Honors Chemistry - Course Outline
Chemistry is the study of matter – what stuff is made of, and how stuff turns into other stuff. We will begin with an investigation of water – perhaps the most familiar and essential chemical compound on Earth. We will explore the nature of atoms and molecules in everything from the DNA in our bodies to the stars in the universe. Throughout the year we will explore how we use our knowledge of chemistry to improve our lives. As you learn the chemistry content you will also be building your study skills, which will help you in any class or independent study you choose to take. This course fulfills standard college preparatory requirements.
Textbook: Bell, Jerry, et al. Chemistry. New York: W.H.Freeman and Co., 2005.
Ch. 1. Water: A Natural Wonder
Chemistry is the study of matter – what stuff is made of, and how stuff turns into other stuff. We will begin with an investigation of water – perhaps the most familiar and essential chemical compound on Earth. We will explore the nature of atoms and molecules in everything from the DNA in our bodies to the stars in the universe. Throughout the year we will explore how we use our knowledge of chemistry to improve our lives. As you learn the chemistry content you will also be building your study skills, which will help you in any class or independent study you choose to take. This course fulfills standard college preparatory requirements.
Textbook: Bell, Jerry, et al. Chemistry. New York: W.H.Freeman and Co., 2005.
Ch. 1. Water: A Natural Wonder
- Phases of matter
- Atomic models
- Molecular models
- Lewis structures
- 3-D models
- Polarity
- Intermolecular forces
- Energy diagrams
- Mole concept
- Specific heat
- Solution process
- Ionic compounds
- Precipitation reactions
- Reaction stoichiometry
- Auto-ionization of water and pH
- Acids and bases
- Spectroscopy
- Nuclear atom
- Nuclear reactions
- Nuclear reaction energies
- Periodicity
- Atomic emission
- Light as a wave
- Photoelectric effect
- Quantum model of atoms
- Wave model of electrons in atoms
- Isomers
- Delocalized orbitals
- Molecular geometry
- Stereoisomerism
- Functional groups
- Classifying chemical reactions
- Precipitation reactions
- Lewis acids and bases
- Bronsted-Lowry acid-base reactions
- Formal charge
- Reduction-oxidation reactions
- Thermal energy transfer
- Calorimetry
- Enthalpy
- Pressure-volume work
- Internal energy
Behavior of Gases
- Introduction to Entropy and Free Energy
- Nature of equilibrium