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TEST SPECIFICATION: Chemistry - Grade 12
STANDARD 5.6 (CHEMISTRY), strands A & B

NOTE: This test specification encompasses both strands of standard 5.6.
IMPORTANT: All students should have access to a periodic table, and calculator during instruction and assessment. (See periodic table.)
I

Macro statement:
The study of chemistry includes an understanding of the structure and behavior of matter.
II

Knowledge statements:

A.

Structure and Properties of Matter

  1. An atom consists of a nucleus surrounded by electrons, and the arrangement of the electrons determines the chemical behavior of each element.
    1. Atoms differ in the number of protons in the nucleus and in the arrangement of electrons surrounding the nucleus.
    2. The arrangement of electrons of an atom determines the chemical behavior of an atom.
    3. In a neutral atom, the total number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus
  2. The nucleus consists of protons and neutrons, and while each atom of a given element has the same number of protons, the number of neutrons may vary.
    1. The mass of an atom is concentrated almost entirely in the nucleus.
    2. Isotopes are forms of an element with differing numbers of neutrons that give isotopes a different mass.
  3. Atoms may transfer electrons to another atom or atoms may share electrons equally or unequally between them.
  4. Chemical symbols and formulae can be used to symbolically represent the kinds and numbers of atoms that combine to form molecules or compounds.
  5. Chemical equations symbolically represent chemically balanced reactions.
  6. Elements can be organized, based on chemical and physical properties, into a periodic table.
    1. The atomic number is the basis for the arrangement in the present form of the periodic table. For example, elements can be grouped as metals, nonmetals, and noble gases.
    2. The properties of the elements depend on the structure of the atom and vary with the atomic number in a systematic way
  7. Physical properties can be explained by the arrangement and motion of atoms and molecules.
  8. The arrangement of an electron around the nucleus of an atom is determined by the amount of energy the electron possesses.
B.

Chemical Reactions

  1. Chemical reactions depend on collisions between the reacting particles to form new combinations of atoms.
  2. Reaction rates are affected by such factors such as concentration, pressure, temperature, and/or the presence of a catalyst.
  3. Forming or breaking chemical bonds requires a net input or net release of energy resulting in a more stable state.
III

Skill statement:
In order to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of chemistry, students must use the scientific skills delineated in standards 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4.