Karen Heiges

Today, we performed a lab in which you found the identity of a metal by determining its specific heat capacity. Some of you didn't finish; others were on a field trip and have yet to carry it out. We are going to do another lab on Wednesday in which we find the calories in a potato chip. There should be time for you to complete the specific heat lab and conduct the potato chip lab on Wednesday.

The specific heat of a metal lab is due on Friday, 12/5. The potato chip lab will be due on Monday, 12/8. We will learn about acids and bases on Thursday and Friday of this week.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:20 PM | Permalink

I have located the following websites which may provide some assistance to you. Note: some may be beyond high school level, to some extent, but offer good help up to a point.

http://www.chemtutor.com/xacid.htm

http://www.wwnorton.com/college/chemistry/gilbert/overview/ch16.htm

Another cool place is http://www.chem.ubc.ca/courseware/pH/index.html

A site with problems to work as well as answers is http://www2.ucdsb.on.ca/tiss/stretton/CHEM2/acidwk01.htm

A site with quizzes is http://chemunder.chemistry.ohio-state.edu/under/chemed/qbank/quiz/bank12.htm

Do yourself a favor. READ YOUR TEXTBOOK. This will definitely eliminate some of the whining that goes on in class from you when you say "I don't get it" or "This is so hard" before you even explore anything outside of class. Care enough about yourself to invest in your learning.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:39 PM | Permalink

Be sure that you are working problems on thermochemistry. For additional problems, please consult http://www.emsb.qc.ca/laurenhill/science/morecalorimetry.html, http://www.chm.davidson.edu/java/calorimetry/calorimetry.html, or http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Thermochem/Thermochem-WS1.html. and click on "heating curve tutorial" for some good information.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:56 PM | Permalink

Ladies and gents, we are moving into our final unit in honors. It encompasses two chapters, 10 and 16. We will have several lab opportunities during the unit. The test will be on Friday, December 12.

Chapter 10 suggested problems regarding energy include p. 325 5; p. 330 10.3; p. 332 10.4; p. 333 4, 6; p. 335 10.5; pp. 353-355 6, 9, 10, 14, 15, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 48, 49, 50, 54, and 55.

Chapter 16 suggested problems regarding acids and bases include p. 565 16.2; p. 571 16.3; p. 372 1, 5, 6; p. 574 16.5; p. 576 16.7; p. 577 16.8; p. 578 16.9; p. 580 16.10; p. 581 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; p. 584 16.11; p. 586 1, 4; pp. 589-592 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 22, 23, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 41, 43, 44, 52, and 56.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:36 PM | Permalink

I hope that each of you will have a wonderful holiday with you families. Take the time to appreciate them and know how very much you are loved and a part of a special group. Know that I am thankful for each of my students, too.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:50 AM | Permalink

Students, you performed The Preparation of a Solution on Friday. Those formal lab reports, with creative titles and including all information specified, are due on Friday, November 21.

Monday, we'll perform Solubility of a Salt which will be due on Wednesday, 11/19. We will carry out the ice cream lab on Friday, 11/21, and it will also be due on that date.

On Wednesday, we'll review for a portion of the period and perform a lab for the new unit which we'll begin after Thanksgiving. That lab report will not be due until December 3.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:40 PM | Permalink

Juniors, if you are preparing for the Georgia High School Graduation Test, please visit http://www.myskillstutor.com. Once there, your user name is your lastnamefirstname - no spaces, no punctuation. First time through, your password is a blank. You can set one once you're in. I have signed you up for the review to help you prepare for the graduation test. The review can be taken at your own pace and of course doesn't count toward your grade. I know you all will do well and expect pass-plusses from all of you. The graduation test will occur in March and you'll be enrolled up until that time.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:22 PM | Permalink

Many of you have expressed surprise at how detailed you must be when you explain how to prepare a solution. Please visit http://www.sas.org/E-Bulletin/2002-02-08/labNotes/body.html for more details.

Another location to explain freezing point depression is http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howtos/a/aa020404a.htm

This site http://www.chemistry.nmsu.edu/studntres/exercises/hwfreezing.html gives you problems to practice and solve online.

