CHEM 103 Exam 1 Review (150+ Questions and Answers) | General Chemistry I, Atomic Theory, Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Isotopes, Ions, Chemical Elements, Rutherford Experiment & Exam Prep 2026 | University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison)

This comprehensive CHEM 103 Exam 1 study guide for the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) contains more than 150 exam-focused questions and answers covering the foundational concepts of General Chemistry I. The material is organized in a concise question-and-answer format that promotes active recall, concept mastery, and efficient exam preparation for students enrolled in CHEM 103 and related introductory chemistry courses. The resource serves as a focused review of atomic theory, periodic trends, chemical structure, elemental properties, and the fundamental principles that form the basis of advanced chemistry topics. The document provides extensive coverage of chemical elements and their symbols, atomic theory development, Dalton’s Atomic Theory, the Law of Conservation of Mass, periodic table organization, element classification, atomic structure, subatomic particles, isotopes, atomic number, atomic mass, ions, nuclear composition, and the historical experiments that shaped modern chemistry. Students will review key scientific contributions from Dmitri Mendeleev, Alessandro Volta, J.J. Thomson, Ernest Rutherford, and Niels Bohr while strengthening their understanding of atomic models and the evolution of modern chemical theory. Major topics covered include: • Chemical Elements and Symbols • Atomic Theory and Dalton’s Postulates • Law of Conservation of Mass • Periodic Table Organization • Groups and Periods • Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids • Alkali Metals and Alkaline Earth Metals • Halogens and Noble Gases • Transition Metals • Atomic Structure and Atomic Identity • Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons • Atomic Number and Mass Number • Atomic Mass and Average Atomic Mass • Isotopes and Isotopic Abundance • Ion Formation and Ionic Charge Calculations • Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment • Thomson Plum Pudding Model • Bohr Atomic Model • Quantum Mechanical Model • Electrochemical Cells and Batteries • Scientific Discoveries in Chemistry • Chemical Bonding Foundations • Element Classification and Properties The content aligns closely with introductory university chemistry curricula and supports learning outcomes found in leading chemistry references including: Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy, Woodward & Stoltzfus. Chemistry: The Central Science (Pearson). Tro, N. J. Chemistry: A Molecular Approach (Pearson Education). OpenStax. Chemistry 2e. Zumdahl, S. S. & Zumdahl, S. A. Chemistry (Cengage Learning). American Chemical Society (ACS) General Chemistry Learning Objectives and Undergraduate Chemistry Competencies. This resource is particularly beneficial for CHEM 103 students at UW–Madison, General Chemistry I students, pre-med students, pre-pharmacy students, nursing students, biology majors, biochemistry majors, engineering students, environmental science students, health science students, and learners preparing for chemistry quizzes, examinations, laboratory assessments, and cumulative final reviews. The structured format enables rapid revision, self-testing, spaced repetition learning, and improved retention of essential chemistry concepts frequently assessed in university-level coursework. Keywords CHEM 103, University of Wisconsin Madison, UW Madison Chemistry, General Chemistry I, Chemistry Exam 1, Chemistry Questions and Answers, Atomic Theory, Dalton Atomic Theory, Law of Conservation of Mass, Atomic Structure, Protons Neutrons Electrons, Atomic Number, Atomic Mass, Isotopes, Average Atomic Mass, Atomic Models, Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment, Thomson Plum Pudding Model, Bohr Model, Quantum Model, Periodic Table, Periodic Trends, Groups and Periods, Metals Nonmetals Metalloids, Transition Metals, Alkali Metals, Alkaline Earth Metals, Halogens, Noble Gases, Chemical Elements, Element Symbols, Ions, Ionic Charges, Electrochemical Cells, Scientific Discoveries in Chemistry, Introductory Chemistry, College Chemistry, Chemistry Study Guide, Chemistry Review, Chemistry Practice Questions, Exam Preparation, Chemistry Midterm Review, Chemistry Final Review, ACS Chemistry, Pre Med Chemistry, Pre Pharmacy Chemistry, Nursing Chemistry, Engineering Chemistry, Science Exam Preparation