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