10806102Nature of Chemistry
Course Information
Description
Focuses on the basic chemical principles that have application to higher level chemistry courses. These include a strong emphasis on problem solving and mathematical calculations; the development of atomic and molecular structure; an introduction to the naming and chemical properties of inorganic compounds, an emphasis on the periodic table, chemical equations and solution chemistry. Examples are taken from scientific and health-related fields. The laboratory component emphasizes safety, introduces basic laboratory skills and reinforces lecture topics. This course can be used as a stand alone, associate degree level course or as a prerequisite for a first college transfer level chemistry course.
Total Credits
4
Course Competencies
  1. Distinguish between chemical terms and disciplines
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    Criteria
    you explain each of the following terms: chemistry, scientific method, hypothesis, theory, model, law, principle
    you list the steps of the scientific method
    you compare the following pairs of terms: a) hypothesis and theory; b) theory and law; c) law and principle; d) observation and interpretation; e) qualitative and quantitative
    you distinguish among the following chemical disciplines - organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry

  2. Explore the characteristics of matter and energy
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    Criteria
    you explain each of the following terms: matter, element, atom, molecule, compounds, energy, solution, miscible, immiscible, law of conservation of energy, law of conservation of mass, crystalline, viscosity and diffuse
    you state the characteristics of solids, liquids and gases
    you identify the following pairs of terms: a) physical and chemical properties; b) physical and chemical changes; c) pure substances and mixtures; d) mass and weight; e) endothermic and exothermic; f) potential and kinetic energy
    you classify sample of matter as elements, compounds, pure substances, heterogeneous mixtures and/or homogeneous mixtures (solutions)
    you draw a temperature versus heat, phase change diagram for water, and are able to identify which phases are present at different sections of the curve
    you describe the motion of atoms or molecules in the three common phases of matter
    you represent the three phases of matter using small circles as atoms and molecules
    you differentiate the law of definite composition (or definite proportions) from the law of conservation of mass

  3. Solve problems using measurements and conversions
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    by submitting the completed lab report
    Criteria
    you explain each of the following terms: metric (SI) system, significant figures, dimensional analysis, precision, accuracy, temperature, absolute zero, density, specific gravity, temperature, heat
    you state the common metric prefixes, their meaning and their abbreviations (bold print, table 3.2 p. 38 in the text)
    you state if it is a length, volume or mass unit, given a common metric unit
    you state the relationship between millites (mL) and cubic centimeters (cc, cm3).
    you explain why units are so important in solving problems by the dimensional analysis technique
    you convert a metric value of length, mass or volume to any other metric unit of length, mass or volume
    you are able to convert a metric or English value of length, mass or volume, to a given value in the other system - when connections between the two systems are given
    you solve multiple step dimensional analysis problems
    you state the number of significant figures in a given number
    you round a given number to the stated number of significant figures
    you express the answers to multiplication, division, addition and subtraction problems to the proper number of significant figures
    you put a given number into standard scientific notation and do the reverse
    you calculate a third value given any two of the following - density, mass, volume
    you calculate the answer to given mathematical problems that involve the use of numbers in scientific notation
    you calculate the third value given any two of the following - density, mass, volume
    you calculate the correspending values on the other two temperature scales given the mathematical connections and a Kelvin, Celsius or Fahrenheit temperature

  4. Analyze the relationships between elements and atoms
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    by submitting the completed lab report
    Criteria
    you explain each of the following terms: chemical symbol, chemical formula, electron, proton, neuron, nucleus, isotope, atomic number, mass number, group, family, period, Law of Definite Proportions (constant Composition), Law of Multiple Proportions, atomic mass unit (amu), mole, Avogadro's Number
    you write the name and/or chemical symbol for all the elements in Table 4.1 of the text
    you state the relative mass, charge, and abbreviation of the three subatomic particles in an atom
    you state the arrangement (location) of the subatomic particles in an atom
    you state the number of electrons, protons, and neutrons, as well as the atomic number and mass number given the symbolism for the isotope of element X (A over Z/X, element = A)
    you state the period and group of a given element
    you identify elements in the following families: alkali metals, alkaline earth elements, halogens, rare gases (noble gases)
    you list the properties of metals, nonmetals and metalloids
    you identify elements as: metal, metalloids or nonmetals; representative (main group), transition, or inner transition elements
    you state the elements (name and/or formula) that normally exist as homonuclear diatomic molecules
    youexplain the meaning of a given statement from Dalton's Atomic theory
    you state the number of atoms of each element in a given chemical formula
    you state the number of particles in 1 mole (=Avogadro's number).
    you fill in the information in the blanks for a chemical susbstance: 1 mole = __________ formula units = ___________ grams
    you solve dimensional analysis problems using the connections given in objective 14.

