INtroduction to Quantitative CHemistry

Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry

Students are introduced to the quantitative nature of chemistry. Chemists must be able to quantify reactions in order to make predictions about yields and communicate with specific audiences for specific purposes using nomenclature, genres and modes unique to the discipline. Using the mole concept, students will have the opportunity to select and use appropriate mathematical representations to solve problems, make predictions and calculate the mass of reactants and products, whether solid, liquid or gas.

Students further develop their understanding of the universal language of chemistry. They are introduced to the idea that science is a global enterprise that relies on clear communication, international conventions, peer review and reproducibility.

Syllabus

Working Scientifically

designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information CH11/12-2

› selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media CH11/12-4

› solves scientific problems using primary and secondary data, critical thinking skills and scientific processes CH11/12-6

Content

describes, applies and quantitatively analyses the mole concept and stoichiometric relationships CH11-9

Chemical Reaction Stoichiometry

IQ1: What happens in chemical reactions?

Students:

● conduct practical investigations to observe and measure the quantitative relationships of chemical reactions, including but not limited to:

– masses of solids and/or liquids in chemical reactions

– volumes of gases in chemical reactions (ACSCH046)

● relate stoichiometry to the law of conservation of mass in chemical reactions by investigating:

– balancing chemical equations (ACSCH039)

– solving problems regarding mass changes in chemical reactions (ACSCH046)

Mole Concept

IQ2: How are measurements made in chemistry?

Students:

● conduct a practical investigation to demonstrate and calculate the molar mass (mass of one mole) of:

– an element

– a compound (ACSCH046)

● conduct an investigation to determine that chemicals react in simple whole number ratios by moles

● explore the concept of the mole and relate this to Avogadro’s constant to describe, calculate and manipulate masses, chemical amounts and numbers of particles in: (ACSCH007, ACSCH039)

– moles of elements and compounds 𝑛=𝑚𝑀𝑀 (n = chemical amount in moles, m = mass in grams, MM = molar mass in gmol-1)

– percentage composition calculations and empirical formulae

– limiting reagent reactions

Concentration and Molarity

IQ3 How are chemicals in solutions measured?

Students:

● conduct practical investigations to determine the concentrations of solutions and investigate the different ways in which concentrations are measured (ACSCH046, ACSCH063)

● manipulate variables and solve problems to calculate concentration, mass or volume using:

– 𝑐=𝑛𝑉 (molarity formula) (ACSCH063)

– dilutions (number of moles before dilution = number of moles of sample after dilution)

● conduct an investigation to make a standard solution and perform a dilution