UPDATED FOR 2026. Below is every single AP Chemistry FRQ from 2015-2025 sorted by topic.
At the end is the predicted FRQs for the upcoming 2026 exam. Good luck!
PRO TIP: Links open in FRQ Atlas — You find the FRQ and upload your working for free, instant AI grading based on scoring guidelines.
FRQ Types
Understand the difference between Long and Short questions to manage your time effectively.
Long Questions (10 pts)
Multi-part problems requiring deep application of Science Practices. Tip: Show every step of your calculation; partial credit is generous here.
30 questions
Short Questions (4 pts)
Focused problems often targeting a specific concept or lab technique. Tip: Answer concisely; you don’t need a paragraph if a sentence will do.
40 questions
Skills
Drill down into the specific Science Practices tested on the exam.
Models & Representations
5 questions
1.A: Particulate Models
Draw particles accurately. (3)
1.B: Particulate & Macroscopic
Connect drawings to observations. (2)
Question & Method
19 questions
2.C: Experimental Procedures
Know your lab equipment names. (11)
2.D: Observations & Data
Read burets to correct precision. (5)
2.F: Modifications
Predict how changes affect data. (2)
2.B: Hypothesis
Formulate testable predictions. (1)
Data Representation
35 questions
3.A: Graphing
Label axes with units. (6)
3.B: Diagrams & Models
Draw Lewis structures carefully. (21)
3.C: Scale Relationships
Link micro structure to macro behavior. (8)
Model Analysis
18 questions
4.A: Predictions
Use theories to explain phenomena. (12)
4.C: Particle Connections
Explain bulk properties via particles. (4)
4.D: Model Limitations
Critique how well a model works. (2)
Math Routines
109 questions
5.F: Calculation
Show work and check sig figs. (64)
5.E: Balanced Equations
Balance charge and mass. (19)
5.D: Graphical Data
Extract values from plots. (12)
5.B: Theory Selection
Choose the right formula. (9)
5.A: Quantity ID
Pick variables from text. (5)
Argumentation
91 questions
6.D: Justification
Explain ‘why’ using principles. (43)
6.F: Conceptual Links
Connect results to theory. (16)
6.E: Scale Justification
Link micro to macro. (10)
6.G: Error Analysis
Explain impact of errors. (10)
6.C: Particulate Evidence
Support claims with structure. (7)
6.B: Data Evidence
Support claims with numbers. (6)
6.A: Making Claims
State a clear scientific conclusion. (4)
Units
All questions sorted by the 9 distinct units of the AP Chemistry curriculum.
Unit 1: Atomic Structure
Master Coulomb’s Law and periodic trends, as they explain almost everything in later units.
19 questions
Unit 2: Compound Structure
Focus heavily on IMFs and Lewis diagrams; they are the foundation for explaining physical properties.
24 questions
Unit 3: Properties
The most frequent unit; combines gas laws, stoichiometry, and solution chemistry into complex problems.
38 questions
Unit 4: Chemical Reactions
Connecting stoichiometry to redox and acid-base reactions is critical here.
28 questions
Unit 5: Kinetics
Know the difference between rate laws (experimentally determined) and stoichiometry coefficients.
14 questions
Unit 6: Thermochemistry
Heat transfer and calorimetry errors are common; watch your signs for exo/endothermic.
17 questions
Unit 7: Equilibrium
Q vs K comparisons and Le Chatelier’s principle are staples of almost every exam.
16 questions
Unit 8: Acids and Bases
Buffer capacity and titration curves are the hardest but most predictable question types.
18 questions
Unit 9: Thermodynamics
Electrochemistry and Gibbs Free Energy often appear together in the final long FRQ.
19 questions
Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties
- 2025 Q1 (Long questions) — Magnesium isotopes, Coulombic attraction, common ion.
- 2025 Q2 (Long questions) — Combustion analysis, titration curve, kinetics.
- 2024 Q2 (Long questions) — Maleic acid stoichiometry, entropy, buffers.
- 2024 Q3 (Long questions) — Alloy structure, atomic radius, electroplating.
- 2023 Q1 (Long questions) — Manganese electron config, gravimetric analysis.
- 2023 Q4 (Short questions) — Buffer preparation, pH prediction.
- 2023 Q6 (Short questions) — IMF identification, heat of vaporization.