  5. Explore the atomic structure
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    Criteria
    you explain each of the following terms: radioactivity, alpha particle, beta particle, gamma ray, wave mechanical model of the atom, energy level (shell), energy sublevel (subshell), atomic orbital, valence electrons, Hund's rule, Pauli Exclusion Principle, ionization energy, ion, ground state, excited state, quanta, photon.
    you describe the atom as viewed by Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr, and Schrodinger
    you compare the three types of radiation emitted by the nuclei of radioactive atoms: alpha, beta, gamma, being sure to include an understanding of penetrating power and damage to tissue
    you relate the wavelength (v), frequency (v), and energy of light (electromagnetic energy)
    you state the relationship between and line spectrum for an atom and its electrons
    you relate energy changes to the movement of electrons (referring to the Bohr model of an atom)
    you fill in a Bohr diagram like that shown for any element up to atomic number 20. O ) ) ) )
    you fill in a Bohr diagram for simple positive and negative ions derived from representative (main group) elements
    you draw the electron dot (Lewis dot) symbol for a given main group element
    you calculate the maximum number of electrons possible in a given energy level of an atom, a given energy sublevel of an atom, and any atomic orbital
    you state the number and kind of sublevels in any given energy level of an atom
    you draw and identify the shape of s, p, and d orbitals
    you write both the long and short (rare gas core) form for the electron configuration of any element up to atomic number 56
    you fill in an orbital diagram for any given element

  6. Explore inorganic compounds
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    by submitting the completed lab report
    Criteria
    you explain each of the following terms: ion, catiion, anion, monatomic ion, polyatomic ion, oxyanion, acid, polyprotic acid, Stock system, hydrate
    you predict the charge (sign and magnitude) for monatomic ions formed from Main Group elements
    you predict the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between two elements iven a metal and non-metal element from the Main Groups
    you write the correct name and/or formula (depending on what is given) for a substance in any of the following categories: a) binary ionic compounds (with simple cations or cations with multiple charges); b) ionic compounds containing polyatomic ions; binary molecular compounds; d) binary acids; ternary acids; e) ternary acids (oxyacids); f) hydrates
    you explain the meaning of the Roman numerous and -ous and -ic suffices in the naming of metallic ions
    you know the -ous, -ic system (classical system) for naming metals that form more than one positively charged ion
    you identify the formula of a compund as ionic or covalent
    you state the name and formula for the following polyatomic ions: polyatomic ion with 1+ charge: ammonium ion, NH4+ (ammonium); polyatomic ions with 1- charge: NO3- (nitrate), CN- (cyanide), OH- (hydroxide), C2H3O2- (acetate); polyatomic ions with 2- charge: CO32- (carbonate), SO42- (sulfate); polyatomic ions with 3- charge: PO43- (phosphate)
    you state several properties of acids
    you state the relationship between -ate and -ic and -ite and -ous and -ide and hydro_ic terminology when naming acids and anions

  7. Analyze the periodic properties of elements
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    by submitting the completed lab report
    Criteria
    you define each of the following terms: isoelectronic, cation, anion, monatomic ion, allotrope, actinide element, lanthanide element, transuranium element, sublime, oxidation number
    you are familiar in general with the contributions made by Dobereiner, Newland, Mendeeleev and Meyer to the modern organization of elements into the Periodic Table
    you state the modern Periodic Law
    you state and interpret trends of the Periodic Table in both the periods and groups for: a) metallic character; b) ionization energy; c) atomic size; d) density; e) melting points; f) boiling points
    you predict the charge (plus or minus) for monatomic ions formed from Main group elements
    you determine which is larger, an atom of an element and the monatomic ion which it forms
    you state some of the general properties of the elements in each of the following categories: hydrogen; transition metals; inner transition elements; rare gases (noble gases); groups 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A (main group elements)