Your Preparation of a Solution labs are due on Friday, November 21. This is your formal lab report for the semester. Be sure that you work on your own and that you include all the information listed in the last paragraph of the lab handout. Your lab SHOULD NOT be identical to anyone else's, despite the fact that you worked as a lab group. The honor code dictates that you not copy another person's work. It is essential that you learn this lesson long before you reach your collegiate experience.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 09:44 AM | Permalink

Your test on solutions will be on Thursday, November 20.

Honors students, your test is on chapter 15, solutions. This includes reading a solubility graph/table, working molarity problems, working dilution problems, preparing solutions, understanding and working Henry's Law, solving freezing point depression problems, solving boiling point elevation problems, and knowing the vocabulary terms for this chapter.

We will continue our learning this week. I have planned several labs during the week. One is the famous ice cream lab which you will no doubt enjoy. In order to perform this lab, you must understand the colligative property concepts.

We will be in lab on Friday and Monday. Plan your footgear accordingly.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:49 PM | Permalink

Students, please visit this website on freezing point depression http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Solutions/FP-Dep-Probs.html

Boiling point elevation explanation and problems can be found at http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Solutions/BP-Elev-Probs.html

Please be proactive and give these a try in preparation for this unit. While colligative properties also encompasses other topics such as vapor pressure lowering and osmotic pressure, we will only discuss boiling point elevation and freezing point depression. This information will be on your test, along with the molarity and molality problems.

Reading Chapter 15 will work to your advantage : )

Posted by Karen Heiges at 01:47 PM | Permalink

Greetings everyone! Hope you learned lots about how solutes cause the freezing point to lower on a solution. Here are the answers to your worksheet distributed earlier this week so that you can check to ensure that you are doing the problems correctly. Note: I used 0.512 C/m as my Kb in all of my calculations.

1) new FP -3.72 deg C new BP 101.04 deg C
2) molality = 0.1 m and moles = 0.01 moles
molecular formula is S8
3) new FP -2.14 deg C
4) new FP -5.72 deg C new BP 101.57 deg C
5) for sucrose new BP is 100.314 deg C
for sodium chloride new BP is 101.23 deg C
6) new BP 101.15 deg C
7) CH3CH2OH < NaF < CaCl2 < K3PO4
lowest to highest BP
8) 0.0538 mol
9.68 g glucose

I trust that you are working problems in the text as well. Own your learning - invest in yourself!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 01:40 PM | Permalink

Students, please visit the following sites for more information on Henry's Law.

http://www.800mainstreet.com/9/0009-006-henry.html

http://waterontheweb.org/curricula/bs/student/oxygen/shock1.html

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:27 PM | Permalink

Please visit http://science.widener.edu/svb/tutorial/molarity.html for an opportunity to practice the molarity formula we learned today and will continue tomorrow.

Next, see http://www.fordhamprep.org/gcurran/sho/sho/lessons/lesson64.htm for a tutorial on molarity with a couple of online quizzes.

Another site is http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Solutions/WS-Molarity.html which has answers linked to the page.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:31 PM | Permalink

We began our new unit on Chapter 15 today which is on solutions. Suggested homework problems for this unit include: p. 529 15.1; p. 530 15.2; p. 532 15.4; p. 533 15.5; p. 535 15.7; p. 539 15.8; p. 540 1, 4, 5, 7; p. 544 15.10; p. 546 15.11; p. 553 2, 3, 5, 8; pp. 555-558 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 14, 22, 24, 27, 32, 36, 37, 40, and 56. Do go ahead and read the chapter and work problems as more exposure benefits you.

This unit builds upon stoichiometry, which you obviously own as is evidenced by your class averages of 86 and 84.6. Congratulations to you all on your hard work and achievement!

Please continue to watch the blog for more information on colligative properties.

The unit test on solutions will be on Thursday, November 20.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:18 PM | Permalink

STOICHIOMETRY TEST FRIDAY - BE PREPARED

Posted by Karen Heiges at 04:34 PM | Permalink

Today, we performed a baking soda lab. The baking soda labs are due on Thursday, November 6.

On Monday, we"ll do a limiting reagent lab using magnesium and hydrochloric acid. Can you tell which reagent was limiting by what you see in lab? After lab, explain it to your parents and make them proud : ) These lab reports are due on Thursday, November 13. We'll review for Friday's test.