- 2022 Q3 (Long questions) — Aluminum atomic structure, redox representation.
- 2022 Q4 (Short questions) — Nitrogen solubility, IMF explanation.
- 2021 Q2 (Long questions) — Silicon mass spectrum, PES, periodic trends.
- 2021 Q3 (Long questions) — Copper sulfate precipitation, spectroscopy error.
- 2019 Q2 (Long questions) — Halogen bond length, gas equilibrium.
- 2019 Q5 (Short questions) — PES analysis, ionization energy.
- 2018 Q3 (Long questions) — Iron ion structure, Coulombic attraction.
- 2018 Q7 (Short questions) — PES element ID, radioactive decay.
- 2017 Q6 (Short questions) — Hydroxide solubility, lattice energy trends.
- 2016 Q1 (Long questions) — LiCl calorimetry, lattice energy, radius.
- 2016 Q3 (Long questions) — Metal iodide synthesis, ionic character.
- 2015 Q1 (Long questions) — Zinc-air battery, electron config.
Unit 2: Compound Structure and Properties
- 2025 Q3 (Long questions) — Lewis diagrams, calorimetry, enthalpy of formation.
- 2025 Q4 (Short questions) — Hybridization, hydrogen bonding, condensation energy.
- 2025 Q5 (Short questions) — Molecular geometry, boiling point comparison.
- 2024 Q3 (Long questions) — Alloy structure, atomic radius, electroplating.
- 2024 Q6 (Short questions) — Reaction order graphs, Lewis diagrams.
- 2023 Q2 (Long questions) — Aluminum chloride bonding, potential energy curve.
- 2023 Q6 (Short questions) — IMF identification, heat of vaporization.
- 2022 Q2 (Long questions) — Methanol Lewis diagram, decomposition thermodynamics.
- 2022 Q7 (Short questions) — Oxalate hybridization, acid solubility.
- 2021 Q1 (Long questions) — Methanoic acid Lewis diagram, catalyst.
- 2021 Q6 (Short questions) — Sulfate conductivity, common-ion effect.
- 2019 Q1 (Long questions) — Urea hybridization, hydrogen bonding, solubility.
- 2019 Q3 (Long questions) — Precipitation particle diagram, buffer.
- 2019 Q7 (Short questions) — Redox titration, buret reading.
- 2018 Q2 (Long questions) — Nitrogen oxides particle representation.
- 2018 Q3 (Long questions) — Iron ion structure, Coulombic attraction.
- 2017 Q1 (Long questions) — Carbon tetrachloride synthesis, IMFs.
- 2017 Q2 (Long questions) — HCNO isomers, formal charge.
- 2017 Q6 (Short questions) — Hydroxide solubility, lattice energy trends.
- 2016 Q1 (Long questions) — LiCl calorimetry, lattice energy, radius.
- 2016 Q2 (Long questions) — Baking soda reaction, Lewis structures.
- 2016 Q3 (Long questions) — Metal iodide synthesis, ionic character.
- 2015 Q2 (Long questions) — Ethanol dehydration, Lewis structures.
- 2015 Q6 (Short questions) — Ionic melting points, cation size.
Unit 3: Properties of Substances and Mixtures
- 2025 Q1 (Long questions) — Magnesium isotopes, Coulombic attraction, common ion.
- 2025 Q2 (Long questions) — Combustion analysis, titration curve, kinetics.
- 2025 Q4 (Short questions) — Hybridization, hydrogen bonding, condensation energy.
- 2025 Q5 (Short questions) — Molecular geometry, boiling point comparison.
- 2024 Q1 (Long questions) — Lactic acid titration, particle diagram.
- 2024 Q2 (Long questions) — Maleic acid stoichiometry, entropy, buffers.
- 2024 Q4 (Short questions) — Specific heat capacity, thermometer reading.
- 2024 Q7 (Short questions) — Solution preparation, chromatography prediction.
- 2023 Q5 (Short questions) — Ideal gas law, ion-dipole interaction.
- 2023 Q6 (Short questions) — IMF identification, heat of vaporization.
- 2023 Q7 (Short questions) — Solubility particle diagram, Ksp calc.
- 2022 Q1 (Long questions) — Salicylic acid synthesis, percent yield.
- 2022 Q2 (Long questions) — Methanol Lewis diagram, decomposition thermodynamics.
