---
title: "Chemistry guide and practice — NextStep"
description: "What you will learn in Chemistry, common challenges, workload and expectations, flashcards, practice questions and vocabulary."
url: "https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/chemistry"
site: "NextStep"
updated: "2026-11-13"
---

[All courses](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses)

High school · Science

# Chemistry

Chemistry explores matter, its properties, and the changes that rearrange atoms and transfer energy.

[Survival guide](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/chemistry#guide)[What to expect](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/chemistry#expect)[Flashcards](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/chemistry#flashcards)[Practice questions](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/chemistry#practice)[Vocabulary](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/chemistry#vocab)

## What you will learn

- Use atomic structure and the periodic table.
- Describe bonding and chemical formulas.
- Balance chemical equations.
- Use moles to calculate reaction quantities.
- Explore solutions, acids and bases, and energy changes.

## Common challenges

- ### Switching between scales

  A visible sample contains particles too small to see. Link each observation to a particle sketch and a chemical symbol.
- ### Multi-step calculations

  Write the unit you need before calculating. Arrange conversion factors so unwanted units cancel.
- ### Balancing equations

  Change coefficients, not formula subscripts. Count each element on both sides after every adjustment.

## Key concepts

Atomic structure

Atoms contain protons and neutrons in a nucleus, with electrons outside it. Proton number identifies the element.

Periodic patterns

The periodic table organizes elements by atomic number. Related outer-electron arrangements help explain recurring properties.

Chemical bonding

Bonds involve attractions among nuclei and electrons. Introductory models describe electron sharing in covalent bonds and attraction between ions in ionic substances.

Conservation of matter

Chemical reactions rearrange atoms. Balanced equations account for each kind of atom before and after a reaction.

Mole

A mole is a counting unit containing about 6.022 x 10^23 specified entities. Molar mass connects moles to mass.

Reaction energy

Breaking bonds requires energy, while forming bonds releases energy. The balance determines whether a reaction releases or absorbs energy overall.

## How to prepare

- Practice ratios, percentages, and scientific notation.
- Review rearranging simple algebraic equations.
- Practice converting grams to kilograms and milliliters to liters.
- Read lab safety rules and learn where to find emergency equipment.

### Study habits that help

- Draw particle models alongside formulas.
- Keep units through every calculation step.
- Practice balancing a few equations regularly.
- Explain lab observations using both evidence and a particle model.

## What to expect

Typical workload

Moderate

Time outside class

Typically about 4 to 6 hours outside class; this varies with school, labs, and prior skills.

Pace

Topics often build from particle models toward calculations and laboratory explanations.

How it is usually graded

Tests, quizzes, calculation assignments, labs, and lab reports typically contribute to grades.

### Skills that help

- Algebra
- Unit conversion
- Careful measurement
- Particle-level reasoning

### What teachers usually expect

- Wear required protective equipment and follow instructions.
- Show units in calculations.
- Record measurements with appropriate precision.

### Before you start

- Typical Algebra 1 skills
- Basic scientific measurement
- Comfort with ratios and graphs

These are general descriptions of a typical course. Workload, pace and prerequisites differ by school and instructor, so check with your counselor, advisor or the course catalog.

## Where it can lead

- Chemistry
- Chemical engineering
- Biochemistry
- Environmental science
- Health sciences

## Flashcards

Card 1 of 10

## Practice questions

Question 1 of 6

A neutral atom has 6 protons. How many electrons does it have?

12630

## Vocabulary

Element

A substance consisting of atoms with the same proton number.

Compound

A substance containing two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions.

Reactant

A starting substance in a chemical reaction.

Product

A substance formed in a chemical reaction.

Valence electron

An outer-shell electron involved in many bonding patterns.

Stoichiometry

Calculating quantities using balanced chemical relationships.

Acid

In a common introductory model, a substance that donates a proton.

Base

In a common introductory model, a substance that accepts a proton.

## Related courses

- [Biology](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/biology)
- [Physics](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/physics)
- [General Chemistry I](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/general-chemistry-1)

[Subject help center](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/help)[Ask NextStep](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/chat)