CHEMISTRY 130
SECOND EXAM
Answers to questions should normally be one to two pages for each
question.
If you want to submit it by e-mail, the e-mail address is
chemmom@umflint.edu.
1. Select an organic molecule and discuss its history and use.
2. Select a polymer and discuss its history and use.
3. Our actions as humans greatly affect three “natural resources” that
surround us, air, earth and water, select one of the three and discuss
resources, pollution, and other concerns.
4. Choose one fossil fuel and one alternative fuel and discuss their
advantages and disadvantages.
5. A power company is about to build a power plant in your
neighborhood. You have a chance to decide whether you would
prefer a nuclear plant or a coal burning plant. Make your selection
and support it.
Select an organic molecule and discuss its history and use.
Carbohydrates are an organic molecule which means that it can be
found in a living organism. Carbohydrates are considered to be used for
energy storage and provide a sense of structure.
One type of carbohydrate is called a monosaccharide which contains
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. An example of a monosaccharide is glucose
or a simple sugar.
Another type of a carbohydrate is a disaccharide which is a basically
two monosaccharide’s that are joined together either by a glycoside or ether
bond. An example of a disaccharide is lactose, which contains a glucose and
galactose molecule.
Another carb is an oligosaccharide which is formed when 3-6
monosaccharide’s join together. These oligosaccharides are typically used as
a marker or a signal. And when many monosaccharide’s form together, they
make a polysaccharide.
Carbohydrates are typically used as a food source. They are typically
packed full of energy and our bodies would not function without them.
Select a polymer and discuss its history and use.
Polymer is a large molecule that is composed of repeating units that
are connected to each other. Polymer is both created naturally and
synthetically and have a variety of uses. An example of a natural forming
polymer is rubber from a rubber tree and a synthetic polymer would be any
type of plastic such as Teflon, nylon and silicone.
Polymers were discovered in 1811 by a scientist by the name of Henri
Braconnot where he studied and worked with derivative cellulose
compounds. Eventually the process of vulcanization was developed in the
19th century which was the curing process of rubber by heating and adding
sulfur to the rubber.
Polymers are used everywhere for a variety of different things. The
natural polymer, rubber, is used to make several things such as erasers,
rubber bands, and even the grips on pens and pencils. The synthetic polymer,
Teflon, is typically used is pluming to ensure that threads on pipes do not
leak water.
The air that we breathe isn’t as clean as it used to. With 77% of Americans
that drive their car to work alone, and not carpooling, this is adding to our world’s
air pollution.
Air, next to water and food, is the single most important element that
organisms and humans need in order to survive. We need to breath constantly or
we cease to exist. Sure we need water and food ever so often, but without our air,
we would die in a matter of minutes.
Air pollution is caused by Automobiles and Factories that emit exhaust that
is harmful to the environment. An effect of large amounts of air pollution is called
Smog. Smog is a hazy fog that occurs whenever is is warm outside and when the
many different chemicals that are released into the air combine and react with each
other. Another is called acid rain and is caused by a pollutant like sulfur is
combined with water droplets that are in the air. The effects of Acid rain can
destroy plants and trees and change the chemistry of lakes and rivers.
There are many solutions to our air pollution problem, but it must involve
the majority. Everyone must minimize the amount of emissions that are in their
vehicles or industrial factories. Public transportation and carpools will greatly
decrease the amount of pollutant given off due to the lower amount of cars on the
road. Factories can install filters that collect sulfur and other pollutants and then
have the waste properly disposed of.
Choose one fossil fuel and one alternative fuel and discuss their advantages
and disadvantages.
Crude oil has many different uses in today’s world. It is used to create
plastics, fuel and lubrication for machinery, and life-saving technology used in
medicine.