Virginia Tech CHEM 1036: General Chemistry II (with CHEM 1046 lab)
CHEM 1036 completes Virginia Tech's general chemistry sequence — kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry — typically taken with the separate CHEM 1046 lab by science majors and pre-health students continuing past 1035.
Fennie is independent and not affiliated with Virginia Tech. This is an unofficial study guide.
Build my CHEM 1036 study planWhat makes it hard
Equilibrium is the spine and the acid-base unit is the famous filter: ICE tables, buffers, and titration curves stack into multi-step problems where one early mistake cascades. The material is more conceptual than 1035's — questions ask why, not just how much — which catches students who survived first semester on calculation speed.
What you'll cover
- • Chemical kinetics
- • Chemical equilibrium
- • Acids, bases, and buffers
- • Titrations
- • Thermodynamics and free energy
- • Electrochemistry
The CHEM 1036 study guide
How to study for Virginia Tech CHEM 1036, step by step.
- 1
Get the equilibrium concept before the algebra
Everything after kinetics runs through the equilibrium framework, and acid-base problems are equilibrium in costume. Build the conceptual model first; the ICE-table mechanics follow far more easily.
- 2
Write ICE tables fully, every time
Most acid-base errors are bookkeeping — a dropped sign, a wrong initial value. The complete written ritual during practice is what prevents the shortcut-bred exam errors later.
- 3
Overinvest in buffers and titrations
The acid-base unit decides grades. Practice identifying what's in solution at each titration stage — that classification step is where the multi-part problems are actually won or lost.
- 4
Tie thermodynamics back to equilibrium
ΔG, K, and reaction direction are one story, and exams love the connection. Drill moving among them until the relationships are reflexive rather than looked-up.
- 5
Sequence the chain with Fennie
Upload your CHEM 1036 syllabus and Fennie's Daily Plan locks equilibrium down before the acid-base unit needs it, gives buffers and titrations extra reps, and tracks 1046 lab deadlines alongside — with quizzes from your actual material. Free to start.
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How Fennie helps with CHEM 1036
Fennie's Daily Plans sequence CHEM 1036's dependency chain — equilibrium solid before acid-base arrives, buffers and titrations given extra reps, lab deadlines tracked in parallel. Chat through what's actually in solution at each titration stage, the classification skill those grade-deciding problems turn on.
FAQ
Is CHEM 1036 harder than CHEM 1035?
Most students say yes — it's more conceptual and more cumulative. Equilibrium runs through everything, and the acid-base unit's multi-step problems punish shaky foundations in a way 1035's more self-contained units didn't.
How do I study for acid-base problems in CHEM 1036?
Treat every problem as equilibrium first: identify the species in solution, write the full ICE table, then compute. Practice titration curves stage by stage — classifying what dominates where is the real skill.
Do I need CHEM 1036 for my major?
Engineering majors often stop at 1035, while chemistry, biology, and pre-health tracks continue through 1036/1046. Check your degree checksheet before assuming either way.
Pass CHEM 1036 with a plan, not a cram
Upload your CHEM 1036 materials and Fennie generates a Daily Plan paced to your deadline — plus chat, flashcards, and quizzes built from the actual course content.
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