Arco MCAT Complete Review

by Bosworth, Stefan

• ISBN13: 9780028635620
• ISBN10: 0028635620
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-01-01
• Publisher: Arco Pub

Summary

Provides 4 full-length sample exams for every MCAT subject.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(12)
Unit 1 Verbal Reasoning
How to Answer Verbal Reasoning Questions	13	(10)
Tips for Improving Your Speed in Answering the Questions	14	(1)
What Makes a Good Reader	15	(1)
Types of MCAT Verbal Reasoning Questions	16	(7)
Verbal Reasoning Sample Exam	23	(20)
Answer Key	35	(1)
Explanations	36	(7)
Unit 2 Physical Sciences
Chemistry	43	(102)
Stoichiometry	43	(12)
Molecular Formulas	43	(1)
Molecular Weight	43	(1)
Empirical Formula	44	(1)
Description of Composition Using Percent Mass	44	(1)
Metric Units	44	(1)
The Mole Concept: Avogadro's Number	45	(2)
Density	47	(1)
Oxidation and Reduction: Oxidation Numbers	47	(1)
Chemical Equations: Balancing	48	(3)
Applying the Mole Concept to Calculations Involving Chemical Reactions	51	(2)
Practice Problems	53	(1)
Answers and Explanations	54	(1)
Key Words	55	(1)
Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table	55	(15)
Atoms	55	(1)
Energy of the Hydrogen Atom	56	(3)
Quantum Numbers and Their Relationship to Hydrogen Orbitals	59	(4)
Many-electron Atoms	63	(2)
The Periodic Table	65	(1)
Chemical Properties and the Periodic Table	66	(2)
Practice Problems	68	(1)
Answers and Explanations	69	(1)
Key Words	69	(1)
Bonding	70	(11)
Three Kinds of Bonding	70	(1)
Ionic Bonding in Crystals	70	(1)
Covalent Bonding	70	(1)
Resonance Structures	71	(1)
Formal Charge	71	(1)
Lewis Acids and Bases	72	(1)
Bonding in Diatomic Molecules	72	(3)
Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR)	75	(2)
Hybrid Orbitals	77	(1)
Partial Ionic Character of Bonds	78	(1)
Practice Problems	79	(1)
Answers and Explanations	80	(1)
Key Words	80	(1)
Phases and Phase Equilibrium	81	(10)
The Gas Phase	81	(1)
Relationships Among P, V, and T for Ideal Gases	81	(3)
Non-ideal Gases	84	(1)
Condensed Phases	84	(1)
Phase Equilibria	85	(1)
Colligative Properties	86	(2)
Practice Problems	88	(2)
Answers and Explanations	90	(1)
Key Words	90	(1)
Solution Chemistry	91	(6)
Ions in Solution	91	(1)
Charges on Commonly Encountered Ions	91	(1)
Solubility	91	(2)
Solubility Product	93	(1)
Common Ion Effect	94	(1)
Selective Precipitation	94	(1)
Practice Problems	95	(1)
Answers and Explanations	96	(1)
Key Words	96	(1)
Acids and Bases	97	(19)
Definitions	97	(1)
Ionization of Water	97	(1)
Definition of pH	97	(1)
Conjugate Acids and Bases	98	(1)
Strong Acids	99	(1)
Strong Bases	99	(1)
Strengths of Weak Acids and Bases: Ka and Kb	100	(1)
Classification of Weak Acid/Base Problems	100	(5)
Properties of Buffer Solutions	105	(1)
Titration Curves	106	(6)
Summary of Common Acid/Base Reactions	112	(1)
Practice Problems	112	(2)
Answers and Explanations	114	(2)
Key Words	116	(1)
Thermodynamics	116	(11)
Thermochemistry	116	(1)
Temperature Scales	117	(1)
First Law of Thermodynamics	117	(1)
The Equivalence of Different Forms of Energy	117	(2)