  8. Examine chemical bonds
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    Criteria
    you explain each of the following terms: chemical bond, isoelectronic, cation, anion, crystal lattice, monatomic ion, single bond, double bond, triple bond, ionic bond, polar covalent bond, nonpolar covalent bond, metallic bond, electronegativity, bond dipole, molecular dipole, Lewis (electron dot) structure, oxidation, reduction, bonding electrons, nonbonding electrons, hydrogen bond
    you state the octet rule (rule of eight, rare gas configuration) and the duet rule
    you predict the charge (sign and magnitude) for monatomic ions formed from Main group elements
    you compare ionic bonds, covalent bonds and metallic bonds
    you predict the correct formula for the compound for the ionic compound formed between a metallic and a nonmetallic Main group element
    you identify the formula of a compunt as ionic or covalent
    you predict correct formulas for simple molecular compounds and simple polyatomic ions using electron dot symbols
    you state which of two elements is the more electronegative using a Periodic Table and knowing the trends in electronegativity
    you state which bonds in the compound are polar, and which are nonpolar covalent bonds given a molecular compound
    you use both the arrow and delta symbolism to show the direction of the bond dipole in polar covalent bonds
    you state if the molecule is a polar molecule or a nonpolar molecule given the shape (geometry) of a molecule
    you explain the formation of covalent bonds by using the overlap of atomic orbitals
    you state the effect of polarity on the solubility of substances ("like dissolves like")
    you identify when hydrogen bonding can occur between two molecules
    you recognize the chemical bonding characteristics (as shown in table 8.1 in the text) for the different types of bonding

  9. Determine chemical quantities
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    by submitting the completed lab report
    Criteria
    you describe each of the following terms: molar mass, empirical formula, molecular formula
    you calculate the percent (by mass) of each element in the compound given the formula of a compound
    you use either the direct composition or the percent composition to calculate the amount of a given element in a specific amount of a compound
    you state the connection amongst moles, particles, and grams for any substance, and able to solve problems using these connections
    you state the mole relationship between a compound and the atoms (or ions) that make it up; able to solve problems using these connections
    you determine the empirical formula, and vice versa given a molecular formula
    you calculate the empirical formula for a compound given composition data (masses or percents)
    you determine the molecular formula given the empirical formula and the formula mass for a compound

  10. Explore chemical reactions
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    by submitting the completed lab report
    Criteria
    you define each of the following terms: reactant, product, skeletal equation, balanced chemical equation, coefficients, oxidation-reduction reaction, redox, double replacement reaction (metathesis), single replacement reaction, redox, double replacement reaction (metathesis), single replacement reaction, combustion reaction, combination reaction (synthesis reaction), decomposition reaction, neutralization reaction, molecular equation, total (complete) ionic equation, net ionic equation, spectator ion
    you explain the meaning of the symbols used in chemical equations that were discussed in class, and able to use them properly in equations
    you state the law of conservation of mass and its relationship to a balanced chemical equation
    you balance a skeletal chemical equation
    you write the formula equation and vice versa given a word equation
    you identify a chemical reaction as one or more of the following types: redox, double displacement, single replacement, combustion, combination, decomposition
    you state the 3 classes of substances that cause double displacement reactions to occur
    you state the three common compounds that will decompose to produce gases and the gases they will produce
    you write the correct formula for the product(s) of the following reactions and balance the reactions: double displacement; single replacement; simple combination, simple decomposition given the reactants
    you state the ions that give ionic compounds good solubility in water: sodium, potassium, ammonium, and nitrate
    you use a solubility table (such as table 10.2 in the text) to determine if an ionic compound is soluble in water
    you explain the form in which soluble ionic compounds exist in water solution
    you write the total (complete) ionic equation, net ionic equation and identify any spectator ions given an equation

