MCAT Periodic Table: Ace MCAT Chemistry Questions

The MCAT periodic table is an essential resource you’ll be provided with during the test. Although the MCAT’s version of the periodic table of elements is not complete, it will help you to answer many of the MCAT chemistry questions on the test. The MCAT periodic table is also a great resource when studying for the MCAT, as it is important to review the periodic trends and atomic properties of elements during your MCAT prep. In this blog, we’ll look at what the MCAT periodic table looks like, what key information it can give you, the important chemistry concepts you need to know for the test and how to use the periodic table during your MCAT.

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MCAT Periodic Table: Can You Use One?

Yes! The MCAT does allow you the use of a periodic table, and you are provided with one during the test. The MCAT periodic table is a critical resource you can use to find the right answer to many of the chemistry questions on the test.

When taking the MCAT to gain admission to medical school, you won’t be provided with many resources to help you answers questions and complete the test. For instance, the MCAT does not allow the use of a calculator during the test and does not provide you with a formula sheet. This might seem a bit daunting when facing the MCAT chemistry and MCAT physics section, but don’t worry. The test does provide you with enough resources to answer the questions.

One of the most important resources you’re given is the MCAT periodic table. During your test, you’ll be able to access the MCAT periodic table during the right sections directly on the screen. Unfortunately, the table is not very detailed, only giving you the atomic symbol, the atomic number and atomic mass of each element on the table.

Atomic symbol – The lettered abbreviation corresponding to each element on the periodic table (i.e. “C” for Carbon and “Au” for Gold)
Atomic number – The number above the atomic symbol for each element. Designates the number of protons in that element.
Atomic mass – The number below the atomic symbol for each element on the table. Designates the number of protons and neutrons in the element.

Here's what the MCAT periodic table will look like for your test:

Source: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

While it might seem like the MCAT periodic table doesn’t give you much information to go on, especially for more complex questions, it is sufficient to determine the answer to many of the questions you’ll encounter.

For instance, the MCAT chemistry and physics section will cover questions on atomic and periodic trends, molecules and stoichiometry and chemical bonds and interactions between elements. Using your knowledge of the periodic table, you can use critical reasoning and scientific knowledge to find the correct answer.

To make the best use of the MCAT periodic table resource, it’s important to know some of the high-yield MCAT topics, plus how to read the periodic table and use the information you’re given in context.

Luckily, you won’t need to completely memorize the periodic table and every single chemical reaction to earn a good MCAT score, but it will help to study the periodic and atomic trends and important concepts the MCAT will cover. This way, you’ll be prepared for any type of MCAT chemistry question without burning yourself out while studying for the test trying to memorize everything.

Next, we’ll go over some of the key concepts and topics you need to know for the MCAT, and how they relate to the periodic table of elements.

Here's a guide to preparing for the MCAT chemistry section!

How to Use the MCAT Periodic Table During the Test

Understanding how to read the MCAT periodic table, how to “fill in the blanks” the MCAT’s version of the table omits, and how the periodic table is organized will be a huge help during the test. It will help you locate the critical information you need quickly and even predict the right answer in some cases.

Although it’s not necessary to memorize the entire periodic table—as in, the names, symbols, atomic numbers and masses of each and every element—it is a good idea to review the foundational concepts in chemistry and understand how to use the MCAT periodic table to find the answers.

We’ll cover the important concepts you should know for the MCAT and how the periodic table’s organization and structure can help you out.

01
ATOMIC SYMBOLS

Being able to identify the placement of elements on the table by their atomic symbols or numbers will make it easier to find the information you need. A familiarity with the abbreviations or atomic symbols of the most common elements will help on questions where the element’s name is not used.
02
ATOMIC STRUCTURE

Understanding the basic structure of an atom is crucial. Know the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom. This knowledge is essential for interpreting atomic numbers, atomic masses, and electron configurations found on the MCAT periodic table.
03
PERIODIC TRENDS

Familiarity with periodic trends is vital. The periodic table is organized into columns, called groups, and rows, also known as periods. Key trends include:
- Atomic Radius: Atomic radius increases down a group and decreases across a period.
- Ionization Energy: Ionization energy increases across a period and decreases down a group.
- Electronegativity: Electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group.
- Electron Affinity: Recognize the trends in electron affinity, which may vary slightly across the periodic table from group to group.
04
LEWIS STRUCTURES

You’ll need to be proficient in drawing Lewis structures for molecules and ions. This skill is vital for understanding molecular geometry, resonance structures, and predicting reactivity, all of which are tested on the MCAT.
05
ELECTRON CONFIGURATIONS

Understand how electron configurations are assigned to elements. Be able to determine the electron configuration for a given element or ion. This knowledge is crucial for answering questions about the arrangement of electrons in atoms and their role in chemical reactions.
06
CHEMICAL BONDS

You'll have to review foundational concepts of chemical bonding, including:
- Ionic Bonds: Understand the formation of ionic compounds through the transfer of electrons and the properties of these compounds.
- Covalent Bonds: Comprehend the sharing of electrons in covalent bonds and the nature of covalent compounds.
- Metallic Bonds: Understand how metallic bonds contribute to the properties of metals.
07
OXIDATION STATES

Be proficient in assigning oxidation states to elements within compounds and ions. This skill is crucial for balancing chemical equations, identifying redox reactions, and calculating the charge of ions in ionic compounds.
08
STOICHIOMETRY

Understand stoichiometry principles, including molar masses, mole-to-mole ratios, and limiting reactants. These concepts are essential for solving problems related to chemical reactions and quantities of substances involved.
09
REACTION MECHANISMS

Familiarize yourself with reaction mechanisms, especially for common chemical reactions. This knowledge helps you understand how reactions occur at the molecular level and predict reaction outcomes.
10
KINETICS

Understand the principles of chemical kinetics, including reaction rates, rate laws, and reaction mechanisms. This knowledge is essential for predicting the speed of chemical reactions and their dependence on factors like temperature and concentration.

How Much Chemistry is on the MCAT?

Chemistry concepts feature quite heavily on the MCAT, in both the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section and the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section—otherwise known as the MCAT chemistry and physics section and the MCAT biology section.

The MCAT subjects include both introductory and organic chemistry as well as biochemistry. While not every chemistry question can be solved using your knowledge of the MCAT periodic table, there are many where you will need to use it. However, it’s also important to review the MCAT chemistry equations you should know for the exam, since there are many questions which involve problem-solving, data interpretation and predicting the results of chemical reactions.

The number of questions on a particular section of the MCAT can vary from year to year, but in general there will be:

General chemistry – 20 questions
Organic chemistry – 11 questions
Biochemistry – 30 questions

Here’s a breakdown of how much of these MCAT sections are devoted to chemistry:

MCAT Chemistry and Physics Section Breakdown

MCAT Biology Section Breakdown

Considering the MCAT is around 230 questions total, and the MCAT’s chemistry concepts make up around 2/3 of the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section and about a 1/3 of the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section, it is a prominent subject.

To prep for these questions, it is essential to make use of both the MCAT periodic table, the essential equations and formulas you must memorize, and practice using MCAT chemistry practice passages. It’s also smart to learn how to read MCAT graphs quickly and efficiently, since these appear often in the MCAT science sections.

Luckily, the official MCAT practice tests also include the periodic table for you to use during your studying! Try taking an MCAT diagnostic test to gauge the chemistry section for yourself and gauge which questions were most difficult for you.

Here’s how to prep for the MCAT as a non-science major!

MCAT Periodic Table: MCAT Chemistry Sample Questions and Answers

Below, find some MCAT prep questions you can use to practice answering questions in the MCAT chemistry section using the periodic table!

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #1

Question 1: Which element has the highest atomic radius on the MCAT periodic table?

