothermic vs. endothermic, calorimetry, and Hess's Law.
What to focus on:
- Heat and temperature
- Calorimetry and specific heat capacity
- Enthalpy and enthalpy change
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Hess's Law and standard enthalpy of formation
- Bond energy calculations
Unit 7: Equilibrium (7-9% of the exam)
This unit covers chemical equilibrium: forward and reverse reactions, equilibrium constants, and equilibrium shifts. You'll see FRQs testing your ability to use ICE tables and calculate equilibrium concentrations.
What to focus on:
- Equilibrium constant (Kc and Kp) expressions
- Calculating equilibrium constant values
- ICE tables and equilibrium concentration calculations
- Le Chatelier's principle
- Equilibrium with pressure and concentration changes
- Solubility product (Ksp)
Unit 8: Acids and Bases (11-15% of the exam)
This is another heavy unit. It covers acid-base chemistry: pH, buffers, Ka and Kb, and neutralization reactions. Expect multiple FRQs testing your ability to calculate pH, work with buffers, and understand acid strength.
What to focus on:
- Strong acids and strong bases
- Weak acids and weak bases
- pH and pOH calculations
- Ka and Kb expressions
- Buffer systems and Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
- Titrations and equivalence points
- Polyprotic acids
- Acid-base indicators and phenolphthalein
Unit 9: Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry (7-9% of the exam)
This unit covers spontaneity, Gibbs free energy, and electrochemical cells. You need to understand what makes reactions spontaneous and how to predict cell potentials.
What to focus on:
- Entropy and disorder
- Gibbs free energy (Delta G) and spontaneity
- Standard electrode potentials
- Electrochemical cells and cell notation
- Faraday's laws and electron transfer
- Corrosion and galvanic cells
- Electrolysis and electrolytic cells
How to use this 2-week AP Chemistry study plan
The approach is simple. Each day:
- Review the assigned topic. Read your notes or textbook section for that day's focus.
- Generate flashcards in StarSpark. Copy the flashcard prompt from the table below, paste it into StarSpark, and quiz yourself.
- Generate a quiz in StarSpark. Copy the quiz prompt, paste it in, and test your application skills with calculations and conceptual questions.
- Work through the math. If it's a kinetics or equilibrium day, grab a calculator and work practice problems. Write out the full ICE table or rate law.
- Revisit previous days briefly. Spend 10 minutes pulling up flashcards from earlier in the week. This is spaced repetition and it works.
Two more things that matter:
Don't skip the FRQ practice. This plan includes FRQ prompts on Days 6, 9, 12, and 14. AP Chemistry free-response questions are different from multiple-choice. They test your ability to show your work, justify your reasoning, and connect multiple concepts. You need practice writing out your thinking.
Do mixed quizzes on Days 7, 10, and 14. These are cumulative on purpose. Mixing topics forces your brain to categorize concepts, which is exactly what the AP exam asks you to do.
Your 14-day AP Chemistry study plan
| Day | Topic | Key Concepts | Flashcard Prompt | Quiz Prompt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties | Electron configuration, periodic trends, mole concept, isotopes | Create 18 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 1. Cover electron configurations, periodic trends (ionization energy, electronegativity, atomic radius), mole concept, atomic mass, and how structure relates to periodic position. | Create a 10-question AP Chemistry quiz on Unit 1. Include questions about electron orbital diagrams, periodic trends predictions, mole calculations, and isotope mass numbers. |
| 2 | Unit 1-2: Atomic Structure and Bonding | Periodic trends, ionic bonding, covalent bonding, Lewis structures | Create 22 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 1 periodic trends and Unit 2 chemical bonding. Cover ionization energy trends, electronegativity differences, types of bonds (ionic vs. covalent), Lewis structure rules, and formal charges. | Create a 12-question AP Chemistry quiz combining Unit 1 and 2. Use scenario-based questions about bond type prediction, Lewis structure drawing, and electronegativity differences. |
| 3 | Unit 2: Molecular Structure and Intermolecular Forces | Lewis structures, VSEPR theory, molecular geometry, intermolecular forces, polarity | Create 20 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 2 molecular structure. Focus on VSEPR theory, predicting molecular geometry (tetrahedral, trigonal planar, linear), intermolecular forces (dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding, London dispersion), and molecular polarity. | Create a 12-question AP Chemistry quiz on molecular structure. Use scenarios describing molecular formulas and asking for geometry predictions, dipole moment predictions, and intermolecular force identification. |
