Thursday, October 28, 2010
Grading Period Ends Tomorrow!
For students who are taking chemistry as a semester course, the first part of your midterm exam was given yesterday on computers. The second part of the midterm exam was given in class today (on paper). Tomorrow is the last day for you to get caught up with all of your late or missing work! The grading period ends tomorrow, October 29th. We will begin the new grading period when you come back to school on Wednesday, November 3rd.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
AP Chemistry
Answers to the Chapter 6 homework are posted here. The homework for Friday's class is to work on the Chapter 6 MCQ, which have been posted here.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Midterm Review
The answers to the practice midterm from class today have been posted here. Good luck studying for your midterm, and let me know if you have any questions. On Wednesday you will be taking the 1st part of the midterm on the computer. On Thursday you will take the 2nd part of the midterm on paper.
Monday, October 25, 2010
AP Chemistry Chapter 6 Homework
These problems from the end of Chapter 6 in the textbook were assigned for homework:
1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 17, 18, 21, 22
1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 17, 18, 21, 22
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Happy Mole Day!
Well, I hope you are enjoying your Saturday. Don't forget to celebrate Mole Day! Since it has been several days since my last post, I'll give you a brief summary of our chemistry activities.
AP Chemistry
On Wednesday we finished up our work on Chapter 5 (Gases), including a couple demonstrations of how to calculate the molar mass of a substance. In one demonstration, a volatile liquid (methanol) was heated in a flask placed in a boiling water bath. In another demonstration, butane was released from a disposable lighter underwater. On Friday I gave out the Chapter 5 Test. Students began the test in class and they were instructed to take it home to finish it on their honor.
Advanced Chemistry
On Wednesday we did a lot of practice with writing formulas for ionic compounds. I encouraged students to learn "The Polyatomic Ion Song" to help them remember the eight polyatomic ions.
OH is hydroxide, ClO3 chlorate,
Their charges are both minus one like NO3 nitrate.
Carbonate is CO3, chromate CrO4,
Their charges are both minus two like sulfate SO4.
NH4, NH4, NH4 plus one,
It's the only cation; it's called ammonium.
Phosphate is PO4, charge is minus three,
Polyatomic ions are so fun for you and me!
Besides knowing how to go from the name to the formula and vice versa, we also talked about how to calculate the molar mass of a compound. The molar mass is the mass of one mole of that substance. We calculate molar mass by adding up the atomic masses of all the elements in the formula. Conversions from grams to moles involve dividing by the molar mass, and conversions from moles to grams involve multiplying by the molar mass.
On Thursday I gave a quiz on ionic compounds. Many students still need to finish this (and some students need to start it!) On Friday we celebrated mole day and discussed the concept of a mole. I talked about the fact that Avogadro's Number (6.02 x 1023) represents the number of particles in one mole. These particles can be called atoms, molecules, or formula units, depending on the type of substance. We use atoms when we are talking about an element (like Na). We use molecules when we have a covalent compound (like H2O). We use formula units when we have an ionic compound (like CaCl2).
Honors Chemistry
On Wednesday I gave a quiz on covalent bonding that included names/formulas, Lewis dot structures, structural formulas, empirical formulas, and molecular formulas. On Thursday I introduced the topic of moles as we prepared for Mole Day. On Friday we had our "Molympics," in which students worked in teams to perform various mole-related challenges. Hopefully students feel more comfortable with moles and mole conversions. We will definitely see more practice with this skill throughout the semester.
On Monday I will begin to review for the Midterm Exam with students in Advanced & Honors Chemistry. Those students will take their midterm exam over two days, beginning on Wednesday October 27th. The end of the 9 weeks grading period is on October 29th.
AP Chemistry
On Wednesday we finished up our work on Chapter 5 (Gases), including a couple demonstrations of how to calculate the molar mass of a substance. In one demonstration, a volatile liquid (methanol) was heated in a flask placed in a boiling water bath. In another demonstration, butane was released from a disposable lighter underwater. On Friday I gave out the Chapter 5 Test. Students began the test in class and they were instructed to take it home to finish it on their honor.
Advanced Chemistry
On Wednesday we did a lot of practice with writing formulas for ionic compounds. I encouraged students to learn "The Polyatomic Ion Song" to help them remember the eight polyatomic ions.
OH is hydroxide, ClO3 chlorate,
Their charges are both minus one like NO3 nitrate.