  11. Examine stoichiometry
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    Criteria
    you describe each of the following terms: mole ratio, stoichiometry, limiting reagent (reactant), excess reactant, percent yield, actual yield, theoretical yield
    you state the meaning of the coefficients of a balanced chemical equation in terms of moles, formula units, molecules
    you solve the following types of stoichiometry problems: a) moles A ---> moles B; b) moles A ---> grams B; c) grams A ---> grams B; d) moles A ---> formula units of B; e) grams A ---> formula units of B; f) formula units of A ---> formula units of B
    you a) determine the maximum amount of a given product formed; b) identify the limiting and excess reactants given a limiting reactant problem
    you calculate the percent yield for the reaction given an actual yield and the theoretical yield (or enough information to calculate the theoretical yield)

  12. Solve solution problems
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    by submitting the completed lab report
    Criteria
    you explain each of the following terms: solute, solvent, solution, concentrated, dilute, saturated, unsaturated, supersaturated, molarity, soluble, insoluble, miscible, immiscible, mass percent, ppm, ppb.
    you explain how you would test a solution to determine if it were saturated, unsaturated or supersaturated
    you explain the general rule of solubility: like dissolves like
    you calculate the mass percent of the solution given the masses of solute and solvent (or solution)
    you solve dilution problems using the connection: volume 1 x concentration 1 = volume 2 x concentration 2

  13. Distinguish between chemical terms and disciplines
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    in lab performance
    Criteria
    you identify safety equipment
    you identify safety procedures
    you identify laboratory equipment
    you use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
    you follow safety procedures when using laboratory equipment

  14. Explore the characteristics of matter and energy
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you distinguish among the physical states of matter
    you identify changes in physical states of matter
    you distinguish between mixtures and pure substances
    you distinguish between compounds and elements
    you relate physical states to intermolecular forces

  15. Solve problems using measurements and conversions
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you use scientific tools and methods to solve problems
    you use the various systems of measurements
    you convert within and between systems of measurement
    you round off numbers
    you write numbers using appropriate significant figures
    you use scientific notation
    you distinguish between accuracy and precision
    you solve word problems
    you determine derived properties (such as density, heat capacity, volume, area)

  16. Analyze the relationships between elements and atoms
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you explore the basic structure of the atom
    you explore the properties of subatomic particles
    you use the periodic table to determine the atomic symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass of an element
    you use the periodic table to determine the electronic configuration of an atom
    you classify an element as to metal, nonmetal, noble gas
    you explain periodic relationships

  17. Explore the atomic structure
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you determine valence electrons for main group elements
    you relate octet rule to chemical bonding
    you explain the formation of an ionic bond
    you use the periodic table to determine ionic charge
    you explain the formation of a covalent bond
    you use the periodic table to determine an element's covalence
    you relate electronegativity differences between atoms to the type of bond they form
    you create molecular models

  18. Examine the scientific method and tools to solve problems
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written evaluation
    by submitting the completed lab report
    Criteria
    you apply the steps in the scientific method to problems
    you apply standard laboratory and safety rules
    you use laboratory equipment appropriately
    lab report includes quantitative observations
    lab report includes qualitative observations
    lab report includes conclusions from your observations
    lab report includes appropriate scientific vocabulary
    lab report includes complete answers to assigned questions using appropriate scientific vocabulary

  19. Explain the behavior of matter during a chemical reaction
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you differentiate between physical, nuclear and chemical changes
    you describe chemical reactions using equations
    you classify types of reactions
    you relate experimental observations to chemical changes

  20. Calculate quantities of reactants and products using balanced chemical equations
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you relate atomic mass to gram molecular weight
    you balance chemical equations
    you use the mole concept to solve stoichiometry problems

  21. Calculate the concentration of aqueous solutions
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you explain the components of a solution
    you calculate solution concentrations
    you solve concentration problems
    you explore factors affecting solubility
    you explore colligative properties

  22. Explain chemical equilibrium
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you summarize dynamic equilibrium
    you apply Le Chatelier's principle

  23. Compare the characteristics of acids, bases, salts, and buffers
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you distinguish between the properties of acids and bases
    you characterize acid-base reactions
    you examine the pH scale
    you calculate the pH of a solution
    you summarize how a buffer works

  24. Solve problems involving gas laws
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    on homework assignments
    in lab assignments
    Criteria
    you explore the kinetic molecular theory
    you use appropriate units of measure for temperature, pressure and volume
    you apply the gas laws to solve problems