| 4 | Unit 3: Solutions and Stoichiometry Part 1 | Percent composition, molar mass, molarity, dilution calculations | Create 22 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 3 solutions. Cover percent composition, empirical formulas, molar mass calculations, molarity (M = moles/liters), and dilution (M1V1 = M2V2). Include step-by-step cards for each calculation type. | Create a 14-question AP Chemistry quiz on solutions and molarity. Use real-world scenarios about mixing solutions, calculating concentrations, and dilution problems. |
| 5 | Unit 3: Stoichiometry and Redox Part 1 | Limiting reactants, percent yield, oxidation states, balancing redox equations | Create 24 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 3 stoichiometry. Cover limiting reactants, percent yield calculations, oxidation state rules, and redox equation balancing (half-reaction method for acidic and basic solutions). | Create a 14-question AP Chemistry quiz on stoichiometry and redox. Include limiting reactant problems, percent yield calculations, and redox balancing from unbalanced equations. |
| 6 | Unit 3-4: Redox and Reaction Types + FRQ | Net ionic equations, reaction types, balancing equations | Create 20 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 3 net ionic equations and Unit 4 reaction types. Cover precipitation reactions, acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and net ionic equation writing. | Create a 12-question AP Chemistry quiz on ionic and net ionic equations. Then create 1 short AP Chemistry free-response question (5 points) describing a precipitation or acid-base scenario and asking students to write balanced molecular, complete ionic, and net ionic equations. |
| 7 | Unit 4: Reaction Types and Mechanisms + Cumulative | Types of reactions, collision theory, reaction mechanisms, catalysts | Create 18 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 4 reaction mechanisms. Cover synthesis, decomposition, displacement, combustion reactions, collision theory factors, and how catalysts work. | Create a 12-question mixed AP Chemistry quiz on reactions and stoichiometry (Units 3-4). Then create a 6-question cumulative quiz from Units 1-2 on bonding and periodic trends. |
| 8 | Unit 5: Kinetics Part 1 | Reaction rates, rate laws, rate constants, reaction order | Create 24 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 5 kinetics. Cover rate calculations from experimental data, rate laws (zero, first, second order), determining order from graphs, and rate constant calculations. Include log and integrated rate law cards. | Create a 15-question AP Chemistry quiz on kinetics. Use scenarios with concentration vs. time data, asking students to determine rate order, write rate laws, and calculate rate constants. |
| 9 | Unit 5-6: Kinetics Part 2 and Thermochemistry Part 1 + FRQ | Half-life, Arrhenius equation, activation energy, enthalpy, calorimetry | Create 20 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 5 half-life and Arrhenius equation, plus Unit 6 thermochemistry basics. Cover first-order half-life formula, Arrhenius equation (k = Ae^(-Ea/RT)), enthalpy, and specific heat capacity. | Create a 12-question AP Chemistry quiz on kinetics and thermochemistry. Then create 1 short AP Chemistry free-response question (5 points) with calorimetry data and asking students to calculate heat, specific heat capacity, or enthalpy change. |
| 10 | Unit 6-7: Thermochemistry Part 2 and Equilibrium Part 1 + Cumulative | Hess's Law, bond energy, standard enthalpy of formation, equilibrium constant expressions | Create 22 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 6 Hess's Law and enthalpy of formation, plus Unit 7 equilibrium constant basics. Cover calculating Delta H using formation values, Hess's Law calculations, Kc and Kp expressions, and when to use each. | Create a 12-question AP Chemistry quiz on thermochemistry and equilibrium. Then create a 6-question cumulative quiz from Units 3-5 including stoichiometry, kinetics, and rate problems. |
| 11 | Unit 7: Equilibrium Part 2 | ICE tables, equilibrium calculations, Le Chatelier's principle, Ksp | Create 26 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 7 equilibrium. Cover equilibrium constant expressions, ICE table setup and solving, Le Chatelier's principle (concentration, pressure, temperature changes), and solubility product (Ksp) calculations. | Create a 16-question AP Chemistry quiz on equilibrium. Use scenarios with initial concentrations, asking for equilibrium concentrations via ICE tables, and questions about Le Chatelier predictions. |