Carbonate is CO3, chromate CrO4,
Their charges are both minus two like sulfate SO4.
NH4, NH4, NH4 plus one,
It's the only cation; it's called ammonium.
Phosphate is PO4, charge is minus three,
Polyatomic ions are so fun for you and me!
Besides knowing how to go from the name to the formula and vice versa, we also talked about how to calculate the molar mass of a compound. The molar mass is the mass of one mole of that substance. We calculate molar mass by adding up the atomic masses of all the elements in the formula. Conversions from grams to moles involve dividing by the molar mass, and conversions from moles to grams involve multiplying by the molar mass.
On Thursday I gave a quiz on ionic compounds. Many students still need to finish this (and some students need to start it!) On Friday we celebrated mole day and discussed the concept of a mole. I talked about the fact that Avogadro's Number (6.02 x 1023) represents the number of particles in one mole. These particles can be called atoms, molecules, or formula units, depending on the type of substance. We use atoms when we are talking about an element (like Na). We use molecules when we have a covalent compound (like H2O). We use formula units when we have an ionic compound (like CaCl2).
Honors Chemistry
On Wednesday I gave a quiz on covalent bonding that included names/formulas, Lewis dot structures, structural formulas, empirical formulas, and molecular formulas. On Thursday I introduced the topic of moles as we prepared for Mole Day. On Friday we had our "Molympics," in which students worked in teams to perform various mole-related challenges. Hopefully students feel more comfortable with moles and mole conversions. We will definitely see more practice with this skill throughout the semester.
On Monday I will begin to review for the Midterm Exam with students in Advanced & Honors Chemistry. Those students will take their midterm exam over two days, beginning on Wednesday October 27th. The end of the 9 weeks grading period is on October 29th.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Ionic and Covalent Bonds
Advanced Chemistry
Today we practiced writing ionic compounds. When a positive ion and a negative ion are put together, the total charge of the compound should be zero. Some examples of binary ionic compounds are barium nitride (Ba3N2), aluminum chloride (AlCl3) or sodium sulfide (Na2S). Please memorize the eight polyatomic ions that I taught you in the song. Your homework is to work on the packet that we started today in class. Try to finish as much as you can with the names and formulas.
Honors Chemistry
Today we did more work with the concept of empirical and molecular formulas. We also reviewed the rules for naming covalent compounds. You should be able to write the formula from the name and vice versa. We reviewed the procedure for drawing Lewis dot structures as well as how to identify the molecular geometry. In our lab experiment today, we measured the mass of a copper sulfate hydrate salt and then heated it in a crucible to drive off all the water. You should be able to calculate the mass of water lost. You should convert the mass of water into moles. Then convert the mass of the anhydrous CuSO4 into moles. If you calculate the mole ratio of H2O to CuSO4, you should get a number that is approximately 5.
Today we practiced writing ionic compounds. When a positive ion and a negative ion are put together, the total charge of the compound should be zero. Some examples of binary ionic compounds are barium nitride (Ba3N2), aluminum chloride (AlCl3) or sodium sulfide (Na2S). Please memorize the eight polyatomic ions that I taught you in the song. Your homework is to work on the packet that we started today in class. Try to finish as much as you can with the names and formulas.
Honors Chemistry
Today we did more work with the concept of empirical and molecular formulas. We also reviewed the rules for naming covalent compounds. You should be able to write the formula from the name and vice versa. We reviewed the procedure for drawing Lewis dot structures as well as how to identify the molecular geometry. In our lab experiment today, we measured the mass of a copper sulfate hydrate salt and then heated it in a crucible to drive off all the water. You should be able to calculate the mass of water lost. You should convert the mass of water into moles. Then convert the mass of the anhydrous CuSO4 into moles. If you calculate the mole ratio of H2O to CuSO4, you should get a number that is approximately 5.
Monday, October 18, 2010
More Bonding
AP Chemistry
Today I showed how to answer many of the Chapter 5 FRQ. The answers have been posted here. The homework is to do the Chapter 5 Practice Test. We will go over this in class on Wednesday and hopefully take the test on Friday.
Advanced Chemistry
Today I explained in lots of detail how to write the formulas for ionic compounds. We worked with simple binary ionic compounds like MgCl2 and Na2O. We also worked with ionic compounds that contain a polyatomic ion, like Na3PO4. Learn that polyatomic ion song!!