Bond Dissociation Energy	119	(1)
Measurement of Heat Changes	120	(1)
Entropy	121	(1)
Spontaneity---The Interplay of ΔH and ΔS	122	(1)
Heat Transfer	123	(1)
Coefficient of Expansion	123	(1)
Heats of Fusion and Vaporization	124	(1)
Practice Problems	125	(1)
Answers and Explanations	126	(1)
Key Words	126	(1)
Kinetics and Equilibrium	127	(13)
Rate Law	127	(1)
Determination of Rate Laws From Rate/Concentration Data	127	(1)
Relation of Reaction Coefficients to Exponents in the Rate Law	128	(1)
Integrated Rate Laws	128	(4)
Activation Energy and Temperature-dependence of Rate Constants	132	(1)
Multistep Reactions	132	(2)
Kinetic v. Thermodynamic Control of Reactions	134	(1)
Catalysts	134	(1)
Relation of Reaction Rates to Equilibrium Constants	135	(1)
The Relationship of ΔG to Keq	136	(1)
Practice Problems	136	(2)
Answers and Explanations	138	(1)
Key Words	139	(1)
Electrochemistry	140	(5)
Electrolytic Cell	140	(1)
Faraday's Law	140	(1)
Galvanic Cell	141	(1)
Concentration Cell	142	(1)
Practice Problems	143	(1)
Answers and Explanations	144	(1)
Key Words	144	(1)
Physics	145	(146)
Units	145	(5)
Common Unit Systems	145	(1)
Basic Units	146	(1)
Derived Units	146	(1)
Unit Conversion	147	(1)
Dimensional Analysis	148	(1)
Practice Problems	149	(1)
Answers and Explanations	149	(1)
Key Words	149	(1)
Vectors	150	(6)
Properties of Vectors	150	(1)
Graphical Analysis	150	(2)
Trigonometric Analysis	152	(1)
Vector Multiplication	153	(2)
Practice Problems	155	(1)
Answers and Explanations	155	(1)
Key Words	155	(1)
Motion: Definition of Terms	156	(10)
Mechanics	156	(1)
Position	156	(1)
Motion	157	(2)
Graphs of Position, Velocity, and Acceleration with Respect to Time	159	(4)
Practice Problems	163	(1)
Answers and Explanations	164	(1)
Key Words	165	(1)
Motion: Translation and in a Plane	166	(10)
Translational Motion with Uniform Acceleration	166	(2)
Motion in a Plane with Uniform Acceleration	168	(4)
Practice Problems	172	(2)
Answers and Explanations	174	(1)
Key Words	175	(1)
Force and Newton's Laws	176	(9)
Force	176	(1)
Newton's First Law of Motion	177	(1)
Newton's Second Law	177	(1)
Newton's Third Law	178	(1)
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation	179	(1)
Frictional Force	179	(2)
Practice Problems	181	(2)
Answers and Explanations	183	(1)
Key Words	184	(1)
Equilibrium and Momentum	185	(7)
Equilibrium	185	(2)
Momentum	187	(1)
Practice Problems	188	(1)
Answers and Explanations	189	(2)
Key Words	191	(1)
Work and Energy	192	(8)
Work and Energy	192	(2)
Kinetic Energy	194	(1)
Potential Energy	195	(1)
The Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy	195	(1)
Power	196	(1)
Practice Problems	196	(2)
Answers and Explanations	198	(1)
Key Words	199	(1)
Solids and Fluids	200	(18)
Phases of Matter	200	(2)
Solids	202	(4)
Hydrostatics	206	(5)
Hydrodynamics	211	(4)
Practice Problems	215	(1)
Answers and Explanations	216	(1)
Key Words	217	(1)
General Wave Characteristics and Periodic Motion	218	(15)
Waves: General Description	218	(5)
Periodic Motion	223	(8)
Practice Problems	231	(1)