Be sure that you are working problems. You have a mult-page packet to work, problems in your textbook, and problems online that you can practice to become proficient with the concepts.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 09:31 PM | Permalink

Worksheet entitled Stoichiometry Practice answers:
1) 4 Al + 3 O2 ---> 2 Al2O3
a) 8.5 mol Al2O3 b) 37.3 g O2
2) Mg + 2 HCl ---> MgCl2 + H2
a) 2.06 g H2 b) 1.92 mol Mg
3) 4 NH3 + 5 O2 ---> 4 NO + 6 H2O
a) 60 g NO b) 54 g H2O
4) Fe3O4 + 4 CO ---> 3 Fe + 4 CO2
a) 24.15 g Fe b) 149.6 g Fe TY 94.45% yield
5) 6 PbO + O2 --->2 Pb3O4
a) 342.8 g Pb3O4 b) 9.14 x 10^25 formula units Pb3O4
6) N2 + 3 H2 ---> 2 NH3
a) 4.8 L NH3 b) 287.5 g N2
7) C5H12 + 8 O2 ---> 5 CO2 + 6 H2O
a) 977.8 g CO2 b) 98.2 g H2O c) 210.94 g H2O 140.625 g C5H12 needed 9.375 g C5H12 left over
8) 2 AgNO3 + CaCl2 ---> 2 AgCl + Ca(NO3)2
a) 11.76 g AgCl b) 0.25 g CaCl2 left over, 4.58 g CaCl2 needed for reaction

Students, you have a plethora of worksheets on mole conversions, limiting reagent problems, and percentage yield. Be sure that you are practicing them.

Friday, November 7, will find us testing over chapter 9 on stoichiometry. Be sure that you are able to convert from grams of one substance to grams of another, as well as the other problems we learned how to do.

We'll do a couple of stoichiometry and limiting reagent labs over the next couple of days as well as continue to work problems. Practice!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 09:13 PM | Permalink

Students, I have been web surfing to locate some sites to offer you further explanation and extra practice for stoichiometry problems. As you know, with these math-oriented units, practice is key.

First, take a peek at http://www2.ucdsb.on.ca/tiss/stretton/CHEM1/stoicwk1.html with problems over only mole-mole calculations (what we did in class first).

http://www.towson.edu/~ladon/stoichas.html offers explanation of stoichiometry.

Next, look at http://www.karentimberlake.com/chemical.htm for some instructive powerpoints complete with problems to solve.

This site http://members.aol.com/profchm/stoic.html has some good explanation and some problem opportunities.

Another worksheet with answers is http://www.bishops.k12.nf.ca/science/chem/2202/worksheets/mass_mole/Stoichiometry%20Worksheet.htm

This site http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Stoichiometry/Stoichiometry.html has several spots to visit and practice.

Please know that I cannot teach you everything about a unit in one day. It takes time to build as well as time to practice. As you visit these sites, you'll find information about limiting reagents (reactants).

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:17 PM | Permalink

Today, we reviewed our reaction tests. It is essential that you understand the conversions and equations from the two previous units in order to be able to excel in the new unit on stoichiometry.

Stoichiometry is the use of ratios from the balanced equation to determine answers to questions asked about what a given reaction will yield. Today, we learned how to convert from moles of substance A to moles of substance B, by using the balanced equation.

We set a test date of Friday, November 7, for the unit test on chapter 9. Homework is already posted. Stay on top of things and be sure that you are keeping up with chemistry daily, just as if it were a foreign language.

Averages on the reaction test were 82.5 and 83. Wow! You are doing an amazing job and obviously have learned to incorporate what you know from unit to unit into the new material. Recall that there is extended learning at Harrison. Please refer to my previous post for dates and times.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:24 PM | Permalink

Honors students, the following is the list of suggested problems for chapter 9. Continue working problems as you did in this past unit to succeed. Homework can be found if you'll click "continue reading Honors Stoichiometry Homework." The key to success, as many of you have found, is working problems on your own and increasing your familiarity with the topic. We will begin stoichiometry on Thursday, October 31. The test on Chapter 9, which builds directly upon the two previous units, will be on Friday, November 7.

