Wiki Page, CHEM 109 General Chemistry I 41650: Overview of Chapter 1

Wiki Page
2020-08-23T21:18:50-07:00

Your textbook for this course is Chemistry 6e by Gilbert, Kirss, Bretz, and Foster. Chapter 1 is called Particles of Matter- Measurement and the Tools of Science. At the start of each chapter I will introduce the learning objectives (or learning outcomes). These list the skills and knowledge that I hope you will learn as we explore the chapter. You will see these learning objectives included on lecture slides so that you know what lecture corresponds to which learning objectives.

Here are the learning objectives (LOs) for Chapter 1:

1. Distinguish among pure substances, homogeneous mixtures,and heterogeneous mixtures, and between elements and compounds.

2. Describe the particles that make up elements and compounds and how the particle composition of substances is reflected in their chemical formulas and molecular structures.

3. Distinguish between physical processes and chemical reactions, and between physical and chemical properties.

4. Use a systematic approach to problem solving.

5. Describe the three states of matter and the transitions between them at the macroscopic and particulate levels.

6. Describe the scientific method.

7. Convert a quantity (or unit) to another specified quantity (or unit) through the process of dimensional analysis.

8. Express uncertain values with the correct number of significant figures.

9. Distinguish between exact and uncertain values, evaluate the precision and accuracy of experimental results, and identify outliers.

As mentioned above in the LOs, in this chapter we will explore the states of matter and the nature of elements, compounds, and mixtures. What makes an element different from a compound, for example. We will also learn about physical properties such as density and the different types of changes matter can undergo. In addition to this, we will build your measurement and unit conversion skills. It is very important that scientists learn to record measurements and report numbers appropriately. This is one of the reasons general chemistry is required by so many other degree programs on our campus! We will also improve your ability to convert between units by using a procedure called dimensional analysis.

I will provide a link to each chapter in the eBook for use if you purchased the eBook. This is the exact same material that can be found in the actual book.