National Evaluation Series™ Profile: Chemistry (821)

Descriptive Statements:

• Apply the IUPAC rules of nomenclature to name simple ionic and molecular compounds from their formulas and write structural formulas from the IUPAC names of substances.
• Demonstrate knowledge of functional groups and isomers and their associated properties.
• Identify the chemical composition and basic structure of organic compounds (e.g., hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, common biomolecules).
• Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to Objective 0003, such as asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.

Descriptive Statements:

• Apply knowledge of atomic structure to the formation of bonds between atoms.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of various types of chemical bonding.
• Apply knowledge of factors that affect bond strength (e.g., electronegativity, electron affinity) to predict the nature of chemical bonding and bond type.
• Apply knowledge of bonding to draw and analyze Lewis structures of simple chemical species.
• Apply knowledge of VSEPR to predict molecular geometry and molecular polarity of simple chemical species.
• Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to Objective 0004, such as asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.

Descriptive Statements:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the particulate nature of matter and the characteristics of elements, compounds, and mixtures (e.g., solutions, colloidal dispersions, noncolloidal suspensions).
• Distinguish between physical and chemical properties and between physical and chemical changes in matter.
• Apply knowledge of physical and chemical properties to identify common substances.
• Apply knowledge of intermolecular forces to explain physical properties and phase changes.
• Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to Objective 0005, such as asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.

Sample Item:

Use the diagram below to answer the question that follows.

A minus sign is placed in each of three large circles. A plus sign is placed in each of three medium-sized circles. These are all separated by fifteen smaller circles with minus signs placed inside. Each of these smaller circles is in contact with two very small circles with plus signs placed inside.

Each circle in the diagram represents a single atom. The mixture represented in the diagram is most likely:

1. a saturated mixture of silver nitrate in water.
2. an aqueous solution of sodium chloride.
3. a colloidal dispersion of dust particles.
4. a slurry of iron oxide in water.

Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)

Correct Response: B.

Descriptive Statements:

• Apply knowledge of common types of chemical reactions (i.e., synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion) and predict the products of these reactions.
• Classify chemical reactions based on driving forces (e.g., precipitation, gas or water formation, electron transfer).
• Apply knowledge of chemical reactions to identify common chemical processes in the home, industry, the environment, and health and medicine.
• Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to Objective 0006, such as asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.

Sample Item:

Descriptive Statements:

• Balance equations for chemical reactions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the mole concept and its use in chemical calculations.
• Solve stoichiometric problems, including problems with limiting reagents.
• Calculate the percent yield for chemical reactions.
• Apply knowledge of the principles of titration (e.g., acid-base, oxidation-reduction).
• Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to Objective 0007, such as asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.

Sample Item: