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CITATION

Hademenos, George; McCloskey, Candice; Murphree, Shaun; Warner, Jennifer; and Zahler, Kathy. McGraw-Hill's MCAT, Second Edition. US: McGraw-Hill, 2009.

McGraw-Hill's MCAT, Second Edition

Authors: George Hademenos, Candice McCloskey, Shaun Murphree, Jennifer Warner and Kathy Zahler

Published:  August 2009

eISBN: 9780071633086 0071633081 | ISBN: 9780071633093
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  • Cover
  • Title Page
  • Copyright Page
  • CD Content
  • Contents
  • How to Use This Book
  • Part I: All About the MCAT
  • 1. Introducing the MCAT
  • MCAT Basics
  • The Computerized MCAT
  • Where and When to Take the MCAT
  • How to Register for the MCAT
  • Taking the MCAT More Than Once
  • Your MCAT Scores
  • How Medical Schools Use MCAT Scores
  • Reporting Scores to Medical Schools
  • For Further Information
  • 2. Test Format and Structure
  • The Format of the Test
  • The Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences Sections
  • The Verbal Reasoning Section
  • The Writing Sample
  • 3. General Test-Taking Strategies
  • General Strategies for Answering MCAT Questions
  • Coping with Exam Pressure
  • Part II: Reviewing MCAT Physics
  • 1. Mathematics Fundamentals
  • Ratio, Proportion, and Percentage
  • Functions: Polynomial, Power, Trigonometric, Exponential, and Logarithmic
  • Graphical Representation of Data
  • Simultaneous Solution of Equations
  • Accuracy, Precision, and Propagation of Errors
  • Significant Figures
  • Probability and Statistics
  • 2. Physics Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Physics
  • Orders of Magnitude/Scientific Notation
  • Dimensions
  • Units of Measurement
  • Unit Conversions
  • Estimating Quantities Using Unit Conversions
  • Problem-Solving Strategies in Physics
  • 3. Kinematics
  • Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration
  • Graphical Representation of Motion
  • Uniformly Accelerated Motion
  • Free-Fall Motion
  • Vectors and Scalars
  • Vector Addition and Subtraction
  • Projectile Motion
  • 4. Forces and Newton's Laws
  • Forces in Nature
  • Mass, Inertia, and Weight
  • Center of Gravity/Center of Mass
  • Newton's Three Laws of Motion
  • Free-Body Diagrams
  • Law of Gravitation
  • Translational and Rotational Equilibrium
  • Translational and Rotational Motion
  • Uniform Circular Motion and Centripetal Force
  • 5. Particle Dynamics: Work, Energy, and Power
  • Work
  • Pulley Systems
  • Mechanical Energy: Kinetic and Potential
  • Work–Kinetic Energy Theorem
  • Conservation of Energy
  • Power
  • 6. Momentum and Impulse
  • Linear Momentum
  • Impulse
  • Conservation of Linear Momentum
  • Elastic Collisions
  • Inelastic Collisions
  • 7. Solids and Fluids
  • Solids
  • Elastic Properties of Solids
  • Fluids at Rest
  • Density and Specific Gravity
  • Pressure: Atmospheric and Hydrostatic
  • Pascal's Principle
  • Buoyant Force and Archimedes' Principle
  • Surface Tension
  • Fluids in Motion
  • Viscosity
  • Continuity Equation
  • Bernoulli's Equation
  • Laminar and Turbulent Flow
  • 8. Temperature and Heat
  • Temperature
  • Thermal Expansion
  • Heat
  • Heat Transfer
  • Laws of Thermodynamics
  • 9. Vibrations and Waves
  • Simple Harmonic Motion
  • Amplitude, Frequency, Period, and Phase Angle
  • Mass–Spring System
  • Simple Pendulum
  • Wave Types: Transverse Waves and Longitudinal Waves
  • Wave Speed
  • Wave Interactions
  • 10. Sound
  • Characteristics of Sound Waves
  • Doppler Effect
  • Sound Intensity and Sound Level
  • Resonance
  • Standing Waves
  • Frequencies in a Stretched String
  • Frequencies in a Pipe
  • Beats
  • 11. Light and Geometric Optics
  • Light
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Reflection and Refraction of Light
  • Total Internal Reflection
  • Dispersion of Light
  • Polarization
  • Interference
  • Diffraction
  • Geometric Optics
  • Mirrors
  • Thin Lenses
  • 12. Electrostatics
  • Electric Charge
