Chemistry
Unit 1: Chemistry Essentials
In this section, we start by defining the science of chemistry.
See also Chemistry: Atoms First 2e, Chapter 1.
There are three key components that define chemistry as a discipline:
The Scientific Method: the process of observation and experimentation that allows chemists to better understand the nature of matter.
The Phases of Matter: These are the most visible aspect of chemical properties. Chemistry emerged from the quest to understand and manipulate the properties of liquids, gasses, and solids.
Measurement: Modern chemistry relies on accuracy and precision. Observing, measuring, and describing chemical reactions is crucial in our quest to develop and manufacture the materials of everyday life.
Assignments Overview
In this section, our assignments focus on the beginnings of modern science.
Flex Points: Video Comprehension Worksheets and Science Labs about physical properties and measurement.
Science Points: Worksheets on measurement and the properties of matter.
English: A written response to science fiction, Mary Shelley, and Frankenstein.
Social Studies: Research into early discoveries in Chemistry.
From Alchemy to Science: Chemistry, History, and the Scientific Method
Alchemy
Before the scientific method, alchemists studied substances in the quest to convert lead into gold. However, alchemists had no understanding of the atomic nature of matter — instead, they believed in secretive mystical properties that they tried hiding from each other.
The Scientific Method
Unlike the secretive and mystical approaches of alchemy, modern chemistry is built upon observing our world, making hypotheses, and then experimenting to determine the nature of reality.
From this video, you should learn the six steps of the scientific method and how it can be applied to answering everyday questions.
Phases and Properties of Matter
The Phases Around Us
Every day, you directly observe three major phases of matter:
Gasses like the air we breathe.
Liquids like the water we drink.
Solids like the floor beneath our feet.
Tyler DeWhit | "States of Matter (Phases of Matter): Solids, Liquids, and Gases"
Temperature Extremes and the Phases of Matter
The surface of the Earth is a relatively constant temperature — you might see water transition from ice to liquid to vapor on a hot summer day, but you don't need to worry about your plastic cup boiling away under the sun's heat. At more extreme temperatures and pressures, you can see additional states of matter such as supercritical fluids, plasmas, condensates, and others. These extreme states can have important applications in superconductors, computing, aviation, and other areas.
Physical Properties of Matter
Matter has two main types of properties:
Physical Properties you can observe from the material itself.
Chemical Properties that affect how the material changes when it reacts with other substances.
Coach Spivey Science | "Chemical and Physical Properties of Matter Video"
Measurement and Calculation
Measuring Quantities
The correct measurement of quantities such as mass, volume, and temperature is crucial for conducting experiments and manufacturing materials.
Measurement has two key concepts you must bear in mind:
Accuracy describes whether your measurement matches reality.
Precision describes whether your measurement matches other measurements, even if those numbers don't match reality.
A reliable measurement needs to be both accurate and precise, and the true test of an experimental measurement is whether it can be repeated by other researchers.
Labs
Experiments with Pennies
Physical Properties of Pennies
Investigating the Physical Properties of US Penny | Chemvision
Density of a Penny | Brooklin Technical High Schooly
Water Drop Experiment
Penny Drop Lab | Licking Heights Schools
Drops on a Penny | Steve Spangler
Repeat using water with added detergent