The reaction tests are being graded and will be entered in Pinnacle. Success varied, depending upon each of you. It is essential that when you study, you do not just re-read your notes. You must work problems independently in order to be able to work problems on the test. Parents, if you are helping your child, please have them show you that they can work the problems assigned. If they cannot, they need to be in asking for additional help on the given topic.

Continue reading "Honors Stoichiometry Homework" »

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:44 PM | Permalink

As you work your reactions in preparation for the test on Wednesday, October 27, please know that the answers to many of the worksheets I gave you can be found at http://www.chemfiesta.com. Please know that the website auther does have some mistakes on his keys. The fully correct versions will be posted in my room, as you know.

Precipitation lab reports are due on Tuesday, October 28. This will allow you plenty of opportunity to work on your net ionic equations. See the previous post for more info on those net ionics, should you need it. Metal activity series labs will be due on Thursday, October 30

You need closed-toe shoes on Monday for the metal activity series lab. See you then!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:38 PM | Permalink

Students, please check http://www.unr.edu/sb204/geology/mas.html for an activity series of the metals to be used on single replacement reactions.

Also, check out http://www.csudh.edu/oliver/chemdata/solrules.htm for solubility rules to be used on double replacement reactions.

The precipitation labs we performed today in class are due on Tuesday. However, if you'd like to complete them to submit on Monday, I can grade them and return them to you on Tuesday giving you feedback on net ionic equations prior to Wednesday's test.

Do work problems over the weekend to ensure that you are prepared for the test on reactions on Wednesday. Have a great weekend!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:28 PM | Permalink

Students, please visit http://www.cofc.edu/genchemlab/ionic.htm

http://student.ccbcmd.edu/~cyau1/HowtoWriteIonicEqns.htm

and http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/sat2/chemistry/chapter6section3.rhtml for help with net ionic equations.

Sometimes, solubility rules are not as inclusive as one might hope. Please see http://www.csudh.edu/oliver/chemdata/solrules.htm for a more complete list. Alternatively, you might consult http://www.ausetute.com.au/solrules.html

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:22 PM | Permalink

Honors students, be sure that you are working on problems on balancing equations and predicting products and identifying reaction types. There are also many websites cited that offer you practice.

Visit http://www.chemfiesta.com for some extra worksheets if you'd like to print your own over the weekend to be sure that you are proficient at balancing.

You received packets and learned about reaction prediction, the metal activity series, and solubility rules. We'll also be looked at net ionic equations today. Today, we also did a precipitation lab. Monday, we'll do a metal activity series lab and review. Tuesday, we'll start the new unit and participate in the Department of Education survey for Mr. Stafford.

Your test on chapters 7 and 8 will be on Wednesday, October 29.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:01 PM | Permalink

Chemistry friends - please visit http://www.chem.iastate.edu/group/Greenbowe/sections/projectfolder/flashfiles/redox/home.html for a great virtual demo of the single replacement reactions that we are doing in class.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 04:04 PM | Permalink

Today, we are going to perform a web quest to learn more about balancing equations. After completion of the web quest, you will submit written materials including balanced equations to demonstrate your mastery of the material.

First, visit http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/%7Eacarpi/NSC/6-react.htm
and read and work problems in the first section down to the mole.

Second, visit http://funbasedlearning.com/chemistry/chembalancer/default.htm
where you'll perform the ChemBalancer Game and provide answers on your hard copy to turn in. For the online version, you must put a '1' if that is the applicable coefficient.

Third, go to http://commercial-archive.com/node/133770 and play the movie to watch a cool chemical reaction in progress.

Fourth, see http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/mult.cgi/squizzes/chem/react1.tdf?0 and work three of the 2 question quizzes.

Fifth, go to http://www.marymount.k12.ny.us/marynet/stwbwk05/05hchemistry.html and watch the animations of various types of reactions.

Sixth, visit http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/fillin.cgi/squizzes/chem/baleq2.tdf?0. Perform three quizzes once again. Use no spaces. Scroll down to click "show scores and solutions." If your formatting is not correct, no biggie. The objective is to balance correctly.

