Chemistry 12 Course Outline
September 2015 – January 2016
Instructor: Ms. Crystal Gaudry (crystal.gaudry@sd71.bc.ca)
Overview:
Chemistry is the study of composition, properties and interactions of matter. Chemical knowledge advances
within a social context and it is important for students to realize that the principles and laws they accept as fact
are the result of extensive observations and analysis done by scientists.
Chemistry is the study of matter and its changes. Through the study of chemistr y, the learners are given an
opportunity to explore and understand the natural world and to become aware of the profound influence of
chemistry in their lives.
The major goals. of Chemistry 12 are:
• To develop in students an understanding of the big interconnecting ideas and principles that transcend
and unify the natural science disciplines.
• To provide students with an enhanced world view, inquiry and enterprise.
• To help students attain the level of scientific awareness essential for all citizens in a scientifically
literate society.
• To help students make informed decisions about further studies and careers in science.
• To provide students with opportunities for acquiring knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to
personal development.
Units of Study:
1. Brief Review of Chemistry 11
This will include nomenclature, balancing equations, and stoichiometry.
2. Reaction Kinetics
Explain the significance of reaction rates, demonstrate how rates can be measured and explain, with reference
to collision theory and reaction mechanisms, how rates are altered.
Important Concepts: Reaction rates; Collision theory; Activation, Kinetic and Potential Energy; Reaction
Mechanisms; Catalysts.
3. Dynamic Equilibrium
Analysis of reversible reacting systems, with reference to equilibrium systems, Le Châtelier’s Principle,
and the concept of a reaction constant, K eq.
Important Concepts: Reversibility of a reaction and Dynamic Equilibrium; Le Chatelier’s Principle; Equilibrium
Concentrations and calculations;Equilibrium constants (Keq); Effects of Temperature and Pressure.
4. Solubility Equilibrium
Explain solute-solvent interactions in solubility equilibrium and describe the significance of Ksp with respect to
saturated systems. Concepts include ionic vs. molecular solutions, relative solubility of solutes, solubility rules,
and equilibrium in saturated solutions.
Important Concepts: Ionic vs Molecular solutions; Relative solubility of solutes; Solubility rules; Solubility product
calculations (Ksp); Common ion effect; Equilibrium in Saturated solutions.
5. Acids and Bases
Nature of Acids & Bases: Describe the specific characteristics of acids and bases and distinguish the varying
strengths of acids or bases for equilibria using a Brönsted-Lowry model.
Quantitative Problem Solving: Describe the special role played by water in aqueous systems and use the acid-base
equilibrium constants (Ka and Kb) and the ionization constant of water (Kw) to calculate pH and pOH values for
different acid-base equilibria.
Applications of Acid-Base Reactions: Identify practical applications of acid-base systems, demonstrate the use of
titrations to determine quantities of materials, explain the significance of hydrolysis, and relate buffer systems and
acid rain to the concept of acid-base equilibrium.
Important Concepts: Arrhenius and Bronsted-Lowry; Conjugate Acid-Base pairs; Strong and Weak acids & bases;
Amphiprotic; pH/pOH, Kw, Ka & Kb calculations; Indicators; Titrations; Hydrolysis; Applications.
6. Oxidation-Reduction
Describe the essential components of reacting systems that involve electron transfer, determine the stoichiometry of
redox reactions by balancing redox reactions, and apply their findings to perform redox titrations.
Applications of Redox Reactions: Use the concept of spontaneous and non-spontaneous reactions to explain
practical applications of redox such as batteries, electroplating, electrorefining, and corrosion.
Important Concepts: Definitions; Oxidation numbers; Balancing Half-Reactions & Redox Reactions; Standard
Reduction Potentials; Predicting spontaneity; Electrochemical Cells; Electrolytic Cells.
Evaluation:


Exams/Quizzes
Assignments & Labs
70%
30%
* You are responsible for all assigned work. Homework is to be done prior to class.
** There is NO Provincial Exam for this course. You will write a Final Exam at the completion of the
course worth 25% of your final grade.
Required Textbooks:
 Hebden Chemistry 12: A Workbook for Students
 Heath Chemistry
Technology:
There is a class page located on the Vanier web site.
Expectations:
 Be prepared for class with all the materials you will need (including your textbook and notes)
 Be prepared to work
 Be punctual
 Be respectful of yourself and others
 Be here – attitude and attendance are critical to success
 No cell phones in class please