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