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.
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- Handling Tough Topics in Organic Chemistry
- Handling Tough Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
- Handling Tough Topics in Physical 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.
Clearing the JEE Main exam in first attempt is not a difficult task. Several students clear JEE Main while in class 12. One thing that makes it easy to clear JEE Main with class 12 is that students are in regular touch of most JEE syllabus. To score good marks in JEE Main in the first attempt, it is advised that you study class 11 and 12 topics thoroughly, clear all the concepts and solve mock test papers. Also, NCERT books which you study in class 11 and 12 are the best books for JEE Main preparation. Students must study NCERT properly and solve all the questions in the book and do not memorize the concepts as some students do rather understand the concepts.
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.
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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 :)
The difficulty level of JEE Main exam is a little high than the class 12 board exams. Students who are studying in class 12 can score good marks in JEE Main by studying a little extra for the JEE. Students who have studied NCERT textbooks of Physics Chemistry and Mathematics thoroughly can get good marks. The joint Entrance Examination, popularly known as JEE Main is for admission into NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs for B.Tech and architecture courses in India.
Preparation for JEE Advanced begins by knowing exam syllabus. Every student must follow syllabus. Once preparation is done then start solving previous year questions for self-assessment. This will give an overview of your preparation.
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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The time period required to complete the JEE Main preparation depends mainly on the students. Every student has their own pace of study. Ideally, 6-month time is good enough to complete the JEE Main preparation. Students who have started preparing from class 11 or 12 can easily prepare for JEE Main in 6 months considering the topics of JEE syllabus have already been studied in classes 11 and 12.
JEE Main preparation is most effective with classes 11 and 12 as almost 90-95 percent of topics are similar in both exams. This way students can easily complete the entire JEE Main syllabus as well as the syllabus of classes 11 and 12. After the board exams, students get 1-2 months' time where they can focus entirely on JEE Main. Students who have started late for the JEE Main exam can make a 6-month plan where in the first three months they have to focus on revising the syllabus studied in classes 11 and 12. In the next two months focus on solving questions of JEE Main and analyzing the mistakes being made, if any. The last month should be focused on solving mock tests and JEE Main previous year question papers.