Honors Chemistry
Today I finished talking about the March Madness bracket, which was a good review of chemical formulas. Then I went over a new packet that discussed the differences between molecular, structural, and empirical formulas. The answers to this packet have been posted here. Tomorrow we will do a lab experiment involving hydrates.
Today I showed how to answer many of the Chapter 5 FRQ. The answers have been posted here. The homework is to do the Chapter 5 Practice Test. We will go over this in class on Wednesday and hopefully take the test on Friday.
Advanced Chemistry
Today I explained in lots of detail how to write the formulas for ionic compounds. We worked with simple binary ionic compounds like MgCl2 and Na2O. We also worked with ionic compounds that contain a polyatomic ion, like Na3PO4. Learn that polyatomic ion song!!
Honors Chemistry
Today I finished talking about the March Madness bracket, which was a good review of chemical formulas. Then I went over a new packet that discussed the differences between molecular, structural, and empirical formulas. The answers to this packet have been posted here. Tomorrow we will do a lab experiment involving hydrates.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Bonding
Advanced Chemistry
Tomorrow we will begin to discuss ionic bonds. Here is an example of what I am talking about.
Honors Chemistry
Tomorrow we will begin to discuss covalent naming rules. Here is an example of what I am talking about.
Tomorrow we will begin to discuss ionic bonds. Here is an example of what I am talking about.
Honors Chemistry
Tomorrow we will begin to discuss covalent naming rules. Here is an example of what I am talking about.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
PSAT testing day
AP Chemistry
Make sure you understand everything that has been given you from Chapter 5, including book homework and AP MCQ. On Friday I will show the juniors the lab experiments that were done in class today.
Advanced Chemistry
Study for your Unit 5 Test!
Honors Chemistry
Answers to the packet on Covalent Bonding have been posted here. Tomorrow we will look at molecular geometry, and talk about shapes such as tetrahedral, trigonal planar, linear, pyramidal, and bent.
Make sure you understand everything that has been given you from Chapter 5, including book homework and AP MCQ. On Friday I will show the juniors the lab experiments that were done in class today.
Advanced Chemistry
Study for your Unit 5 Test!
Honors Chemistry
Answers to the packet on Covalent Bonding have been posted here. Tomorrow we will look at molecular geometry, and talk about shapes such as tetrahedral, trigonal planar, linear, pyramidal, and bent.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Periodic Table and Chemical Bonding
AP Chemistry
Answers to the Chapter 5 MCQ have now been posted. Tomorrow we will have a long class because of PSAT testing, so be prepared to do lots of practice as well as some lab experiments.
Advanced Chemistry
Study for your Unit 5 Test on the Periodic Table. Look over your practice test and review your notes. Answers to many important documents can be found here.
Honors Chemistry
The PowerPoint file that I used today to review Lewis dot structures can be found here.
Tomorrow we'll talk more about this topic, as well as molecular geometry and shapes.
Answers to the Chapter 5 MCQ have now been posted. Tomorrow we will have a long class because of PSAT testing, so be prepared to do lots of practice as well as some lab experiments.
Advanced Chemistry
Study for your Unit 5 Test on the Periodic Table. Look over your practice test and review your notes. Answers to many important documents can be found here.
Honors Chemistry
The PowerPoint file that I used today to review Lewis dot structures can be found here.
Tomorrow we'll talk more about this topic, as well as molecular geometry and shapes.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Enjoy the long weekend
AP Chemistry
Work on the MCQ related to Chapter 5. E-mail me if you have any questions. We don't have class again until Wednesday, but even then I lose about half of you to PSAT testing!
Advanced Chemistry
Do as much as you can to complete your Unit 5 Practice Test. Look over your notes, and study all the information you have learned about the periodic table. Come in on Tuesday with your questions!
Honors Chemistry
Sorry to have missed your class two days in a row. I hope you felt prepared for your Ionic Bonding Quiz. I'll grade them on Monday and go over them with you when I see you on Tuesday. Work on the first part of the packet on Covalent Bonding and Lewis Dot Structures. If you need advice for how to draw Lewis dot structures, please e-mail me. I'd be glad to help.
Work on the MCQ related to Chapter 5. E-mail me if you have any questions. We don't have class again until Wednesday, but even then I lose about half of you to PSAT testing!
Advanced Chemistry
Do as much as you can to complete your Unit 5 Practice Test. Look over your notes, and study all the information you have learned about the periodic table. Come in on Tuesday with your questions!
