GACE Chemistry
The Chemistry assessment, offered as part of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, is divided into two tests.
The first test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed-response assignments (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the first test are atomic structure, the properties of matter, chemical bonding, and energy. The topics covered by the atomic structure and the properties of matter subarea are: the various models of atomic structure, the principles of quantum theory, and the properties of subatomic particles; the organization of the periodic table; the physical and chemical properties of matter; the factors influencing the solubility of the substance; the properties of solutions; chemical formulas and the nomenclature of ionic and covalent compounds; and the processes of nuclear transformations. The topics covered by the chemical bonding and energy subarea are: the different types of chemical bonds, the formation of chemical bonds, and the effect of bond type on the properties of substances; the various kinds of intermolecular forces and their effects on the properties of substances; kinetic molecular theory and the gas laws; and the laws of thermodynamics and the flow of heat in physical and chemical processes.
The second test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed-response questions (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the second test are chemical reactions and the characteristics of science. The topics covered by the chemical reactions subarea are: the basic kinds and characteristics of chemical reactions; the factors that affect reaction rates and methods for measuring reaction rates; chemical equilibrium; acid-base chemistry; the mole concept and its relationship to chemical formulas; and molar relationships and stoichiometry. The topics covered by the characteristics of science subarea are: the characteristics of scientific knowledge and the methods of scientific inquiry; scientific tools, instruments, materials, and safety practices; the skills and procedures used to analyze and communicate scientific data; and the unifying concepts of science and technology.
The examination must be completed within four hours. The total test score is placed on a scale of 100 to 300, with 220 as the lowest passing score. Scores are based on the number of selected-response questions answered correctly and the scores assigned by judges to the constructed responses. Test-takers will also receive performance indices indicating their success in each subarea of the examination. Scores will be available approximately a month after the date of the examination; unofficial results are posted on the internet, and an official score report is mailed to the test-taker, the Professional Standards Commission, and the institution specified by the test-taker during registration.
GACE Chemistry Practice Questions
1. What is molality?
A: ratio of number of moles of a substance in a solution to the total number of moles
B: 100 x (mass of solute/mass of solution)
C: moles of solute per liter of solution
D: moles of solute per kilogram of solvent
2. Which of the following is NOT a nuclear reaction?
A: nuclear decay
B: fission
C: radioactivity
D: fusion
3. What is another name for electron loss?
A: oxidation
B: reduction
C: reaction
D: galvanization
4. What is the appropriate use of an Erlenmeyer flask?
A: measuring volumes
B: transferring liquids
C: mixing chemicals
D: dispensing droplets of liquid
5. What is the name for the amount of given product formed if all limiting reactant is consumed by the reaction?
A: percent yield
B: actual yield
C: real yield
D: theoretical yield
Answer Key
1. D. Molality corresponds roughly to milliequivalent.
2. C. Radioactivity is caused by the nuclear reaction of decay.
3. A. Oxidation is accompanied by an increase in the oxidation number.
4. C. Erlenmeyer flasks are good for producing chemical reactions.
5. D. The theoretical yield is what would occur without any inefficiencies.
