How To Handle Tough Topics in JEE Main Chemistry

Most JEE aspirants pay less attention to chemistry as it is an easy subject compared to Physics and Mathematics. However, to score good marks in Chemistry, students need to study the complete topics as mentioned in JEE Mains Syllabus. 

Chemistry is the subject that is often neglected by JEE aspirants, thinking it to be “fairly easy” when compared to Maths and Physics. However, this is not a good practice, and may cost students their JEE ranks. It is important to focus on all the three subjects equally to obtain a good JEE rank. In this article, you will know about how to handle tough topics in JEE Chemistry.

Handling Tough Topics in Organic Chemistry

Study from good books

It is a common perception of students that Organic Chemistry requires memorization of reactions, and hence they dislike the subject. However, it is not the case. Organic Chemistry is very logical and does not require rote learning. If you study the subject form a good book, you will begin to like the subject, if you already don’t like it.

LG Wade is a very good book on Organic Chemistry. Reading this book can change your perspective towards this subject.

Put adequate efforts in studying named reactions

Named reactions are a very important aspect of Organic Chemistry. Many questions on named reactions are asked in JEE every year. Named reactions comprise of reactions like “Friedel-Crafts reaction”, “Reimer-Tiemann reaction”, “Wurtz reaction”, “Cannizzaro reaction” etc. You are expected to know these reactions very well.

While studying each of the named reactions, focus on parameters like the reactants, products, electrophiles, nucleophiles, catalysts, reaction exceptions, positive reaction conditions, negative reaction conditions, and reaction mechanism. Questions can be asked on any of these in JEE.

Make a notebook containing all the reactions

Make a separate notebook in which you should write all the reactions that you ever come across in Organic Chemistry. For each of these reactions, try to understand why the reaction is occurring. Go through this notebook everyday and when you see a reaction, try to recall its mechanism. You will realize that with time, you have become very comfortable with reaction mechanisms in Organic Chemistry, and you will start liking it :)

Handling Tough Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

Study from good books

Inorganic Chemistry is the part of chemistry that requires mugging up all reactions. Although mechanisms of some inorganic reactions can be understood, but mostly things are to be memorized in Inorganic Chemistry. Studying from a good book is important as it explains things on point.

Textbook of Inorganic Chemistry for Competitions (JEE Main & JEE Advanced) by OP Tandon is a good book for JEE inorganic chemistry, which would help you strengthen your grasp in the subject.

Study important topics really well

Certain topics in Inorganic Chemistry cannot be skipped by the JEE chemistry paper setters. Some of these topics are Metallurgy, Coordination compounds, p-block elements, etc. Study these topics really well.

Solve all the previous year questions of such topics. Doing this will help you get an idea of the type of questions that appear in JEE.

Try to link things to the periodic table

Try to analyze the trends (for example, solubility of salts etc.) and try to link them with the periodic table. Mostly, you will find a direct relation, barring the case of exceptions.

Trend analysis would also help you memorize properties of various elements and compounds, which would help you in other chapters as well. For example, if you are thorough with solubility of salts by doing trend analysis, you will not face difficulty in memorizing if a particular salt is soluble or not while studying the Qualitative Analysis chapter.

Make a reactions notebook

As in the case of organic chemistry, make a notebook for inorganic chemistry as well. Write all the important reactions in that notebook. Go through this notebook frequently. Especially about three months before the exam, start revising from this notebook every day.

In the notebook, also write all the exceptions that are to be remembered as well. Memorizing exceptions is as important in Inorganic Chemistry as is memorizing equations.

Use color codes for qualitative analysis

Qualitative analysis is the most dreaded topic of JEE Inorganic Chemistry. Memorizing colors of the compounds is a very difficult task. You can make it easier by writing the names of the compounds with the same color ink as that of the color of the compounds. In this way, you will form a picture memory of the colors of compounds, and it will be easier for you to memorize them.

Handling Tough Topics in Physical Chemistry

Focus on concepts

Don't try to mindlessly mug up formulae. Try to understand each and every thing logically. Physical Chemistry involves solving numericals, hence a clear understanding of all concepts logically is important.

Solve previous years’ JEE questions

Solving previous year JEE questions would help you get an idea of the type of questions asked and also would help you build confidence when you solve them.

Use mole concept to understand things

Mole concept is the very basic aspect of physical chemistry. However, you will find its application at many places. For a crystal-clear understanding of topics like Chemical equilibrium, Chemical kinetics, Electrochemistry etc., you should think everything from mole and equivalents perspective.

In this article you learnt about how to handle difficult topics in JEE chemistry. Put these tips to best use and score well in JEE chemistry!

About the Author:

Aman Goel is co-founder at a Tech Start-up. He holds a BTech in Computer Science Engineering from IIT Bombay with a JEE Advanced AIR 33 (Year 2013).

During his free time, he enjoys writing articles/blogs. He is an Entrepreneur, Coder, Speed-cuber, gamer, and fan of Air crash investigation!

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