Answers and Explanations	231	(1)
Key Words	232	(1)
Mechanical Waves: Acoustic Phenomena	233	(12)
Sound Waves	233	(1)
Characteristics of Sound	234	(2)
Properties of Sound	236	(3)
Music	239	(3)
Practice Problems	242	(1)
Answers and Explanations	243	(1)
Key Words	244	(1)
Waves: Light and Optics	245	(17)
Electromagnetic Radiation	245	(2)
The Visual Spectrum	247	(2)
Reflection	249	(5)
Refraction	254	(2)
Optical Lens	256	(4)
Practice Problems	260	(1)
Answers and Explanations	260	(1)
Key Words	261	(1)
Electrostatics	262	(9)
Electric Charge	262	(1)
The Law of Conservation of Charge	263	(1)
Electrostatics	263	(4)
Practice Problems	267	(2)
Answers and Explanations	269	(1)
Key Words	270	(1)
Electric Circuits	271	(12)
Current	271	(1)
Resistance	272	(1)
Voltage	273	(2)
Ohm's Law	275	(1)
Circuit Diagram	275	(2)
Capacitor	277	(2)
Electric Work, Power, and Energy	279	(1)
Alternating Current	279	(1)
Practice Problems	280	(2)
Answers and Explanations	282	(1)
Key Words	282	(1)
Atomic and Nuclear Structure	283	(8)
Structure of the Nucleus	283	(2)
Nuclear Properties	285	(3)
Practice Problems	288	(1)
Answers and Explanations	289	(1)
Key Words	290	(1)
Physical Sciences Sample Exam	291	(18)
Answer Key	301	(1)
Explanations	302	(7)
Unit 3 Writing Sample
Writing Skills Review	309	(12)
Basic Skills	309	(3)
Writing for Quantity	309	(1)
Writing for Quality	310	(1)
Writing Effectively	310	(2)
Practice Writing for the MCAT	312	(2)
Developing the Topic	312	(1)
How to Divide the 30 Minutes	312	(1)
Review of Essay Form	312	(1)
Essay Structure	313	(1)
Proofreading Your Essay	313	(1)
A Quick Review of Grammar	314	(7)
Punctuation Rules	314	(3)
Sentence Fragments	317	(1)
Run-on Sentences	317	(1)
Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement	317	(1)
Errors in Verb Tenses	318	(1)
Pronoun Usage	319	(2)
Sample Student Essays	321	(12)
Scoring the MCAT Essay	321	(2)
Student Responses to Statement 1	323	(3)
Essay 1	323	(1)
Explanation of Essay 1	323	(1)
Essay 2	324	(1)
Explanation of Essay 2	324	(2)
Student Responses to Statement 2	326	(2)
Essay 1	326	(1)
Explanation of Essay 1	326	(1)
Essay 2	327	(1)
Explanation of Essay 2	327	(1)
Student Responses to Statement 3	328	(2)
Essay 1	328	(1)
Explanation of Essay 1	328	(1)
Essay 2	329	(1)
Explanation of Essay 2	329	(1)
Student Responses to Statement 4	330	(3)
Essay 1	330	(1)
Explanation of Essay 1	330	(1)
Essay 2	331	(1)
Explanation of Essay 2	332	(1)
Writing Sample Practice Exam	333	(4)
Sample Statement 1	333	(1)
Sample Statement 2	333	(1)
References	334	(3)
Unit 4 Biological Sciences
Biology	337	(98)
Molecular Biology	337	(19)
Biological Molecules	337	(4)
Key Words	341	(1)
Proteins as Enzymes	341	(2)
Key Words	343	(1)
Cellular Metabolism	343	(4)
Key Words	347	(1)
Nucleic Acids and Protein Samples	347	(6)
Practice Problems	353	(1)
Answers and Explanations	354	(1)
Key Words	355	(1)
Cellular Biology	356	(10)
Eukaryotic Cells and Their Organelles	356	(1)
Key Words	357	(1)
The Cell Membrane and Transport Mechanisms	357	(2)
Key Words	359	(1)
Cell Reproduction (Mitosis)	359	(1)
Key Words	360	(1)
