Chapter 1: Essential ideas in Chemistry

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Outline the historical development of chemistry (1.1)

• Provide examples of the importance of chemistry in everyday life (1.1)

• Describe the scientific method (1.1)

• Differentiate among hypotheses, theories, and laws (1.1)

• Provide examples illustrating macroscopic, microscopic, and symbolic domains (1.1)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Classify matter by its physical state

  • Physical properties of solids, liquids & gases can be explained by the kinetic theory of matter.

  • Describe the basic properties of each physical state of matter: solid, liquid, and gas (1.2)

• Classify matter with regard to its chemical composition

  • Pure substances

    • Define and give examples of elements as atoms and molecules (1.2)

    • Define and give examples of compounds as molecules  (1.2)

  • Mixtures (1.2)

    • Homogeneous mixtures (or solutions)

    • Heterogeneous  mixtures 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Identify properties of and changes in matter as physical or chemical (1.3)

• Apply the law of conservation of matter (1.2)

• Identify properties of matter as extensive or intensive (1.3)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Explain the process of measurement (1.4)

• Identify the three basic parts of a quantity (1.4)

  • the size or magnitude of the measurement (a number)

  • a standard of comparison for the measurement (a unit)

  • an indication of the uncertainty of the measurement (±, error)

• Describe the properties and units of length, mass, volume, density, temperature, and time (1.4)

• Perform basic unit calculations and conversions in the metric and other unit systems (1.4)

Uncertainty, Accuracy, and Precision in Measurements

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Define accuracy and precision (1.5)

• Distinguish exact and uncertain numbers (1.5)

• Correctly represent uncertainty in quantities using significant figures (1.5)

• Apply proper rounding rules to computed quantities (1.5)

Mathematical Treatment of Measurement Results

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Explain the dimensional analysis (factor label) approach to mathematical calculations involving quantities (1.6)

• Use dimensional analysis to carry out unit conversions for a given property (single units) and computations involving two or more properties (derived units). (1.6)