Chemistry 149 Syllabus
Fall 2010
Instructor:
Dr. Laura Stultz
SSC-340 (x4877)
email: lstultz@bsc.edu
Office Hours:
M 1:00-3:00pm; Tu, Th 1:00-3:30pm
other times by appointment
if I am in my office with the door open, you are welcome to drop in
Text:
Silberberg; Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change 5th Edition
ChemConnections Modules
Global Warming
Computer Chip Thermochemistry
Water Treatment
Course goals and content: This is a challenging one-semester general chemistry course for students with
an excellent high school background in science. We will be learning chemistry in the context of topics
related to the environment and technology. We will not only discuss the science, but how it is applied in
real world problems and how political and economic considerations also come into play. This course is
based on class discussion, group problems solving, and discovery based laboratories. You will make
extensive use of materials on the worldwide web and a CD-ROM included with your modules. You also
will be required to attend talks during the common hour by outside speakers.
Consistent with the aims of 1Y courses this course will emphasize:
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reading and writing skills – research papers, laboratory reports, reading scientific literature
oral communication – oral presentations, debates, class discussion
technology use – use of scientific instruments, accessing information on the web
data analysis and interpretation – designing laboratory experiments and interpreting data collected by
others
 collaborative learning – group problem solving and laboratory work
 the impact of science on our society – global and local environmental issues
The course is divided into three modules:
Module 1: What Should We Do About Global Warming?
Topics covered : Electromagnetic Spectrum and Spectroscopy, Chemical Equations, Stoichiometry,
Lewis Structures, VSEPR Theory and Molecular Shape
Module 2: Computer Chip Thermochemistry: How Can We Create An Integrated Circuit From
Sand?
Topics covered: Thermochemistry, Properties of Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids, First Law of
Thermodynamics, Calorimetry, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Third Law of Thermodynamics, Bond
Enthalpies, Gibbs Free Energy Function
Module 3: Water Treatment
Topics covered: Solubility, Dynamic Equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s Principle, Acid/Base Chemistry,
Buffers, CASPiE project on anti-oxidants
Grading: You have a pre-class assignment for each class. The assignment will either be collected or
incorporated into a brief quiz or writing assignment at the beginning of class. Each Wednesday you will
be given a problem set that is due the following Wednesday. Late class assignments or problem sets will
not be accepted unless you have an excused absence. Each module has a quiz and a graded project.
Laboratory notebooks will also be graded each week. At the end of the semester you will complete an
independent laboratory project. An exam will be given at the end of each module. The final exam will be
comprehensive.
The student must make arrangements with the instructor for taking quizzes/exams early if
the student knows he/she will be absent (i.e., school function, athletic trip, ect.). Late exams will only
be permitted for documented emergency absences. If you will be missing a class due to illness, you need to
contact me via voicemail (x4877) or email before the beginning of class and you must have a doctor's
excuse before you will be permitted to make up any work. The instructor makes the final determination of
the validity of the absence.
Your final grade will be computed using the following point distribution:
Daily assignments/labs/problem sets (10 points each)
200 points
Module quizzes (25 points each)
75 points
Global Warming Debate
50 points
Computer Chip Lab Report
75 points
Antioxidant Lab Report
150 points
Module Exams (100 points each)
300 points
Final Exam
150 points
Total
1000 points
The above distribution of points is approximate may be subject to minor changes.
Honor Code: Much of the work in this class will be collaborative in nature so it is expected that you will
discuss assignments with your classmates. However, when you turn in work as your own, you need to be
sure that what you have written is your understanding of the concept and not simply copied from another
student’s work. If you are using another student’s laboratory data, you need to be sure to document and
reference the data in any written laboratory report and your laboratory notebook. Take home quizzes or
tests should not be discussed with anyone until they are turned in to the instructor. If you are taking a
quiz or exam early for any reason, you should not discuss any aspect of the quiz or test with your
classmates. If you are found in violation of the Honor Code by the Honor Council, you will receive no
credit for the assignment, test, or quiz in question.