Honors Chemistry
Sorry to have missed your class two days in a row. I hope you felt prepared for your Ionic Bonding Quiz. I'll grade them on Monday and go over them with you when I see you on Tuesday. Work on the first part of the packet on Covalent Bonding and Lewis Dot Structures. If you need advice for how to draw Lewis dot structures, please e-mail me. I'd be glad to help.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Sorry I missed you!
Sorry that I was not in class today. I had a meeting with other county science teachers, and we were working on ways to help improve the quality of science education. I hope you enjoyed the movies on Hydrogen and the Umbrella Assassin.
Honors Chemistry: Please prepare to take your quiz on Ionic Bonding tomorrow! Here are the answers to the practice packet that we went over in class on Wednesday.
Honors Chemistry: Please prepare to take your quiz on Ionic Bonding tomorrow! Here are the answers to the practice packet that we went over in class on Wednesday.
AP Chemistry Homework
Answer the following questions from Chapter 5:
45, 49, 51, 59, 61, 63, 65, 69
Here is the PowerPoint to show you the answers to these.
If you would like to do more practice problems, you can work on these AP MCQ related to Chapter 5. I'll hand these out to you tomorrow.
If you would like to do more practice problems, you can work on these AP MCQ related to Chapter 5. I'll hand these out to you tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Periodic Trends and Ionic Bonding Quiz
Advanced Chemistry
We will continue to explore and study the trends of the periodic table. Look for a Unit 5 Practice Test very soon!
Honors Chemistry
The Quiz on Ionic Bonding is planned for Friday. Review your polyatomic ions and practice writing names and formulas. If you need more help, you can try this link.
We will continue to explore and study the trends of the periodic table. Look for a Unit 5 Practice Test very soon!
Honors Chemistry
The Quiz on Ionic Bonding is planned for Friday. Review your polyatomic ions and practice writing names and formulas. If you need more help, you can try this link.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Periodic Table and Ionic Bonding
AP Chemistry
Read Chapter 5 and do your textbook homework. See yesterday's post for the problem numbers. If you need help, look at this PowerPoint file.
Advanced Chemistry
Review the information on Atomic Radius trends. More information and a lab experiment tomorrow!
Honors Chemistry
Finish the Ionic Bonding Practice Packet. Use the packet to help you review and study. Be ready for a quiz at the end of the period tomorrow.
Read Chapter 5 and do your textbook homework. See yesterday's post for the problem numbers. If you need help, look at this PowerPoint file.
Advanced Chemistry
Review the information on Atomic Radius trends. More information and a lab experiment tomorrow!
Honors Chemistry
Finish the Ionic Bonding Practice Packet. Use the packet to help you review and study. Be ready for a quiz at the end of the period tomorrow.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Gases, Periodic Table, and Ionic Bonds
AP Chemistry
Finish up the Chapter 4 Test tonight and give it to me in the morning.
The homework for Wednesday is to Read over Chapter 5 and answer the following questions from the end of the chapter: 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 23, 25, 29, 31, 33, 35, 41, and 43.
If you need a copy of the Chapter 5 Review Guide click here.
Advanced Chemistry
We just started the periodic table today by trying to predict the properties of two missing elements in our "fake" periodic table. More notes tomorrow on the periodic table and understanding periodic trends.
Honors Chemistry
We just started a unit on Chemical Bonding today. We began to look at ionic bonds. Practice putting together binary ionic compounds, using the "criss-cross rule" whenever necessary. Finish the practice section of the worksheet entitled "Ionic Bonding part 2." To help you learn the polyatomic ions, you can practice the song that I taught you today. How many of you can you sing it without looking at the words?
Finish up the Chapter 4 Test tonight and give it to me in the morning.
The homework for Wednesday is to Read over Chapter 5 and answer the following questions from the end of the chapter: 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 23, 25, 29, 31, 33, 35, 41, and 43.
If you need a copy of the Chapter 5 Review Guide click here.
Advanced Chemistry
We just started the periodic table today by trying to predict the properties of two missing elements in our "fake" periodic table. More notes tomorrow on the periodic table and understanding periodic trends.
Honors Chemistry
We just started a unit on Chemical Bonding today. We began to look at ionic bonds. Practice putting together binary ionic compounds, using the "criss-cross rule" whenever necessary. Finish the practice section of the worksheet entitled "Ionic Bonding part 2." To help you learn the polyatomic ions, you can practice the song that I taught you today. How many of you can you sing it without looking at the words?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)