- 2022 Q3 (Long questions) — Aluminum atomic structure, redox representation.
- 2022 Q4 (Short questions) — Nitrogen solubility, IMF explanation.
- 2022 Q6 (Short questions) — Colorimetric analysis, calibration curve error.
- 2021 Q1 (Long questions) — Methanoic acid Lewis diagram, catalyst.
- 2021 Q2 (Long questions) — Silicon mass spectrum, PES, periodic trends.
- 2021 Q3 (Long questions) — Copper sulfate precipitation, spectroscopy error.
- 2021 Q6 (Short questions) — Sulfate conductivity, common-ion effect.
- 2021 Q7 (Short questions) — Gas density calc, non-ideal behavior.
- 2019 Q1 (Long questions) — Urea hybridization, hydrogen bonding, solubility.
- 2019 Q2 (Long questions) — Halogen bond length, gas equilibrium.
- 2019 Q3 (Long questions) — Precipitation particle diagram, buffer.
- 2019 Q4 (Short questions) — Ideal gas deviation, temperature effect.
- 2019 Q5 (Short questions) — PES analysis, ionization energy.
- 2018 Q1 (Long questions) — Redox stoichiometry, limiting reactant.
- 2018 Q3 (Long questions) — Iron ion structure, Coulombic attraction.
- 2018 Q4 (Short questions) — Boiling point comparison, ideal gas.
- 2018 Q5 (Short questions) — Weak acid ionization, percent ionization.
- 2017 Q1 (Long questions) — Carbon tetrachloride synthesis, IMFs.
- 2017 Q4 (Short questions) — Paper chromatography, dye polarity.
- 2016 Q1 (Long questions) — LiCl calorimetry, lattice energy, radius.
- 2016 Q3 (Long questions) — Metal iodide synthesis, ionic character.
- 2016 Q5 (Short questions) — Butadiene kinetics, initial pressure.
- 2015 Q2 (Long questions) — Ethanol dehydration, Lewis structures.
- 2015 Q4 (Short questions) — Calcium hydroxide Ksp, common ion.
- 2015 Q5 (Short questions) — Food coloring kinetics, spectrophotometry.
Unit 4: Chemical Reactions
- 2025 Q2 (Long questions) — Combustion analysis, titration curve, kinetics.
- 2025 Q6 (Short questions) — Galvanic cell, net ionic equation.
- 2024 Q2 (Long questions) — Maleic acid stoichiometry, entropy, buffers.
- 2024 Q3 (Long questions) — Alloy structure, atomic radius, electroplating.
- 2023 Q1 (Long questions) — Manganese electron config, gravimetric analysis.
- 2023 Q2 (Long questions) — Aluminum chloride bonding, potential energy curve.
- 2023 Q3 (Long questions) — Calcium carbonate kinetics, calorimetry.
- 2022 Q1 (Long questions) — Salicylic acid synthesis, percent yield.
- 2022 Q2 (Long questions) — Methanol Lewis diagram, decomposition thermodynamics.
- 2022 Q3 (Long questions) — Aluminum atomic structure, redox representation.
- 2022 Q7 (Short questions) — Oxalate hybridization, acid solubility.
- 2021 Q1 (Long questions) — Methanoic acid Lewis diagram, catalyst.
- 2021 Q2 (Long questions) — Silicon mass spectrum, PES, periodic trends.
- 2021 Q3 (Long questions) — Copper sulfate precipitation, spectroscopy error.
- 2019 Q3 (Long questions) — Precipitation particle diagram, buffer.
- 2019 Q7 (Short questions) — Redox titration, buret reading.
- 2018 Q1 (Long questions) — Redox stoichiometry, limiting reactant.
- 2018 Q2 (Long questions) — Nitrogen oxides particle representation.
- 2018 Q3 (Long questions) — Iron ion structure, Coulombic attraction.
- 2018 Q6 (Short questions) — Galvanic cell, reduction potential.
- 2017 Q1 (Long questions) — Carbon tetrachloride synthesis, IMFs.
- 2017 Q3 (Long questions) — Nitrogen buffer, Kp calculation.
- 2016 Q2 (Long questions) — Baking soda reaction, Lewis structures.
- 2016 Q3 (Long questions) — Metal iodide synthesis, ionic character.
- 2016 Q6 (Short questions) — Complex ion formation, dilution.
