These chapter resource guides contain comments, additional tasks (e.g. memorize something), and links to video resources. ("Class videos" were created by USM chemistry faculty.)
I have also copied the objectives from the text, modified a few of them, and added a notation ([R], [C], [A] or [U]) to indicate what kind of learning is required of you. These letters refer to Marzano's taxonomy, which you can read about here.
Outline the historical development of chemistry [R]
Provide examples of the importance of chemistry in everyday life [R]
Discuss the scientific method [C]
Differentiate among hypotheses, theories, laws and opinions [A]
Provide examples illustrating macroscopic, microscopic, and symbolic domains [R]
The first two objectives give you context and motivation. Is your major one of the boxes in figure 1.3? Does that figure suggest any career paths of interest to you?
I've modified the third objective, changing the verb from "describe" to "discuss". We will discuss this in class, and I am NOT going to ask you to describe (either in words or in pictures) the "Scientific Method". You can check out a TED talk by Teman Cooke, "The Scientific Method is Crap."
I have added "opinions" to the fourth objective. It's especially important in today's world to recognize that simply including the word "scientific" in your opinion does not give it the meaning and credibility associated with the word.
RESOURCES: Course video "Methods in Science"
COMMENTS: In your reading, focus on the last two objectives. Try the exercises for section 1.1 and check your answers for the odd numbered questions.
Describe the basic properties of each physical state of matter: solid, liquid, and gas [C]
Distinguish between mass and weight [R]
Apply the law of conservation of matter [A]
Classify matter as an element, compound, homogeneous mixture, or heterogeneous mixture [A] with regard to its physical state and composition
Define and give examples of atoms and molecules [A]
RESOURCES: Course video "Elements, Compounds, Mixtures and States of Matter"
COMMENTS: The first two objectives are pretty trivial. Figure 1.6 takes care of the first, and if you understand the astronaut on the moon example, you're good to go on the second.
Applying the law of conservation of matter? The challenge here is to put the law ahead of your gut feelings. When a nail rusts, does its mass decrease? See exercises 23ff. for applications of the law of conservation of matter.
When we look at stuff and ask what it is, the first thing to decide is whether it is a mixture or a pure substance. Beyond that, is it an element or a compound? These are decisions on the macroscopic scale. Understanding the difference between elements and compounds involves a microscopic understanding of atoms and molecules. The exercises for section 1.2 are good examples of possible exam questions.
Identify properties of and changes in matter as physical or chemical [A]
Identify properties of matter as extensive or intensive [A]
COMMENTS: It helps to consider both the macroscopic and the microscopic scale when discussing physical vs chemical change.
The distinction between intensive and extensive properties may seem trivial now, but keeping it in mind will help later on.
Explain the process of measurement [C]
Identify the three basic parts of a quantity [R]
Describe the properties and units of length, mass, volume, density, temperature, and time [R]
Perform basic unit calculations and conversions in the metric and other unit systems [R]
Memorize table 1.2, the SI units, and table 1.3, the metric prefixes. Make sure you understand how to write numbers in scientific notation.
RESOURCES: Khan Academy videos Converting between Metric Units and Scientific Notation
COMMENTS: Be able to convert from, for example, grams to kilograms. Be able to do so correctly! If you tell me that 1 gram = 1000 kg, you are saying that a penny has the same mass as a car, and I will have to question your sanity. If you are still telling me that by exam 3, I will have to question your qualifications to pass the course.
Define accuracy and precision [C]
Distinguish exact and uncertain numbers [A]
Correctly represent uncertainty in quantities using significant figures [A]
Apply proper rounding rules to computed quantities [R]
RESOURCES: Course videos Measurement, Sigfigs
COMMENTS: Pay careful attention to this section! Learn the rules that tell you how to identify significant figures in a given number ("how many significant figures are in the number 0.003410?") AND learn the rules that tell you how many significant digits should be included in the result of a computation.
Once you have learned the rules, practice them until you apply them without thinking. ALL answers in chemistry must be expressed to the correct number of significant digits. All exercises for this section are appropriate.
Explain the dimensional analysis (factor label) approach to mathematical calculations involving quantities [C]
Use dimensional analysis to carry out unit conversions for a given property and computations involving two or more properties [R]
COMMENTS: Dimensional analysis is an extremely powerful tool for solving problems, but it's hard to explain it without making it sound trivial. It's not! Units provide a road map.
Conversions between different units ("express the speed of light, 3.0x108 m/s, in furlongs per fortnight") is just one use for dimensional analysis. (For more info on unit conversion, try the ChemistrySolution's video Dimensional Analysis.)
As to the specifics: don't bother to memorize table 1.6, the conversion factors between metric and imperial units. You should have a feel for ballpark values (is 1 gram the mass of a penny or a car?) but I'll give you conversion factors.
You don’t have to memorize the formulas for converting Fahrenheit to/from Celcius. DO know how to convert Celsius to kelvin! And again, have a feel for reasonable values.