  • Electric Forces: Coulomb's Law
  • Electric Fields
  • Electric Potential
  • Electric Dipole
  • 13. Electric Circuits
  • Direct Current (DC) Circuits
  • Fundamental Quantities of DC Circuits: Current, Voltage, and Resistance
  • Ohm's Law
  • Capacitors and Dielectrics
  • Electric Power
  • Kirchhoff's Rules of Circuit Analysis
  • Alternating Current (AC) Circuits
  • Fundamental Quantities of AC Circuits: Voltage and Current
  • Ohm's Law for AC Circuits
  • 14. Magnetism
  • Magnetic Field
  • Magnetic Force on a Charged Particle in Motion
  • Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Wire
  • 15. Atomic and Nuclear Physics
  • Atomic Structure And Phenomena
  • Wave-Particle Duality of Light
  • Blackbody Radiation
  • Photoelectric Effect
  • Bohr Model of the Hydrogen Atom
  • Fluorescence
  • Nuclear Structure and Phenomena
  • Nuclear Structure
  • Categorization of Elements
  • Isotopes
  • Radioactive Decay
  • Nuclear Binding Energy
  • Nuclear Fission
  • Nuclear Fusion
  • Glossary of Physics Terms
  • On Your Own: MCAT Physics Practice
  • Quizzes
  • Answers and Explanations
  • Part III: Reviewing MCAT General Chemistry
  • 1. Atoms and Molecules
  • Structure of the Atom
  • Average Molar Mass
  • Chemical Formulas
  • Ionic versus Covalent Compounds
  • The SI Unit System
  • Factor Analysis for Conversions
  • Mass Relationships
  • The Concept of the Mole
  • Nomenclature
  • 2. Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
  • The Quantum Number, n
  • The Hydrogen Emission Spectrum
  • Other Quantum Numbers
  • Pauli Exclusion Principle
  • The Shells
  • Orbital Diagrams of Multielectron Atoms
  • Electron Configurations
  • 3. Trends in the Periodic Table
  • Groups of Elements
  • Metals and Nonmetals
  • The Main Groups of Metals and Nonmetals
  • The Transition Metals
  • Ionization Energy
  • Electron Affinity
  • Electronegativity
  • Effective Nuclear Charge
  • Atomic Radius
  • Ionic Radius
  • Bonding between Ions
  • 4. Lewis Dot Structures, Hybridization, and VSEPR Theory
  • Lewis Structures
  • Resonance Structures
  • The Covalent Bond
  • Hybridized Orbitals
  • Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory
  • Polar Covalent Bonds and Dipole Moment
  • 5. Gases
  • Pressure
  • Ideal Gases
  • Using the Ideal Gas Law
  • Partial Pressure of Gases—Dalton's Law
  • The Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases
  • Real Gases
  • 6. Intermolecular Forces and Phase Equilibria
  • Intermolecular Forces
  • Phase Equilibria
  • Vapor Pressure
  • Properties of Solutions
  • Colloids
  • 7. Chemical Equations and Stoichiometry
  • Balancing Chemical Equations
  • Limiting Reagents
  • Balancing Oxidation–Reduction Reactions
  • 8. Reactions in Solution
  • Concentration Units
  • Reactions in Solution
  • 9. Thermochemistry
  • Heat
  • Enthalpy
  • Heat/Mass Relationships
  • Heat Capacity
  • Specific Heat
  • Heats of Vaporization and Fusion
  • Constant Pressure Calorimetry
  • Hess' Law
  • 10. Kinetics
  • Reaction Rates
  • Reaction Orders
  • Use of the Rate Constant k
  • Half-Life of a First-Order Reaction
  • Dependence of k on Temperature
  • Catalysts
  • 11. Equilibrium
  • Equilibrium Point
  • Equilibrium Constant K
  • Reaction Quotient
  • Le Chatelier's Principle
  • 12. Solubility Equilibria
  • Equilibria of Solubility of "Insoluble" Ionic Compounds
  • Effect of Adding Ions to a Solution at Equilibrium—Common Ion Effect
  • Precipitation Calculations
  • The Effect of pH on the Solubility of Basic Compounds
  • 13. Acid–Base Chemistry
  • The pH Scale
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Polyprotic Acids
  • Solutions of Salts
  • Common Ion Effect
  • Buffers
  • Titration
  • 14. Thermodynamics
  • First Law of Thermodynamics
  • Spontaneity and Entropy
  • Second Law of Thermodynamics
  • Third Law of Thermodynamics
  • Predicting the Sign of ΔS[sub(rxn)]
  • Free Energy and Spontaneity
  • Work and ΔG
  • The Relationship between the Equilibrium Constant K and ΔG
