Acids and Bases are important concepts to master on the MCAT. Yes there are lots of equations and calculations to master, but you must also have a solid foundation of the logic and concepts involved.
This video series will take you through acid base equations and calculations (math focus). If you’d like more focus on trends/concepts see my Orgo Acid/Base Tutorial series.
But first, if you don’t have a solid CONCEPT foundation see my ‘Acids and Bases in Organic Chemistry‘ tutorial video series. Not sure if you’re solid with the foundations? Try the practice quiz HERE
Don’t forget to grab your free copy of my Strong Acid/Base Mini Cheat Sheet!
Video 1 -Introduction to Acid Base Chemistry Conjugates and Reactions
Video 1 serves as an introduction to acid/base chemistry and calculations.
This video takes you through the Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry, and Lewis definitions for acids and bases.
You’ll learn how to tell which is the acid and which is the base in any reaction, and how to analyze conjugate pairs.
Video 2 – H+ and pH Calculation for Strong Acids in MCAT Chemistry
Now that you understand your acids and bases, you must learn how to calculate ‘acidity’ in the form of [H+] and pH.
Video 2 shows you how to find the pH of a strong acidic solution quickly and easily, without a calculator.
Also included is a list of MUST-KNOW strong acids and the logic behind their stability.
Video 3 – pH and pOH Calculations for Strong Bases in MCAT Chemistry
Video 4 – Ka and pH for Weak Acids without ICE Table
Weak acid calculations are tricky if approached the traditional way. ICE Tables are time consuming and quadratic equations are nearly impossible without a calculator.
This video shows you how to find [H+] and pH for weak acids WITHOUT using an ICE Table or quadratic equation.
Video 5 – pH pOH ka and kb Calculations for Weak Bases in MCAT Chemistry
Weak base pH/pOH calculations can be the most tedious given a starting ka OR kb, find the pOH then convert to pH. This video teaches you how to approach this quickly and easily to help you save time and frustration on your MCAT. Quick ka to kb conversion, pOH WITHOUT an ICE TABLE, and convert from pOH to pH.
Video 6 – Auto Ionization of Water in MCAT Acid Base Chemistry
Video 7 – pH/pOH [H+]/[OH-] Wheel
MCAT Math Without A Calculator Video Series
Acid base chemistry has a LOT of math. Math which you MUST be able to complete quickly and confidently without a calculator. Need help? See my video series here:
Acid Base Cheat Sheet Study Guide
