Thermochemistry: Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gases
Overview/Rationale
This unit focuses on the properties of gases and the laws that govern them.
Student Objectives
· Apply the kinetic molecular theory to the properties of gases.
· Differentiate between ideal gases and real gases.
· Analyze the relationships between the temperature, pressure, volume and quantity of a gas.
· Use the gas laws to solve problems (Boyle’s Law, Charles’ Law, Gay-Lussac’s Law, Combined Gas Law, Ideal Gas Law).
· Apply the gas law relationships to authentic scenarios.
Vocabulary
Compressibility, pressure, temperature, Kelvin, STP (standard temperature and pressure), volume, indirectly (inversely) proportional, directly proportional, Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, Gay-Lussac’s Law, Combined gas law, Ideal gas law
Department Activities:
1. Gas Stations lab: Students rotate through stations to explore the properties of gases and relate them to the gas laws. Variations of this lab are included. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJTVA2UjZPMnUwa0E
2. Gas law lab (Boyle’s Law): Students collect pressure and volume data for a gas to determine the inverse relationship between these physical quantities. Lab should be conducted as an inquiry analysis where students construct the relationship. Lab variations use digital pressure sensors or online simulations.
Simulation: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJMmpidE5LRl80ZVE
Digital sensors: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0XImXxS1gxJN18zRkE1U2hnVHM
Additional Activities:
1. Extend use of simulation to study additional gas laws.
Apply gas properties and behaviors to understanding environmental issues and solutions: global warming and greenhouse gases, ozone layer, acid rain, fuel cells.