  • ΔG and Temperature
  • Relationship of K to Temperature
  • 15. Electrochemistry
  • Balancing Oxidation–Reduction Reactions
  • Voltaic Cells
  • Electrolytic Cells
  • Glossary of General Chemistry Terms
  • On Your Own: MCAT General Chemistry Practice
  • Quizzes
  • Answers and Explanations
  • Part IV: MCAT Verbal Reasoning and Writing
  • 1. Verbal Reasoning
  • What Verbal Reasoning Tests
  • How Verbal Reasoning Is Scored
  • Preparing for Verbal Reasoning
  • Practicing Verbal Reasoning
  • 2. The Writing Sample
  • What the Writing Sample Tests
  • How the Essay Is Scored
  • Preparing for the Writing Sample
  • Practicing Writing
  • Part V: Reviewing MCAT Biology
  • 1. The Cell
  • Major Categories of Cells
  • Structure of a Typical Eukaryotic Cell
  • Cellular Adhesion
  • The Cell Membrane and Movement across It
  • 2. Enzymes, Energy, and Cellular Metabolism
  • Enzymes
  • Energy
  • Cellular Respiration and Metabolism
  • 3. DNA Structure, Replication, and Technology
  • DNA Structure
  • Chromosome Structure
  • DNA Replication
  • Mutations and DNA Repair
  • DNA Technology
  • 4. Protein Synthesis
  • RNA
  • The Genetic Code
  • Protein Synthesis—Translation
  • Mutations
  • Regulation of Gene Expression
  • 5. Genetics
  • Mendel's Law of Segregation
  • Complete Dominance
  • Predicting the Genotype of Offspring and Parents
  • Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment
  • Exceptions to Mendel's Laws
  • Pedigree Analysis
  • Environmental Influences on Genes
  • 6. Cell Division
  • Chromosomes
  • Mitosis
  • Meiosis
  • Gametogenesis
  • Cytoplasmic Inheritance
  • 7. Evolution
  • Mechanisms for Evolution
  • Genetic Basis for Evolution and the Hardy–Weinberg Equation
  • Types of Natural Selection
  • Speciation
  • Types of Evolution
  • Evidences for Evolution
  • Chordate Evolution
  • The Origin of Life
  • 8. Bacteria and Fungi
  • Bacteria
  • Structure of Bacteria
  • Shapes of Bacteria
  • Reproduction in Bacteria
  • Gene Expression and Regulation
  • Growth Cycle
  • Fungi
  • Basic Structure of a Fungus
  • Life Cycles and Reproduction of Fungi
  • Classification of Fungi
  • 9. Viruses
  • Life Cycle of a Virus
  • Types of Viruses
  • 10. Tissues and Skin
  • Tissues and Membranes
  • Types of Tissues
  • Membranes
  • The Integumentary System
  • Functions of the Skin
  • Structure of the Skin
  • 11. The Nervous System and Senses
  • The Neuron
  • The Central Nervous System
  • The Peripheral Nervous System
  • Sensory Receptors
  • 12. Muscular and Skeletal Systems
  • The Muscular System
  • Skeletal Muscle
  • Smooth Muscle
  • Cardiac Muscle
  • The Skeletal System
  • Structure of Cartilage
  • Structure of Bone
  • Joints
  • 13. The Endocrine System
  • Endocrine Glands
  • Hormones
  • Other Chemical Messengers
  • The Endocrine System
  • 14. The Cardiovascular System
  • Blood
  • Blood Vessels
  • Structure and Function of the Heart
  • 15. The Respiratory System
  • Structure of the Respiratory System
  • Ventilation
  • Gas Exchange
  • 16. The Digestive System
  • Tissues of the Digestive System
  • The Pathway of Food through the Digestive Tract
  • 17. The Urinary System
  • The Kidney
  • The Nephron
  • Factors Affecting and Resulting from Nephron Function
  • Properties of Urine
  • Additional Functions of the Kidneys
  • 18. The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
  • The Lymphatic System
  • The Immune System
  • Nonspecific Defenses
  • Specific Defenses
  • Immunodeficiency Disorders
  • 19. Reproduction and Development
  • The Reproductive System
  • The Female Reproductive System
  • The Male Reproductive System
  • Development
  • Fertilization
  • Embryonic Development
  • Extraembryonic Membranes
  • The Placenta
  • Fetal Development
  • Birth
  • On Your Own: MCAT Biology Practice
  • Quizzes
  • Answers and Explanations
  • Part VI: Reviewing MCAT Organic Chemistry
  • Section I: Structure
  • 1. Bonding
  • Types of Bonds
  • Lewis Structures and Resonance Forms