- 2016 Q7 (Short questions) — Acid titration, unknown concentration.
- 2015 Q2 (Long questions) — Ethanol dehydration, Lewis structures.
- 2015 Q3 (Long questions) — Weak base titration, pH curve.
Unit 5: Kinetics
- 2025 Q2 (Long questions) — Combustion analysis, titration curve, kinetics.
- 2025 Q7 (Short questions) — Glycolate ion structure, catalysis.
- 2024 Q2 (Long questions) — Maleic acid stoichiometry, entropy, buffers.
- 2024 Q6 (Short questions) — Reaction order graphs, Lewis diagrams.
- 2023 Q3 (Long questions) — Calcium carbonate kinetics, calorimetry.
- 2022 Q5 (Short questions) — N2O5 decomposition, rate determining step.
- 2021 Q1 (Long questions) — Methanoic acid Lewis diagram, catalyst.
- 2019 Q6 (Short questions) — Reaction order, rate law mechanism.
- 2018 Q7 (Short questions) — PES element ID, radioactive decay.
- 2017 Q1 (Long questions) — Carbon tetrachloride synthesis, IMFs.
- 2017 Q2 (Long questions) — HCNO isomers, formal charge.
- 2016 Q2 (Long questions) — Baking soda reaction, Lewis structures.
- 2016 Q5 (Short questions) — Butadiene kinetics, initial pressure.
- 2015 Q5 (Short questions) — Food coloring kinetics, spectrophotometry.
Unit 6: Thermochemistry
- 2025 Q3 (Long questions) — Lewis diagrams, calorimetry, enthalpy of formation.
- 2025 Q4 (Short questions) — Hybridization, hydrogen bonding, condensation energy.
- 2024 Q1 (Long questions) — Lactic acid titration, particle diagram.
- 2024 Q4 (Short questions) — Specific heat capacity, thermometer reading.
- 2023 Q2 (Long questions) — Aluminum chloride bonding, potential energy curve.
- 2023 Q3 (Long questions) — Calcium carbonate kinetics, calorimetry.
- 2023 Q6 (Short questions) — IMF identification, heat of vaporization.
- 2022 Q1 (Long questions) — Salicylic acid synthesis, percent yield.
- 2022 Q4 (Short questions) — Nitrogen solubility, IMF explanation.
- 2021 Q4 (Short questions) — Hand warmer enthalpy, iron mass.
- 2019 Q1 (Long questions) — Urea hybridization, hydrogen bonding, solubility.
- 2019 Q2 (Long questions) — Halogen bond length, gas equilibrium.
- 2018 Q1 (Long questions) — Redox stoichiometry, limiting reactant.
- 2017 Q2 (Long questions) — HCNO isomers, formal charge.
- 2017 Q5 (Short questions) — 2-propanol combustion, water error.
- 2016 Q1 (Long questions) — LiCl calorimetry, lattice energy, radius.
- 2015 Q7 (Short questions) — Aluminum recycling energy, fusion heat.
Unit 7: Equilibrium
- 2025 Q1 (Long questions) — Magnesium isotopes, Coulombic attraction, common ion.
- 2025 Q3 (Long questions) — Lewis diagrams, calorimetry, enthalpy of formation.
- 2024 Q5 (Short questions) — Hydrogen iodine equilibrium, Q vs K.
- 2023 Q2 (Long questions) — Aluminum chloride bonding, potential energy curve.
- 2023 Q7 (Short questions) — Solubility particle diagram, Ksp calc.
- 2022 Q2 (Long questions) — Methanol Lewis diagram, decomposition thermodynamics.
- 2022 Q7 (Short questions) — Oxalate hybridization, acid solubility.
- 2021 Q6 (Short questions) — Sulfate conductivity, common-ion effect.
- 2019 Q1 (Long questions) — Urea hybridization, hydrogen bonding, solubility.
- 2019 Q2 (Long questions) — Halogen bond length, gas equilibrium.
- 2018 Q2 (Long questions) — Nitrogen oxides particle representation.
- 2018 Q5 (Short questions) — Weak acid ionization, percent ionization.
- 2017 Q3 (Long questions) — Nitrogen buffer, Kp calculation.
- 2017 Q6 (Short questions) — Hydroxide solubility, lattice energy trends.
- 2016 Q6 (Short questions) — Complex ion formation, dilution.