Module 1: What Should We Do About Global Warming?
Outline
Wednesday Sept 1: Class introduction
Session 1: What Do We Need to Know About Global Warming?
In class: go over syllabus; Read and discuss articles on global warming. Introduce culminating project.
Lab 1: Wed Sept 1 An Inconvenient Truth Video and discussion.
Debate groups will be assigned.
Friday Sept. 3 Meet in Debate Groups/ Articles on Global Warming
Preclass assignment: Finish reading Exploration 1A and answer "Gathering Information" and “Working
with Information” questions 1-5 on pages 2-5. Summarize two different scientific articles on global
warming. These articles must include actual data supporting or refuting the theory of global warming.
This data is likely to be displayed in the form of a graph, but might also be given in tabular form. Each
summary should be approximately one page; include a copy of the graphical data as well. The key idea
for this assignment is to explain how the data supports the argument in the article. Popular journals such
as Time magazine and the New York Times science page have published good review articles that do
include some data. Be sure to cite the sources of your articles.
Wednesday Sept. 8: Session 1: What Do We Need to Know About Global Warming?
Exploration 3A: How Are The Atoms In Greenhouse Gas Molecules Connected?
Preclass Assigment: Review Section 10.1 in text pages 378-388.
In class: Review Lewis structures, formal charge, and resonance. Complete Lewis structures in table on
page 23.
Lab 2: Wed Sept 8: Exploration 5A: Is there CO2 in your breath?
Session 6: What are Your Personal Contributions to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
In class: Discuss sources and sinks. Perform experiment in Exploration 5A Part I and answer questions
1-2 in your lab notebook. Perform Exploration 6A and 6B recording all calculations in notebook.
Friday Sept. 10: Exploration 3B: What Are the Shapes of the Greenhouse Gas Molecules?
Preclass Assignment: In textbook Read sections 10.2-10.3 on pages 388-401. Do problems 10.6, 10.8,
10.14, 10.16, at the end of chapter 10.
In class: Violations of octet rule. Build models and complete chart on page 23. Handout Problem Set 1
due in one week.
Monday Sept. 13: Exploration 3C: What Determines Whether A Gas Absorbs Infrared Radiation?
Preclass Assignment: Complete problems 10.12, 10.20,10.24 10.43, 10.45 in text book
In class: Discuss polarity and dipole moments; IR tutor.
Wednesday Sept 15 Handout: Molecular Modeling and NMR
Preclass Assignment: If you have any difficulties see me on Tuesday in my office. Read handout on
NMR. Complete the Pre-Class Assignment on page 8.
In class: Meet in the Organic Lab SSC 317. Use molecular modeling software to look at 3-D images of
molecules. Begin Parts 1-3 in handout. NMR spectra of unknown compounds will be run.
Lab 3: Wed Sept 15 Handout: Molecular Modeling and NMR
Prelab Assignment: Complete the table in the Pre-lab exercise on pages 12-13.
In lab: Meet computer lab on 2nd floor. Complete Parts 1-2 that were not completed in class. Each group
will analyze the unknown spectra that were run this morning. As a class you will match the unknown
spectra to the compounds shown in the pre-lab assignment.
Friday Sept. 17: Hybridization and Valence Bond Theory
Preclass Assignment: Problem Set 1 due at the beginning of class. Read Sections 11.1 -11.2 on pages
411-421 in your textbook Complete problems: 10.56, 10.58, 10.62, 10.63, 10.71, 10.85, 10.94
In class: Discuss hybrid orbitals and valence bond theory. Work problems together in class. Hand out
Problem Set 2 due in one week.
Monday Sept. 20: Debate preparation.
Preclass Assignment: Have data and outline of debate strategy. Your groups should have a draft of your
opening statement.
In class: Review Module material and debate format. Work in groups on your questions and strategy.
Wednesday Sept. 22: Preparation for Final Project and Quiz 1
Preclass Assignment: Prepare for Quiz 1.
