Princeton CHM 202: General Chemistry II
CHM 202 continues Princeton's general chemistry sequence with chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry, following CHM 201 with the same lab and exam-driven format.
Fennie is independent and not affiliated with Princeton University. This is an unofficial study guide.
What makes it hard
Equilibrium and acid-base chemistry are the walls: they're cumulative, multi-layered, and reward conceptual understanding over plug-and-chug. The problems get longer and more conditional (ICE tables, buffers, titration curves), and thermodynamics late in the course demands careful sign and concept tracking that trips up formula memorizers.
What you'll cover
- • Chemical kinetics
- • Chemical equilibrium
- • Acids, bases, and buffers
- • Solubility equilibria
- • Thermodynamics (entropy and free energy)
- • Electrochemistry
The CHM 202 study guide
How to study for Princeton CHM 202, step by step.
- 1
Build the equilibrium toolkit deliberately
ICE tables, equilibrium expressions, and Le Chatelier reasoning underpin most of CHM 202. Practice them until automatic early, because acids, bases, and solubility all stack on equilibrium.
- 2
Understand acid-base problems, don't memorize them
Buffers, titration curves, and polyprotic systems are conditional: the right approach depends on what's in solution. Reason from the chemistry each time, since exams vary the conditions.
- 3
Track signs and concepts in thermodynamics
Entropy, enthalpy, and free energy reward careful tracking. Connect each quantity to what it physically means so late-course thermo and electrochemistry don't become blind formula-juggling.
- 4
Solve longer multi-step problems daily
CHM 202's problems are longer and more conditional than 201's. Work them cold every day with solutions closed, since the exams punish hesitation on multi-step setups.
Today
Today's CHM 202 plan
What a Fennie Daily Plan looks like for CHM 202. Yours is built from your own syllabus and adapts every day to your deadlines and progress.
First plan free, no card required. Fennie is independent and unaffiliated with your school.
FAQ
Is CHM 202 harder than CHM 201?
Many students find it conceptually harder. Equilibrium and acid-base chemistry are cumulative and reward real understanding over plug-and-chug, and the problems get longer and more conditional. The exam-driven format keeps the bar high.
How do I study for CHM 202 equilibrium?
Make ICE tables and equilibrium reasoning automatic early, since acids, bases, and solubility all build on them. For acid-base problems, reason from what's actually in solution rather than memorizing a formula, because exams vary the conditions.
Do I need CHM 201 before CHM 202?
Yes. CHM 201 (or equivalent) is the prerequisite. CHM 202 assumes fluent stoichiometry and bonding from the first course and moves straight into kinetics and equilibrium, so any gaps from 201 resurface quickly.