Chemistry

Course overview

Atoms and Elements

This section delves into the structure of atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how these particles define the characteristics of elements. Students learn about the periodic table, which organizes elements based on atomic number and properties, and explore concepts like isotopes and electron configurations.

Compounds and Mixtures

This topic distinguishes between compounds and mixtures. Students explore how elements combine to form compounds through chemical bonding, including ionic and covalent bonds. In contrast, mixtures involve the physical combination of substances without chemical bonding. The course covers methods of separating mixtures and the properties that differentiate homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions are processes where substances transform into new substances. This section explains the different types of chemical reactions, such as synthesis, decomposition, single-replacement, and double-replacement reactions. Students learn to balance chemical equations, understand energy changes during reactions (exothermic and endothermic), and explore the role of catalysts.

Reaction Rates and Equilibrium

Here, students examine the factors affecting reaction rates, including temperature, concentration, surface area, and catalysts. The concept of dynamic equilibrium in chemical reactions is introduced, highlighting the balance between forward and reverse reactions. Le Chatelier’s Principle is discussed to understand how changes in conditions affect equilibrium.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry involves the quantitative aspects of chemical reactions. Students learn to calculate reactants and products using balanced chemical equations. The course covers concepts such as the mole, molar mass, and the application of stoichiometry in determining yields and limiting reactants in chemical processes.