In class: Final discussion of issues. Quiz 1 in class.
Wed Sept 22: Final Project – Debate on Global Warming
To be done during laboratory period.
Friday Sept 24 Module Review
Preclass Assignment: Problem Set 2 due.
In class: Review module material, quiz 1 and problem set 2.
Monday September 27: Module 1 exam
One hour in class exam (75%) and take home portion (25%). Take home exam due Wednesday at the
beginning of class.
Module 2 Computer Chip Thermochemistry: How Can We Create An Integrated Circuit From
Sand?
Wednesday September 29: Session 1: Introduction
Session 2: Why Doesn’t Elemental Si Exist In Nature?
In class: Discuss conductors, insulators, components of integrated circuits; heat, work, and internal
energy.
Wed September 29 Lab 1: Session 4: How Can We Reduce the Heat Required To Extract Si?
Preclass Assignment: Read Exploration 4B-4D in your module In Class: Discuss calorimetry, specific
heat, and heat capacity. Perform experiments in Explorations 4B-4D. Record data and experimental
procedure in notebook and answer questions assigned by instructor.
Friday October 1: Exploration 2D: What Evidence Do We Have For Conservation of Energy?
Exploration 3A: The Story-Line
Preclass Assignment: Using the movies and information at the site
http://wwnorton.com/college/chemistry/chemconnections/ answer questions 1-9 in section 1B of your and
questions 1-7 in section 1C in your module to be turned in. You may want to try the Self-Assessment
quizzes after each section to test your understanding of the material. In your textbook read sections 61
and 6.2 pages 236-245.
In class: Discuss the First Law of Thermodynamics, exothermic and endothermic reactions. Complete
Exploration 2C, 2D and 3A. Problem Set 3 will be handed out to be turned in next Friday October 8.
Monday October 4: Exploration 4A: The Story Line
Preclass Assignment: Read Exploration 3B and answer questions 1-6. Read Exploration 3C and answer
questions 1-5. Bring textbook to class.
In class: Discuss homework. Discuss Hess’s Law and do problems from text in groups.
Wednesday October 6: Exploration 5A: The Story Line
Exploration 5B: In Which Direction Do Chemical Systems Become More Disordered.
Exploration 5C: How Do We Calculate Entropy Changes?
Exploration 5D: Why Do Systems Tend Towards Disorder?
Preclass Assignment: Read Exploration 5A and answer questions 1-7. If you would like a more detailed
discussion of entropy see sections 20.1 and 20.2 in your textbook
In class: Discuss spontaneous reactions, entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Complete
Exploration 5B. Discuss the Second and Third Law of Themodyanmics, standard enthalpies, and
microstates. Complete Explorations 5C and 5D in groups.
Wednesday October 6 Lab 2: Project 9B: Finding A Viable Sequence Of Tasks To Produce A
Complex Pattern On a Metal Substrate – Part 1
Preclass Assignment: Read Creating the context for Project 9B on pages 98-99. Complete the table on
page 99 under the Before Laboratory Period 1 section. You will need to use thermodynamic data in
Appendix 9B on pages 107-109.
In class: We will begin our two week final laboratory project, Project 9B. In groups we will complete
the section Laboratory Period 1 and combine our data to prepare for the second part of the project to be
completed next week. Plan a strategy for designing your own computer chip for the next lab.
Friday October 8: Session 6: Gibbs Free Energy and Spontaneity
Preclass Assignment: Problem Set 3 due at the beginning of class.
In class: Discuss how H, S, and temperature effect spontaneity and the role of G. Complete
Exploration 6A. Begin Exploration 6B and go over Enthalpy vs. Entropy Graphing Tool and class
assignment due Monday. Problem Set 4 will be handed out and is due next Monday October 18.
Monday October 11: Session 7: Extent of Reaction;
Preclass Assignment: Using the Enthalpy vs. Entropy Graphing Tool at the Chem Connections website (
http://wwnorton.com/college/chemistry/chemconnections/), complete questions 4-11 on pages 64-65 in
Exploration 6B.