- 2015 Q4 (Short questions) — Calcium hydroxide Ksp, common ion.
Unit 8: Acids and Bases
- 2025 Q1 (Long questions) — Magnesium isotopes, Coulombic attraction, common ion.
- 2025 Q2 (Long questions) — Combustion analysis, titration curve, kinetics.
- 2025 Q7 (Short questions) — Glycolate ion structure, catalysis.
- 2024 Q1 (Long questions) — Lactic acid titration, particle diagram.
- 2024 Q2 (Long questions) — Maleic acid stoichiometry, entropy, buffers.
- 2023 Q4 (Short questions) — Buffer preparation, pH prediction.
- 2023 Q5 (Short questions) — Ideal gas law, ion-dipole interaction.
- 2022 Q1 (Long questions) — Salicylic acid synthesis, percent yield.
- 2022 Q7 (Short questions) — Oxalate hybridization, acid solubility.
- 2021 Q1 (Long questions) — Methanoic acid Lewis diagram, catalyst.
- 2019 Q3 (Long questions) — Precipitation particle diagram, buffer.
- 2018 Q2 (Long questions) — Nitrogen oxides particle representation.
- 2018 Q5 (Short questions) — Weak acid ionization, percent ionization.
- 2017 Q3 (Long questions) — Nitrogen buffer, Kp calculation.
- 2016 Q2 (Long questions) — Baking soda reaction, Lewis structures.
- 2016 Q4 (Short questions) — Phenol pH calculation, pKa relation.
- 2015 Q3 (Long questions) — Weak base titration, pH curve.
- 2015 Q6 (Short questions) — Ionic melting points, cation size.
Unit 9: Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry
- 2025 Q3 (Long questions) — Lewis diagrams, calorimetry, enthalpy of formation.
- 2025 Q6 (Short questions) — Galvanic cell, net ionic equation.
- 2024 Q2 (Long questions) — Maleic acid stoichiometry, entropy, buffers.
- 2024 Q3 (Long questions) — Alloy structure, atomic radius, electroplating.
- 2023 Q1 (Long questions) — Manganese electron config, gravimetric analysis.
- 2022 Q2 (Long questions) — Methanol Lewis diagram, decomposition thermodynamics.
- 2022 Q3 (Long questions) — Aluminum atomic structure, redox representation.
- 2021 Q2 (Long questions) — Silicon mass spectrum, PES, periodic trends.
- 2021 Q5 (Short questions) — Electrolysis, Faraday’s law, plating time.
- 2019 Q1 (Long questions) — Urea hybridization, hydrogen bonding, solubility.
- 2019 Q2 (Long questions) — Halogen bond length, gas equilibrium.
- 2018 Q2 (Long questions) — Nitrogen oxides particle representation.
- 2018 Q6 (Short questions) — Galvanic cell, reduction potential.
- 2017 Q2 (Long questions) — HCNO isomers, formal charge.
- 2017 Q7 (Short questions) — Peroxide titration, Gibbs free energy.
- 2016 Q2 (Long questions) — Baking soda reaction, Lewis structures.
- 2016 Q3 (Long questions) — Metal iodide synthesis, ionic character.
- 2015 Q1 (Long questions) — Zinc-air battery, electron config.
- 2015 Q2 (Long questions) — Ethanol dehydration, Lewis structures.
2026 FRQ Topics Prediction
We used Phy AI + the frequency of topics above to make an educated guess on what you might see on the upcoming 2026 AP Chemistry Exam FRQ:
- Unit 3: Properties of Substances and Mixtures — 38 appearances. Expect a multi-part long question integrating experimental design, gas laws, and solution stoichiometry (likely a titration or gravimetric analysis lab scenario).
- Unit 4: Chemical Reactions — 28 appearances. A redox titration or precipitation reaction is highly probable, requiring you to write net ionic equations and draw particulate representations of the reaction mixture.
- Unit 2: Compound Structure and Properties — 24 appearances. Be prepared to draw and analyze Lewis structures, specifically focusing on formal charge arguments and identifying intermolecular forces to explain boiling point trends.
- Unit 9: Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry — 19 appearances. A galvanic or electrolytic cell question is overdue for a dedicated short FRQ, focusing on non-standard conditions (Nernst equation concepts) and Gibbs free energy calculations.
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