| 12 | Unit 8: Acids and Bases Part 1 + FRQ | Strong acids and bases, weak acids and bases, pH and pOH, Ka and Kb | Create 24 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 8 acid-base chemistry. Cover strong acid and strong base calculations, weak acid Ka expressions, weak base Kb expressions, pH/pOH calculations, and percent ionization. | Create a 14-question AP Chemistry quiz on acids and bases. Then create 1 longer AP Chemistry free-response question (10 points) with a weak acid scenario, asking students to write the Ka expression, calculate pH using the Ka, and predict the effect of adding a strong base. |
| 13 | Unit 8-9: Acids and Bases Part 2 and Thermodynamics | Buffers, Henderson-Hasselbalch, titrations, entropy, Gibbs free energy | Create 22 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 8 buffers and titrations, plus Unit 9 thermodynamics. Cover buffer equations, calculating buffer pH using Henderson-Hasselbalch, titration equivalence points, entropy (S), and Gibbs free energy (Delta G = Delta H - TDelta S). | Create a 14-question AP Chemistry quiz on buffers, titrations, and thermodynamics. Include a buffer problem calculating pH before and after adding acid, and questions about spontaneity using Delta G. |
| 14 | Unit 9: Electrochemistry + Full Review + FRQ | Standard electrode potentials, electrochemical cells, cell notation, Faraday's laws, electrolysis | Create 18 AP Chemistry flashcards on Unit 9 electrochemistry. Cover cell notation, standard reduction potentials, calculating cell potential (E-cell = E-cathode minus E-anode), Faraday's laws relating charge to moles, and comparing galvanic and electrolytic cells. | Create a 15-question cumulative AP Chemistry quiz covering Units 6-9 (thermochemistry, equilibrium, acids/bases, electrochemistry). Then create 1 longer AP Chemistry free-response question (10 points) with an electrochemical cell scenario, asking for cell notation, Delta G calculation, and whether the cell is galvanic or electrolytic. |
Tips for the last 48 hours before the exam
On the night before the exam, stop learning new material. Instead, flip through your StarSpark flashcards one more time, focusing on the ones you've been getting wrong. Make sure you can quickly work through an ICE table, calculate pH from Ka, set up a stoichiometry problem, and determine cell potential. Review the equilibrium constant expression format and the Nernst equation if you know it. Read through the AP Chemistry Exam page on AP Central for any last-minute details about format and timing.
On exam morning, eat breakfast, bring your pencils, scientific or graphing calculator, and the periodic table and equation sheet that will be provided. Trust your preparation. Two weeks of active recall, FRQ practice, and problem solving is more effective than two months of passive rereading.
Why this study plan works
Retrieval practice is more effective than rereading. Every flashcard prompt and quiz prompt in this plan forces you to pull information out of your memory, which strengthens your understanding.
Spaced repetition beats cramming. The cumulative checkpoints on Days 7, 10, and 14 bring back earlier material so it doesn't fade.
Interleaving improves transfer. Mixing topics in later quizzes forces your brain to recognize which unit a concept belongs to and how it connects to others, which is exactly what AP Chemistry asks you to do.
Active application prepares you for FRQ problems. The quiz prompts are designed to generate AP-style questions about calculations, mechanism explanation, and reasoning, not just vocabulary.
Problem-solving practice matters. This plan includes repeated practice with stoichiometry, equilibrium calculations, pH, and electrochemistry so you're comfortable showing your work on the exam.
Generate your first set of flashcards right now
You don't have to wait until tomorrow to start. Open StarSpark, paste the Day 1 flashcard prompt, and start quizzing yourself in under a minute.
The AP Chemistry exam rewards students who study smart, not just students who study long. Two weeks is enough if every study session is focused, active, and built around how your brain actually learns and how this exam actually tests you.
Good luck. You've got this.
This study plan is aligned with the AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description published by the College Board. AP is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of this guide.
Want more AP study plans? Check out our full collection of cram plans for AP exams.
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