In class: Discuss standard conditions and the difference between G and G. Complete Exploration 7A.
.
Wednesday October 13: Session 8: Extent of Reaction under Non-standard Conditions; Quiz 2
Preclass Assignment: Prepare for Quiz
In class: Discuss questions from Exploration 7C. Introduce Extent of Reaction Simulator. Quiz 2 in
class.
Monday October 18: Session 8 Bond Enthalpy
Preclass Assignment: Problem Set 4 due at the beginning of class.
In class: Discuss bond enthalpies. Complete Explorations 8A and 8B. Begin Exploration 8C if time
permits.
Wednesday October 20: Final Wrap up
Preclass Assignment: Complete questions 1-6 on page 92 in Exploration 8C if they were not completed in
class. In your textbook complete problems 9.49, 9.83, 9.89 on pages 374-376.
In class: Discuss problem set and any follow up questions.
Wednesday October 20 Lab 3: Project 9B: Finding A Viable Sequence Of Tasks To Produce A
Complex
Pattern On a Metal Substrate – Part 2
Preclass Assignment: Review data from last weeks lab and read Before Laboratory Period 2 on pages
101-103. Consider the two possible methods given and consider if both would work and which would be
preferable. Design a procedure of your own.
In class: Use your procedure to produce your model transistor.
Postclass Assignment: You will write a written laboratory report, detailing your procedure and defending
your choice of process. This will be due electronically Friday November 5 by 5:00pm.
Friday October 22: Module 2 Exam. One hour in class portion and a take-home portion that is
due Monday October 25 at the beginning of class.
Module 3: Water Treatment: How Can We Purify Our Water?/Antioxidants in Foods
Monday October 25: Session 1: Introduction
In class: Discuss CASPiE project and role of antioxidants in food.
Wednesday October 27: Session 4: Equilibrium
Preclass Assignment: Work on lab preparations and journal article study guide due Friday.
In class: Discuss dynamic equilibrium, and equilibrium expressions. Complete Explorations 4A, 4D in
class. Discuss equilibrium simulator in Exploration 4C.
Wednesday October 27 Lab 1: Determination of ascorbic acid in lemon juice.
Preclass Assignment: Read introduction to CASPiE Module and the week 1 experiment. In you lab
notebook prepare the procedure for the titration experiment.
In class: Determine the amount of ascorbic acid in fresh and concentrated lemon juice using iodine
titration and ascorbic acid standards.
Friday October 29: Journal article analysis
Preclass Assignment: Read article by Arts et.al. and complete journal article study guide.
In class: Discuss article in class and go over questions in study guide.
Monday November 1: Exploration 4E: How can we use equilibrium expression to predict equilibrium
concentrations?
Preclass Assignment: Using the equilibrium simulator at the ChemConnections website complete
Exploration 4C and turn in questions 1-5 on pages 77-79.
In class: Discuss results from reaction simulator. Discuss solubility product constants, and molar
solubility. Complete Explorations 4E.
Wednesday November 3: Exploration 4F: How can you tell whether a reaction has reached
equilibrium?
Preclass Assignment: Complete Questions 1-7 on pages 83-85 in your module. In your textbook
complete questions 19.71, 19.73, and 19.79 on page 875. You will need information from Appendix C to
complete some of these problems.
In class: Discuss reaction quotients. Complete Problems 1-14 in Exploration 4F. Review equilibrium
problems. In class work examples from chapter 17.
Wednesday November 3 Lab 2: Total Polyphenolic Assays
Preclass Assignment: Read Laboratory 2 for the Total Polyphenolics Assay. Calculate the amounts of
reagents you will need to make your solutions and how you will perform your dilutions. Write
introduction and procedure up in your laboratory notebook.
In class: In groups you will make up solutions for total polyphenolic assays. Perform total polyphenolic
assay on tea sample and standard solutions.
