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AP Chemistry study guide

AP Chemistry rewards you for explaining why, not just calculating what. Most lost points come from a missing particle-level justification or a dropped unit, so practise naming the interaction, the equation, and the unit every time.

Last updated June 24, 2026 · Written by the Cramapple team

The exam at a glance

SectionWhat you face
Multiple choice60 questions · 90 minutes · 50% of the score
Free response7 questions (3 long, 4 short) · 105 minutes · 50% of the score
CalculatorAllowed on both sections

Course units

  • Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties
  • Unit 2: Compound Structure and Properties
  • Unit 3: Properties of Substances and Mixtures
  • Unit 4: Chemical Reactions
  • Unit 5: Kinetics
  • Unit 6: Thermochemistry
  • Unit 7: Equilibrium
  • Unit 8: Acids and Bases
  • Unit 9: Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry

Study guides

FAQ

How long is the AP Chemistry exam?
3 hours and 15 minutes: 90 minutes of multiple choice and 105 minutes of free response.
How many FRQs are on AP Chemistry?
Seven: three long questions and four short questions.
Where do most students lose FRQ points?
Justifications. The rubric wants the specific particle-level reason, such as the intermolecular force or the shift in equilibrium, not a general statement.

Start practising

Answer a real AP Chemistry question and see which rubric points you earned and which are still yours to take.

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