Eukaryotic Tissues	360	(3)
Practice Problems	363	(1)
Answers and Explanations	364	(1)
Key Words	365	(1)
Microbiology	366	(7)
Prokaryotic Cells: Bacteria	366	(3)
Key Words	369	(1)
Viruses	369	(1)
Key Words	370	(1)
Fungi	370	(1)
Practice Problems	371	(1)
Answers and Explanations	372	(1)
Key Words	372	(1)
Vertebrate Organ Systems	373	(52)
Integumentary System	373	(1)
Key Words	374	(1)
Skeletal System	374	(1)
Key Words	375	(1)
Muscle System	376	(2)
Practice Problems	378	(1)
Answers and Explanations	379	(1)
Key Words	380	(1)
Nervous System	380	(7)
Key Words	387	(1)
Sensory Systems	387	(3)
Key Words	390	(1)
Endocrine System	390	(2)
Practice Problems	392	(2)
Answers and Explanations	394	(2)
Key Words	396	(1)
Circulatory System (Cardiovascular System)	396	(3)
Key Words	399	(1)
The Lymphatic System and Immunity	399	(2)
Key Words	401	(1)
Respiratory System	401	(1)
Practice Problems	402	(2)
Answers and Explanations	404	(1)
Key Words	405	(1)
Digestive System	405	(4)
Key Words	409	(1)
Excretory System	409	(3)
Practice Problems	412	(1)
Answers and Explanations	413	(1)
Key Words	414	(1)
Reproductive System	415	(3)
Key Words	418	(1)
Embryology and Development	419	(2)
Practice Problems	421	(1)
Answers and Explanations	422	(2)
Key Words	424	(1)
Genetics and Evolution	425	(10)
Genetics	425	(3)
Key Words	428	(1)
Evolution	428	(2)
Practice Problems	430	(1)
Answers and Explanations	431	(2)
Key Words	433	(2)
Organic Chemistry	435	(52)
Molecular Structure of Organic Molecules	435	(9)
Sigma and Pi Bonds	435	(3)
Multiple Bonding	438	(1)
Stereochemistry of Covalently Bonded Molecules	438	(5)
Key Words	443	(1)
Hydrocarbons	444	(5)
Saturated Hydrocarbons (Alkanes)	444	(1)
Unsaturated Compounds (Alkenes)	445	(2)
Aromatic Compounds	447	(1)
Key Words	448	(1)
Oxygen-Containing Compounds	449	(14)
Alcohols	449	(3)
Aldehydes and Ketones	452	(4)
Carboxylic Acids	456	(3)
Common Acid Derivatives	459	(2)
Ethers	461	(1)
Phenols	462	(1)
Amines	463	(4)
Description	463	(1)
General Principles	464	(1)
Major Reactions	465	(1)
Quaternary Ammonium Salts	466	(1)
Biological Molecules	467	(10)
Amino Acids and Proteins	467	(4)
Carbohydrates	471	(3)
Lipids	474	(2)
Phosphorous Compounds	476	(1)
Use of Spectroscopy in Structural Identification	477	(5)
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance	477	(2)
Infrared Spectroscopy	479	(2)
Key Words	481	(1)
Separations and Purifications	482	(5)
Distillation	482	(1)
Crystallization	483	(1)
Extraction	483	(1)
Chromatography	484	(3)
Biological Sciences Sample Exam	487	(216)
Answer Key	499	(1)
Explanations	500	(11)
Unit 5 Three Practice MCAT Exams
Practice Exam I	511	(60)
Answer Key	555	(1)
Explanatory Answers	556	(15)
Practice Exam II	571	(66)
Answer Key	620	(1)
Explanatory Answers	621	(16)
Practice Exam III	637	(66)
Answer Key	688	(1)
Explanatory Answers	689	(14)
Appendix A: Typical Interview Questions	703	(2)
Appendix B: Early Decision Programs	705	(4)
Appendix C: MD/JD Programs	709	(2)
Afterword: What to Expect in Medical School and Beyond	711	(6)
Medical School	711	(6)
Residency	717