Friday November 5: Section 17.5 in Text: Calculating equilibrium concentrations
Preclass Assignment: In your textbook complete problems 17.36, 17.37, 19.75, 19.87 19.89 Computer
Chip Lab report due at 5:00pm
In class: Bring textbook to class. Discuss methods for solving equilibrium problems. Work examples
from chapter 17. Handout Problem Set 5 due in one week.
Monday November 8: Section 17.6 in Text: Le Chatelier’s Principle
Preclass Assignment: Do problems 17.48, 17.50, 17.52, 17.54, 17.90 at the end of chapter 17. In your
textbook read section 17.6 pages 745-753.
In class: Discuss Le Chatelier’s Principle. Work example problems in class and demonstrate reversible
reactions.
Wednesday November 10: Acids and Bases
Preclass Assignment In your textbook read sections 18.1-18.3. Do problems 17.64, 17.68, 17.72, 17.75
In class: Discuss, acids and bases, strengths of acids and bases, conjugate acid/base pairs, Ka, Kb, Kw, pH.
Complete Explorations 7B and 7C.
Wednesday November 10 Lab 3: TEAC assay
Preclass Assignment: Read Laboratory 3 in the CASPiE Module and prepare an introduction and
procedure in your lab notebook
In class: Measure TEAC activity of trolox, tea and epicatechin. Calculate the trolox equivalents of tea
sample.
Friday November 12: Exploration 7D: How do you determine the equilibrium concentrations of strong
and weak acids and bases?
Preclass Assignment: Problem Set 5 due at beginning of class.
In class: Discuss weak acid/base equilibria. In class work problems in Exploration 7D and problems
from chapter 18. Handout Problem Set 6 due Monday November 22.
Monday November 15: More weak acid/base problems
Preclass Assignment: Read sections 18.4-18.5 in textbook pages 782-793. Do problems 18.10, 18.24,
18.30, 18.34, 18.50. Turn in draft for introduction of anti-oxidant paper.
In class: Further discuss weak acid/base equilibria. In class work problems from chapter 18. Introduction
to acid/base properties of salts.
Wednesday November 17: Module 3 Quiz Section 18.7 Acid-Base Properties of Salts
Preclass Assignment: Prepare for Quiz. In your textbook read sections 18.7 on pages 796-799
In class: Discuss hydrolysis of salts and acid-base titrations. Work through problems in textbook in class.
Wednesday November 17: Final Lab Projects
Preclass Assignment: In your notebook prepare your procedure for your independent project on
antioxidants in tea. If you need an additive for the tea (milk, honey, lemon), bring it to lab unless I tell
you that we have it available.
Friday November 19: Section 19.1 Equilibria of Acid-Base Buffer Systems
Preclass Assignment: In your textbook do problems 18.68, 18.76, 18.99, 18.101, 18.103.
In class: Discuss Buffer solutions. Work several problems in class
Monday November 22 Exploration 4G: How is Free Energy Related to the Extent of a Reaction.
Preclass Assignment: Problem Set 6 due at the beginning of class.
In class: Discuss how ∆G, ∆G°, K and Q are related in describing the extent of a reaction. Complete
questions 1-6 on pages 90-92 of module. This material is also covered in sections 20.4 in your text book.
Monday November 29: Final Module review
Preclass Assignment: In your textbook complete problems 19.28, 19.30, 20.77, 20.79, 20.81,
In class: Work on buffer worksheet if needed and review for exam.
Wednesday December 1: Module 3 Exam
One-hour in class exam with take-home portion due Friday December 3
Wednesday December 1: Complete Research project. Paper due Tuesday December 7.
Friday December 3: Take Home exam due at beginning of class. Discuss kinetics and mechanism
Monday December 6: Discuss kinetics and mechanism. Do textbook problems in class.
Tuesday December 7 : Final lab report due electronically by 11 pm.
Wednesday December 15: Final Exam 9:00am- noon