  • Condensed Formulas
  • Line Notation
  • Keeping Track of Lone Pairs
  • 2. Molecular Shape
  • Geometry of Atoms within Molecules
  • Asymmetric Centers and Enantiomerism
  • Molecular Conformations
  • Conformations of Cycloalkanes
  • 3. Electronic Structure
  • Molecular Orbitals
  • Extended π Systems
  • Aromatic Systems
  • Molecular Orbital Description of Resonance
  • 4. Nomenclature
  • The Syntax of Nomenclature
  • Naming Cyclic Species
  • Naming Aromatic Species
  • Colloquial Nomenclature
  • Naming Stereoisomers
  • 5. Reconciling Visual Meaning
  • Depiction and Meaning
  • Manipulating Structures in Three-Dimensional Space
  • Rapid Comparison of Depictions
  • Section II: Reactivity
  • 6. Energy Changes in Molecules
  • Equilibrium and Free Energy
  • The Kinetic Basis of Equilibrium
  • Equilibrium versus Irreversible Reaction
  • The Nature of the Transition State
  • 7. Radical Chemistry
  • Basic Radical Processes
  • Propagation Sequences
  • 8. Polar Chemistry
  • Proton Transfer
  • Trends in Acidity and Basicity
  • Ionization
  • Nucleophilic Capture
  • Nucleophilic Displacement (S[sub(N)]2)
  • The S[sub(N)]1/S[sub(N)]2 Continuum
  • E1 Elimination
  • E2 Elimination
  • Global Trends in sp[sup(3)] Reactivity
  • β-Elimination
  • Nucleophilic Attack at an sp[sup(2)] Carbon
  • Electrophilic Capture of a Double Bond
  • 9. Pericyclic Chemistry
  • Sigmatropic Rearrangements
  • Cycloadditions
  • Electrocyclizations
  • Section III: Methodology
  • 10. Alcohols and Ethers
  • Preparation of Alcohols
  • Reactions of Alcohols
  • Preparation of Ethers
  • Reactions of Ethers
  • 11. Ketones and Aldehydes
  • Preparation of Ketones and Aldehydes
  • Reactions of Ketones and Aldehydes
  • 12. Alkenes and Alkynes
  • Preparation of Alkenes
  • Reactions of Alkenes
  • Preparation of Alkynes
  • Reactions of Alkynes
  • 13. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
  • Preparation of Carboxylic Acids
  • Reactions of Carboxylic Acids
  • Preparation of Carboxylate Esters
  • Reactions of Carboxylate Esters
  • Preparation of Amides
  • Reactions of Amides
  • 14. Epoxide Chemistry
  • Preparation of Epoxides
  • Reactions of Epoxides
  • 15. Amines
  • Preparation of Amines
  • Reactions of Amines
  • 16. Aromatic Chemistry
  • Functionalization of Benzene
  • Functional Group Transformations
  • 17. Cycloadditions
  • [4+2] Cycloaddition
  • [2+2] Cycloadditions
  • 18. Carbohydrates and Peptides
  • Carbohydrates
  • Peptides
  • Section IV: Separation and Purification
  • 19. Extraction
  • Background
  • Aqueous Workup
  • pH-Controlled Extraction
  • 20. Chromatography
  • Background
  • Elution Trends
  • Normal- and Reverse-Phase Systems
  • 21. Distillation and Sublimation
  • Simple and Fractional Distillation
  • Distilling Compounds with Low Volatility
  • Rotary Evaporation
  • Sublimation
  • 22. Recrystallization
  • Background and Theory
  • Methodology and Pitfalls
  • Inadequate Separation
  • Section V: Characterization
  • 23. Combustion Analysis
  • Principle and Background
  • Finding Empirical Formulas
  • Degree of Unsaturation
  • 24. UV-Vis Spectroscopy
  • Background and Theory
  • Information from Wavelength
  • Information from Intensity
  • 25. Mass Spectrometry
  • Background and General Techniques
  • Structural Information from Mass Spectrometry
  • 26. Infrared Spectroscopy
  • Background and Theory
  • Extracting Information from IR Spectra
  • 27. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
  • Background and Theory
  • Principle of Chemical Shift
  • Information from Chemical Shift
  • Splitting Patterns and Integration
  • Information from Coupling Constants
  • 28. Carbon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
  • Background
  • Information from Chemical Shift
  • Carbon Signals and Symmetry
  • Solving Structure Elucidation Problems
  • Appendix: Reagents
  • On Your Own: MCAT Organic Chemistry Practice
  • Quizzes
  • Answers and Explanations
  • Two Sample MCATs on CD
  • For Download