Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Chemistry

Fundamental Chemistry Definitions

Chemical Bond

The force that holds two or more atoms together to form a compound.

Litmus Paper

Paper strips containing litmus, available in both blue and red, used to indicate pH.

Ionic Compound

A compound formed from oppositely charged ions.

Hydronium Ions

Ions (H₃O⁺) that form when a hydrogen ion (H⁺) separates from an acid and bonds with a water molecule (H₂O).

Hydroxide Ion

Ions (OH⁻) that form when a base dissolves in water and dissociates.

Brittleness

The tendency of ionic compounds to be brittle solids at room temperature, causing them to break apart easily when struck.

Corrosive

A property of a substance that causes destruction or damage upon contact with other materials.

Melting Point

The temperature at... Continue reading "Understanding Core Chemistry Terms" »

Essential Scientific Vocabulary

• Nitrogen Fixation: Any process that causes nitrogen to combine with other elements to form compounds such as ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites.
• Neutralization: The process of adding an acid and a base together to achieve a neutral pH.
• Macronutrients: Nutrients that we need in larger quantities to provide us with energy.
• Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals needed by the body. A deficiency or surplus of them can cause severe health issues.
• Carbohydrates: Sugar molecules. Along with proteins and fats, carbohydrates are one of three main nutrients found in foods and drinks.
• Lipid: Organic fats that are insoluble in water.
• Osmosis: The movement of molecules through a selectively permeable membrane.
• Hydrolysis: A chemical

• Isotopes

  • Same elements with different numbers of neutrons

• Ions

  • Same element with an unequal number of protons and electrons

• Electric Fields

  Things with charge (protons and electrons) generate electric fields (E) (Likewise, electric fields can affect things with charge)

• Energy and Matter

  When atoms or molecules “happen across” energy, [usually] 1 of 2 things can happen: 1) they wiggle-jiggle more [we classify the amount of “wiggling-jiggling” by the quantity of temperature] 2) the energy, if it is a) in the form of a special type of electromagnetic field and b) of a specific frequency, can be absorbed

  λ∙f = c

  λ = wavelength of the wave [m]

  f = frequency of the wave [Hertz, Hz=1/s]

  c = speed of light = 3∙108 m/s

  Electromagnetic Waves

Dalton's Atomic Theory

John Dalton proposed that elements were made up of little solid spheres without internal structure. Atoms of the same element were equal. Atoms combine, forming compounds. Depending on the ratio, we can have different compounds.

J.J. Thomson

First model of the atom (1904). He discovered/proved the existence of tiny, negatively charged particles: electrons.

Rutherford's Model of the Atom

Gold foil experiment, Ernest Rutherford (1911). Alpha particles are tiny, positively charged particles much smaller than an atom. An atom is mostly empty space. Some particles will bounce back, and some others will pass but in a different way. The nucleus is something dense and positively charged.

Thomson's Atomic Model

In 1904, Thomson's atomic... Continue reading "Dalton's Atomic Theory and the Evolution of Atomic Models" »

Chemical Reactions

occurring at low temperatures are
                _______low______ than reaction rates of chemical reactions occurring at high
temperatures.

40. Increasing pressure causes gas particles to             ______collide_______________. This
                ________increases______________ the reaction rate of a chemical reaction.

41. All reactions require    ___activation energy___________ for chemical bonds to begin breaking.

Exercise 3 – Analyzing the Financial Impact of Price and Volume Changes on Apple iPhones

Apple iPhone Sales and Manufacturing Costs

In 2014, Apple sold approximately 150,000,000 iPhones at a price of $640 per unit. The company's average manufacturing cost per iPhone is detailed in Table 1.

Table 2 outlines Apple's fixed costs associated with its iPhone business.

1. Gold Extraction

   Gold is found mainly as the metal itself in the earth because it has a low reaction rate, which prevents easy oxidation.

Carbon Extraction of Zinc

Carbon can be used to extract zinc because carbon has a higher reaction rate than zinc.

Sodium Extraction

Sodium was not extracted until 1807 because sodium attaches itself very strongly to other elements, making it difficult to separate and obtain a pure substance.

Limestone

i) Name of Material: Limestone

Reason why this metal is used: It decomposes silicon dioxide in the heat of the furnace to calcium oxide.

ii) Word Chemical Equation for the Reaction of Iron Extracted from Iron Ore when a Gaseous Oxide of Carbon Reacts with Iron Oxide: FeO + CO = Fe + CO2

Aluminium Extraction

i) Why a Mixture... Continue reading "Extraction of Metals and Chemical Reactions" »

Matter Composition

- Matter: Formed of two or more pure substances.

Heterogeneous Mixtures

1. Heterogeneous: Non-uniform composition.

Homogeneous Mixtures

2. Homogeneous: Uniform composition, small particles.

Solutions

- Solution: Homogeneous mixture, small particles, liquid solutions are transparent.
- Solute: Smaller amount.
- Solvent: Larger amount, often water (aqueous).

Colloids

- Colloid: Mixtures with larger particles.

Electrolytes

- Electrolytes: Allow water to conduct electricity due to ions in the solution. Strong electronegativity.
Examples:
- Acids: HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄
- Salts: K⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, NO₃^-
Example of Dissociation:
NaCl → Na⁺ + Cl^-

Non-Electrolytes

- Molecules, polar for H₂O, sugars; polar solute dissolves in a polar solvent.

Hydrogen Bonding

-... Continue reading "Matter, Solutions, and Gases: Chemistry Fundamentals" »

Fundamental Chemical Principles

Reactivity Trends in Groups I and VII

• Group I (Alkali Metals): Reactivity increases down the group.
  • Their atoms lose their outer electron to achieve a stable electron shell.
  • As the number of electron shells increases, the outer electron is further from the positive nucleus, making it easier to lose.
• Group VII (Halogens): Reactivity decreases down the group.
  • Their atoms gain or share an electron to achieve a stable electron shell.
  • The positive nucleus of the atom attracts the extra electron.
  • As the number of electron shells increases, the outer shell is further from the nucleus, making it more difficult to attract an electron.

Common Ores and Alloys

• Iron Ore: Hematite
• Aluminum Ore: Bauxite
• Sodium Ore: Rock Salt
• Lead Ore: Galena
• Zinc

Nuclear Energy Fundamentals

Defining Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy originates from the fission of atomic nuclei, which releases immense amounts of energy. This high energy yield allows for substantial power generation from a relatively small quantity of fuel. While often discussed in the context of energy independence, it's important to note that current nuclear power relies on finite resources like uranium.

The Fission Process: How Electricity is Generated

The nuclear energy process can be categorized into two primary forms: fission and fusion. Currently, commercial nuclear energy generation relies solely on fission. Fusion, however, remains an experimental technology, as scientists have not yet found a sustainable way to moderate and contain... Continue reading "Nuclear Power Generation: Fission, Benefits, and Risks" »