A) Helium (He) B) Neon (Ne) C) Lithium (Li) D) Sodium (Na)

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #2

Question 2: In the compound calcium chloride (CaCl₂), what is the oxidation state of calcium?

A) -1 B) +1 C) -2 D) +2

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #3

Question 3: Which of the following elements on the MCAT periodic table is a transition metal?

A) Chlorine (Cl) B) Copper (Cu) C) Fluorine (F) D) Oxygen (O)

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #4

Question 4: How many lone pairs of electrons are in a Lewis structure for sulfur dioxide (SO₂)?

A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) 3

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #5

Question 5: Which compound contains both ionic and covalent bonds?

A) NaCl B) CO₂ C) H₂O D) Cl₂

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #6

Question 6: In a chemical reaction, 3 moles of hydrogen gas (H₂) react with 1 mole of oxygen gas (O₂) to produce water (H₂O). What is the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen by moles?

A) 3:1 B) 1:3 C) 2:1 D) 1:2

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #7

Question 7: Which element on the MCAT periodic table is the most electronegative?

A) Lithium (Li) B) Oxygen (O) C) Chlorine (Cl) D) Potassium (K)

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #8

Question 8: What is the oxidation state of nitrogen in the compound ammonium ion (NH₄⁺)?

A) -4 B) -2 C) -1 D) +1

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #9

Question 9: In a chemical reaction, 1 mole of nitrogen gas (N₂) reacts with 3 moles of hydrogen gas (H₂) to produce ammonia (NH₃). If you have 2 moles of nitrogen gas, how many moles of ammonia can be produced?

A) 6 moles B) 1 mole C) 2 moles D) 3 moles

MCAT Chemistry Sample Question and Answer #10

Question 10: Which of the following compounds on the MCAT periodic table contains metallic bonds?

A) CO₂ B) H₂O C) Fe₂O₃ D) HCl

FAQs

1. Is the periodic table allowed on the MCAT?

Yes, you are provided with a periodic table during the MCAT exam, although it includes only the atomic symbols, atomic numbers and atomic masses of a majority of the elements on the complete periodic table of elements. You will be able to access the MCAT periodic table on your screen during the test in the relevant sections.

2. How do you read the MCAT periodic table?

To read the MCAT periodic table, it’s important to know the periodic and group trends, as well as the abbreviations and placements for the most common elements. The table arranges the different elements in increasing order by atomic number. Then, elements are arranged into columns (groups) and rows (periods). Understanding how the periodic table is organized will help you greatly when answering MCAT chemistry questions.

3. How hard is MCAT chemistry?

How hard is the MCAT? There’s no doubt the entire test is difficult, and the MCAT chemistry section can be the most challenging for some students, whereas others will find it easier. The MCAT chemistry questions cover general chemistry and foundational concepts, organic chemistry and biochemistry concepts. You’ll need to solve problems, interpret data and examine chemical reactions.

4. How much chemistry is there on the MCAT?

The MCAT has a great deal of biochemistry, organic and general chemistry on it. The MCAT chemistry and physics section includes about 70% chemistry, and the MCAT biology section features about 35% chemistry questions.

5. Do I need the MCAT periodic table for the MCAT chemistry section?

Yes. The MCAT periodic table is an important resource in both the MCAT chemistry and physics section and the MCAT biology section. Both sections feature a lot of general and organic chemistry questions, and the periodic table may be helpful in answering some questions.

6. Should I memorize all the chemistry equations for MCAT?

Although complete memorization is not the best way to study for the MCAT, you should memorize the important chemistry and physics equations and formulas you might need to solve problems on the test.

7. Does the MCAT come with a formula sheet?

No, the MCAT does not provide a formula sheet and you aren’t allowed to bring one yourself. You must memorize any key formulas or equations you’ll need for the test, or rely on the information provided in the questions.

8. Can you use a calculator on the MCAT?

No, the MCAT does not provide you with a calculator and you are not permitted to use one during the test.

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