Seventh, visit http://funbasedlearning.com/chemistry/chemBalancer3/default.htm
and once again, write your answers on the hard copy as you complete the activity.

Eighth, visit
http://www.chemistry.ohio-state.edu/betha/nealChemBal/ Once there, click on each of the 5 steps. Read carefully. After the tutorial, click on Monkey Business. http://www.chemistry.ohio-state.edu/betha/chembal/shihome.html Follow the steps to determine who killed Shikai. Report this on your paper for a bonus. Submit your paper (one per person) for grading. If you don't finish today in class, finish it up tonight and turn in tomorrow for a grade.

Feel free to return to any of these sites for practice as you need it.

Continue reading "Balancing Equations Web Quest" »

Posted by Karen Heiges at 12:07 PM | Permalink

Students, the following are locations for extra balancing practice for you.

http://www.chem.vt.edu/RVGS/ACT/notes/scripts/bal_eq1.html

http://chemistryandphysics.astate.edu/draganjac/BalanceEqn.html

http://chemistryandphysics.astate.edu/draganjac/BalanceEqn2.html

http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Equations/Balance-Equation.html

A neat site for understanding reaction types is http://www.chem.vt.edu/RVGS/ACT/notes/Types_of_Equations.html

http://www.hazelwood.k12.mo.us/~grichert/sciweb/chemvl.htm

Another interactive site is http://www.webqc.org/balance.php

Posted by Karen Heiges at 11:20 PM | Permalink

Honors Chem folks, we will start learning Monday about chemical equations which are found in chapters 7 and 8 in your text. Here is the list of problems for you to work for practice. As always, they will not be graded. Work as many or as few as YOU need to understand the concepts. Some of you will work EVERY problem. Others of you will be okay after you have worked 2 or 3 of a particular type. Chapter 7: p. 223 7.1 a-c, 7.2 1-4; p. 231 7.3; p.232 7.4; pp. 234-236 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 14, 16, 33-36, 39, and 41. Chapter 8: p. 249 8.2; p. 252 8.3; p. 253 2, 4, 5, 6; p. 262 1, 2, 5; p. 268 8.6; p. 269 2, 4, 7; pp. 271-274 3, 6, 10, 11, 16, 22, 23, 32, 33, 36, 38, 39, and 46. I will also be giving you some handouts in class to work on balancing equations.

Chalk labs are due Monday 10/20. Three groups in 5th period have already submitted them.

On Thursday of this week, October 23, we'll have our annual Mole Day celebration spearheaded by Coach Stiltz who will treat you to a number of cool chemical demonstrations.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 09:17 PM | Permalink

Should you find yourself in need of extra assistance in chemistry, please note that we have extended learning sessions at Harrison.

On Monday mornings and afternoons, Dr. Howerton is available in Room 217 to assist you. Tuesday mornings at 7:50, you may receive help from Dr. Schomer in Room 318. Dr. Howerton can help on Wednesday mornings at 7:50 in 217. Dr. Howerton is also available on Thursday afternoons in 217. Lastly, Dr. Schomer can help on Friday mornings in 318. Afternoon sessions run from 3:30-5.

You are always able to ask me to stay and help you or to come in early to help. Many of you have availed yourself of those opportunities. Sometimes, it helps to hear the information from a different source. Both Dr. Howerton and Dr. Schomer have taught chemistry and can help you in any way you may need.

Please be sure that you are practicing on your own. It's the ONLY way to really cement what you know. Good luck on the PSAT tomorrow. Come prepared for an extra credit opportunity on Thursday which involves empirical and molecular formulas.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:08 PM | Permalink

CALCULATORS NEEDED FOR EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY THURSDAY!

MOLE TEST FRIDAY - BE PREPARED

Posted by Karen Heiges at 02:45 PM | Permalink

Ladies and gentlemen, we performed an inquiry lab today involving chalk. The lab reports for these (1 per group please), are due on Monday, October 20.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 02:35 PM | Permalink

Students, be sure that you read about the empirical and molecular formulas we discussed in class. Here is a molar volume worksheet Download file.

