Big+Questions

__//Introduction to Chemistry//__

 * Why should we study chemistry and chemicals?
 * How can a mixture of substances be separated?
 * How does science help me understand and classify the world around me?
 * What is the difference between chemical changes/properties and physical changes/properties?

__//Measurement//__

 * How do common unit conversions make me a better scientist?
 * Why is it important to record and communicate precise & accurate measurements?
 * Why is using scientific notation, significant figures and proper units so important?

//__The Atom__//

 * What is the inside of an atom like?
 * How do we know atoms have protons, neutrons & electrons?
 * How did scientists come up with the current model of the atom?

//__Electrons__//

 * How are electrons arranged around the atom?
 * What is the nature of electromagnetic radiation?
 * How does chemical behavior relate to energy levels of an atom and periodic trends?
 * Why is the best model of the atom also the least clear?

//__Naming Compounds__//

 * What is the difference between naming ionic & covalent compounds?
 * How are polyatomic ions named?

__//Bonding//__
 * What is the octet rule & how is it important for ions & atoms?
 * How can you tell the difference between ionic & covalently bonded chemicals?
 * How do valence electrons help determine the bonds atoms will form?
 * What are the differences between some common shapes of molecules

//__Chemical Reactions__//
 * How can chemical reactions be classified?
 * How can I make a chemical reaction speed up or slow down?
 * How does the Law of Conservation of mass help balance equations?

//__The Mole__//
 * How is the mole a useful concept in chemistry?
 * What is the difference between a molecular formula and an empirical formula and how can they be calculated?
 * How are percent composition & empirical formulas related?

__//Stoichiometry//__
__//Gas Laws//__
 * What is the significance of molar relationships in chemical equations?
 * What patterns are followed in all stoichiometry problems?
 * Why is perce nt yield important to a chemist and how it be found?
 * When will a limiting reactant matter and how can it be calculated?
 * How do the gas laws relate the variables pressure, volume, moles, and temperature?
 * How is the ideal gas law applied and what is the difference between real and ideal gases?
 * What are some distinctive properties of gases?
 * How is total pressure calculated, given the partial pressures of a gas mixture?

//__States of matter__//

 * What are the different types of intermolecular forces of attraction?
 * What is involved in a phase change and how do they relate to kinetic molecular theory?
 * What information is provided by heating/cooling curves and phase diagrams?

__//Thermochemistry//__
 * What is the difference between heat and temperature?
 * What are the forms of energy and how is it conserved?
 * How can you determine the difference between endothermic and exothermic reactions?
 * What is a calorimeter and how does it determine heats of reactions?

//__Solutions__//
 * What is solubility and how do you determine if a substance is soluble?
 * How do you interpret a solubility curve?
 * How can concentrations be calculated and why does it matter?
 * What factors affect the rate of dissolving?
 * How are homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures different?

//__Acids& Bases__//
 * What are the properties of both acids and bases?
 * How can alkalinity and acidity be measured?
 * What is the purpose of a titration?
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How can you tell if a chemical is an acid or a base?

//__Nuclear Chemistry__//
 * What are differences between chemical & nuclear reactions?
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How does fusion on our sun work?
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How is energy generated in our nuclear power plants and what are the risks?
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What is carbon dating and how is it used?