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

Fundamental Chemical Processes

Reduction: Electron Gain in Chemistry

Reduction is an electrochemical process by which an atom or ion gains electrons, implying a decrease in its oxidation state. This process is the opposite of oxidation.

When an ion or atom undergoes reduction:

• It gains electrons.
• It acts as an oxidizing agent.
• It is reduced by a reducing agent.
• Its oxidation state or number decreases.

Hydration: Water Molecule Addition

The term hydration often refers to hydration reactions. This type of reaction involves the addition of one or more water molecules to a particular compound.

Hydrogenation: Adding Hydrogen to Compounds

Hydrogenation is a type of chemical redox reaction resulting in the addition of hydrogen (H₂) to another compound under... Continue reading "Essential Chemical Processes and Measurement Devices" »

Fundamental Types of Chemical Bonds

The Ionic Bond

The ionic bond results from the electrostatic attractive force between ions of opposite charge, i.e., between a strongly electropositive atom and a highly electronegative atom. This bond usually occurs between a metal and a non-metal.

There is a total electronic transfer from one atom to another, forming ions of opposite charge:

• The metal provides one or more electrons to form positively charged ions, or cations, achieving a stable electronic configuration.
• These electrons then enter the non-metal, forming a negatively charged ion, or anion, which also achieves a stable electron configuration.

The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions causes them to unite and form an ionic... Continue reading "Chemical Bonds Defined: Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic Structures" »

Physical Properties of Water

The boiling and melting points of water are abnormally high relative to other hydrides in its chemical family. This is primarily due to the existence of hydrogen bonds.

Density Behavior

• From 0°C to 4°C, the density of water increases.
• From 5°C to 100°C, the density decreases.

Heat Capacity and Latent Heats

Water exhibits high values for both heat capacity and latent heats of melting and vaporization.

Definitions:

• Specific Heat Capacity (C_c): The amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a unit mass of a substance.
• Latent Heat (C_l): The heat required to change the state of a substance without increasing its temperature.

Key Values:

• Heat of Vaporization: 539.5 cal/g
• Heat of Fusion: 79.7 cal/g

Climate Regulation

Drinking Water Purification

Raw Water Treatment

1. Screening: Raw water passes through gratings, filters, and screens to remove coarse solids.
2. Aeration: Oxidation of undesirable organic species improves taste and odor.
3. Coagulation: Colloidal particles are coagulated and flocculated.
4. Sedimentation: Solids are allowed to settle and are removed.
5. Filtration: Removal of any remaining coagulated solids.
6. Disinfection: Control of bacteria.
7. Softening: Using lime and soda methods.
8. Demineralization: By distillation or ion exchange resins.

Wastewater Treatment

Primary Treatment

1. Screening/Roughing: Removal of large objects and solids through sieves.
2. Grit Removal
3. Skimming
4. Sedimentation: Takes place in tanks or chambers where suspended solids settle. This removes approximately

Arrhenius Theory of Acids and Bases

According to the Arrhenius theory, acids and bases exist only in aqueous solution:

• Acid: Any substance that in aqueous solution dissociates with the formation of hydrogen ions, H⁺.
• Base: Any substance that in aqueous solution dissociates with the formation of hydroxyl ions, OH^-.

Neutralization Reaction

Neutralization is the complete reaction of an acid and a base with the formation of a salt and water. HA + BOH → AB + H₂O.

Brønsted-Lowry Theory

According to the Brønsted-Lowry theory, the concepts of acid and base were expanded:

• Acid: Any chemical species, molecular or ionic, capable of yielding an H⁺ ion to another substance.
• Base: Any chemical species, molecule or ion, capable of receiving an H⁺ ion from another

Mixtures

A mixture is defined as a material system formed by combining two or more substances whose proportions can vary.

• Homogeneous mixtures: These consist of two or more components that cannot be distinguished visually.
• Heterogeneous mixtures: These are formed by two or more components that can be visually distinguished. They have different properties depending on the proportion of the sample taken.

Pure Substances

A pure substance is one in which, regardless of its state of aggregation, its properties are characteristic and allow differentiation from other substances.

• Chemical elements: These are pure substances that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances through normal physical and chemical processes.
• Compounds: These are pure substances

Porcelain Dish Experiment

Procedure for Porcelain Dish

• Heat the charcoal in a porcelain dish.
• Add the wine from the first beaker, which initially held the charcoal.
• Add the hot charcoal to the wine and then remove it. Place the flask under a clean funnel and filter the contents into the flask.
• Place a quantity of pure wine (IVF) into the first test tube.
• Into the second test tube, add a quantity of discolored, filtered wine.
• Add the wine over charcoal.
• Mix and let stand for a couple of minutes.
• Filter.

Determination of Gas Density

Materials for Gas Density Experiment

• Erlenmeyer flask
• Glass tube
• Silicone or rubber tubing
• Crystallizing dish
• Support stand and ring
• Sample container
• Cap with a hole

Reagents for Gas Density Experiment

• Half an effervescent tablet
• Distilled

Foundational Atomic Models and Quantum Theory

J.J. Thompson's Atomic Model (1904)

Thompson proposed a particularly simple atomic model based on the discovery of the electron through a series of experiments conducted in low-pressure gas tubes. These experiments confirmed the emission of negatively charged particles, which he called electrons.

Thompson's model (often referred to as the "Plum Pudding Model") considers the atom as a homogeneous sphere of positive charge in which electrons are embedded on its surface, neutralizing the positive charges.

Ernest Rutherford's Nuclear Model (1911)

Rutherford developed his model based on experiments carried out by bombarding thin gold foil with alpha particles. Observations from the experiment included:

• Almost

Chemical Bonds and Atomic Structure

Most atoms are present together with other peers, forming elements or different ones to form compounds. The physical states evolve toward states of minimum potential energy, which correspond with maximum stability.

Chemical Bonding

Two or more atoms are held together if the energy of the system is less when they are together than when separated.

The Octet Rule

The noble gases have very stable atoms that do not combine with other atoms and do not alter their electronic structure. All of them have 8 electrons except helium. It follows that the electronic provision of a noble gas property is a particularly stable arrangement called the octet.

Octet Rule

In forming compounds, atoms exchange electrons to acquire 8 electrons... Continue reading "Chemical Bonds and Atomic Structure: Understanding Stability" »

States of Matter and Their Properties

Solids: Maintain a constant volume and shape. They possess a high density, are rigid, and are difficult to compress. Liquids: Are not rigid and are difficult to compress, maintaining a constant volume but with a variable shape. They usually have a high density. Gases: Easily expand and compress, having a variable shape and very low density.

Kinetic Molecular Theory

The discontinuous kinetic molecular model (composed of many particles) explains the behavior of matter. Molecules are in continuous motion, with attractive forces between particles. Solids: The attraction between particles is very intense, keeping them very close together and occupying a fixed position. Their movement is limited to vibration. Liquids: