1. Atoms

Photo Journal

First Lab Experiment

In the first experiment of the year, we burned different elements and compounds to find the colors they would produce. Later in the year we will utilize this practice to identify unknown compounds. (I believe this is strontium due to the red color).

Hydrated Salts Experiment

This is a picture of our next major experiment involving hydrated salts. Here the dish with the salt (MgSO4) is being heated, so the water stored in the salt will leave, and by weighing the dish after heat, we can find the exact amount of water stored in the salt.

Slightly Different Salt

In this photo we are again heating salts, but this time it is a copper compound. This gave off slightly less water than the other hydrated salt we tested (MgSO4).

Sodium Reaction

IMG_4085.mov

Here we are observing a reaction between pure sodium and water. The sodium has 1 valence electron it wants to get rid of, while water needs one more to be stable. The violent explosion is a result of the sodium wanting to react with the water as fast as possible.

Learning Analysis

Before this class I had a basic understanding of how electrons interact with protons, what the atomic mass means, and how to use the periodic table as well as the importance of the valence shell. What was new to me was the idea that energy “shells” were areas of a high probability of finding an electron, and that electron’s orbits are very erratic. Previously I had always been reminded that electrons were in specific levels, and were confined to those specific areas unless otherwise motivated to move. The one idea I struggled with, calculating moles and grams in specific moles of an atom or compound, was more due to my own little errors in math than conceptual. Another concept I found confusing, or at the very least not very intuitive was the idea of being able to calculate the moles of an element from looking at the compound it is in. For example, in one mole of H2O, there are two moles of hydrogen. After working through some problems however, I am more confident with the topic. The are a few things I’d like to learn and explore further, such as how protons neutrons and electrons were even conceived of in the first place, and how scientists first went about organizing naming and working on the periodic table. To me, it is almost inconceivable how we went from no knowledge of elements existing, to being able to pinpoint the most reactive elements at a moment's notice.