| Chemistry
is ...... The study of everything!
The philosophy is to introduce the fundamental theories of chemistry
through experiment wherever possible. It is important that the students
understand the concepts involved in experimental methodology.
· The experimental method
· The kinetic theory (theory of atoms)
· Atomic theory
· Law of constant composition
· Law of conservation of matter
· Moles theory
Section 1: The nature of matter
This section deals with the theory of atoms and the kinetic theory
of matter.
What is science?
The scientific method
1. Observation
2. Hypothesis
3. Experimentation
4. Support for hypothesis
5. Theory
6. Confirmation (peer)
7. Theory accepted
It must be stressed that ALL of our knowledge comes from experimentation
or logical deduction. However, we do not and cannot KNOW anything
due to the nature of the universe. All theories are merely supported
by evidence until the day they are not. A theory cannot be proved
by experiment, but it can be disproved.
Experimentation and instrumentation
The most important (but certainly not the mosty accurate) tools
are our own senses, however these cannot be used empirically. They
are essential for observation, But become worthless if we cannot
communicate our observations in an unambiguous fashion. Communication
requires the correct use of scientific vocabulary and is supported
by standard measurements.
Experimental concepts and vocabulary
Discussion of measurements, errors (systematic and measurement),
instrumental tolerance and reliability, precision and inaccuracy.
Class activity - measure 50cm3 water into a measuring
cylinder. weigh by pouring into a beaker on a balance set to zero.
Repeat with 20cm3 water.
Correlate results over the whole class.
Calculate averages.
How accurate are we?
Percentage and absolute errors.
Tolerance of balance = ± 0.005 g (explanation)
Accuracy and reliability.
Effect of repetition
Qualitative observation:
Experiment: Reactions
circus
To learn the value of observing and recording observations in a
logical manner using appropriate vocabulary. The students will probably
not know many of the words they need to adequately describe what
they see. (communication skills)
· Observation (description) before
· Observation (description) during
· Observation (description) after a process.
Assessment - Criterion B
States of matter
The logical argument of the Greek philosophers to John Dalton
Activity: Discussion in two bands for and
against.
Evidence for the particulate nature of matter
Experiment: Diffusion of KMnO4 in water
Write up
Demo: Measurement of the size of a molecule (oil drop)
This demo may be used to introduce and discuss:
Big and small numbers - significant figures, scientific notation,
logarithms.
Write up - Criterion E Processing
data (errors and inaccuracies important)
Experiment: Smoke cell
Write up
Demo: Diffusion of HCl and NH3
Write up
Solids, liquids and gases
Animation and discussion: Korean chemistry (I'll explain)
Macroscopic (bulk) properties and microscopic properties
Shape, volume
Forces, distance between particles, motion.
One World - Passive smoking
- scientific argument - presentation (poster or powerpoint)
Presentation could focus on the current situation in Spain with
bars (under 100m2) and restaurants (with smokers areas) allowing
clients to smoke.
Changes of state
Measuring temperature. The absolute scale.
Experiment: Cooling/heating curves - either heating ice
or cooling melted naphthalene/wax
Animation: cooling/heating curve
Write up
Pure substances and mixtures
Types of mixtures in terms of states of matter.
Solid - solid
Solid - liquid
Liquid - liquid
Liquid - gas
Gas - gas
Solid - gas
Activity - everyday examples
Blurring of phase boundaries in colloids, gels and emulsions.
Separation techniques
· Distillation
· Filtration
· Decanting
Demo or experiment
Summary
By the end of this unit the students should have a good knowledge
of the kinetic theory and understand that this underpins ALL of
our knowledge of chemistry.
Unit test - Criterion C
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