Misconceptions

1. Nomenclature

  • Converting chemical name to formula (vice versa), Cross-over rule, Diatomic molecules, States
  • How to Overcome:
    • Diagnostic, interactive nomenclature review in Lesson 1
    • Introduce everyday chemicals whose formation can serve as examples of different types of reactions

2. Subscripts vs. Coefficients

  • Differentiating between molecular composition and reaction ratios
  • Instructional example

Aluminum reacts with bromine to form aluminum bromide

Al (s) + 3 Br (l) → AlBr3 (s)

2 Al (s) + 6 Br (l) → 2 AlBr3 (s)

Al2 (s) + Br6 (l) → 2 AlBr3 (s)

2 Al (s) + 3Br2 (l) → 2 AlBr3 (s)

  • How to Overcome:
    • Manipulatives, computer simulations in Lesson 2
    • Relate to balancing using physical scales

Next: Lesson Seqeuence