Our test over chapter 6 on the mole is on Friday, October 17. Can you convert with ease from moles to particles? Particles to moles? Moles to grams? Grams to moles? Grams to particles? Particles to grams? Liters of gas to moles? Moles of gas to liters? If not, you need to get busy. Open that text and be sure you can work the problems therein. Also refer to the worksheets from class. Can you find an empirical formula, given sufficient data? Can you determine a molecular formula, given the data? Can you find the percentage composition of a compound? Your learning depends upon you. Invest in yourself and you'll receive many rewards.

Invest in yourself for this unit. Happy studying!

Continue reading "molar volume practice" »

Posted by Karen Heiges at 02:24 PM | Permalink

Students, I've found some locations to help you. Take a peek at http://www.chem.lsu.edu/lucid/tutorials/empiricalform.html
and http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/probsolv/stoichiometry/index.html. Also, you might try http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Mole/Empirical-MolecFormulas.html.
One more location is http://www.fordhamprep.org/gcurran/sho/sho/lessons/lesson59.htm.
Next, see http://members.aol.com/profchm/form_det.html
A site with quizzes you can try is http://lrc-srvr.mps.ohio-state.edu/under/chemed/qbank/quiz/bank2.htm

Your test on chapter 6, the mole, will be on Friday, October 17. Be sure that you are working practice problems to ensure success.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 02:21 PM | Permalink

Honors chemistry students, you are to be commended for your performance on the covalent test Tuesday. Class averages were 78.5 and 82.3, which are lovely! I am quite proud of you for working so hard to understand the material and to able to apply it. If you did not attain the score you desire, let's make some changes to your study methods.

We started the unit on the mole today. This weekend, practice some conversion problems using the tools of Avogadro's number, mole ratio, and molar mass. We'll learn molar volume on Friday to complete your toolbox of conversions. Problems are cited in the previous blog entry and as you know, you can find ample practice online.

The test on the mole (chapter 6) will be on Friday, October 17. Then, we'll add learn about chemical equations.

Again, kudos to you all for your determination and your practice. It shows. For those of you who weren't exactly where you wanted to be, please continue to work. Repeated practice will make the concepts cement for you.

Visit http://misterguch.brinkster.net/conversionsworksheets.html for some practice worksheets with answers on the mole.

http://courses.ma.org/sciences/Hicks/Chemistry/Chemistry%20Worksheets/chemwkshtindex.htm

Here's another location http://faculty.vansd.org/14544/chemistry/chemworksheets/index.html

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:08 PM | Permalink

Hello Honors folks! This new unit on the mole which we'll start Thursday, October 9, will encompass chapter 6 only. In a moment, you'll be able to click "continue reading ..." Please click there to find the homework. As you can see, I post on a regular basis. I expect you to check the blog just as I expect you to do the homework necessary for you to succeed. Honors chemistry requires work and dedication on your part and on my part. Be part of the team. Put in your time and I'll give you my best.

Calculators are needed DAILY for the next several units in chemistry. Bring them with you so that you are as well-prepared as possible to tackle new concepts.

Continue reading "Dozen, mole, gross....oh my!" »

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:46 PM | Permalink

Students, today we did the molecular model labs in class. The objective of the lab was to allow you to actually visualize the bonding shapes and angles that we discussed all week in class. These lab reports are due on Monday, October 6.

Monday will find us reviewing and asking questions. The test on covalent bonding, nomenclature, and formula writing is Tuesday, October 7.

Be sure that you are writing formulas, drawing Lewis structures, naming acids and covalent compounds, predicting shapes and bond angles, and identifying polarity for species. This course requires your work OUTSIDE of class, too. I cannot stress to you enough how essential it is that you work on your own or in a study group. Just listening in class is not enough.

Have a lovely weekend and if you come to Homecoming, I'll be in the coat closet (small gym) waiting to see you in all your finery!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 06:27 PM | Permalink

Today, we completed our unit on covalent or molecular bonding. Covalent compounds are made of molecules; hence, this is sometimes referred to as molecular bonding. We have also learned about bond energy determination, and intermolecular forces. We've also learned about hybridization and sigma and pi bonds.

To study for Tuesday's test over portions of chapters 4 and 12, first recall that you will only be tested upon items we learned in class. See the first post of the unit for the necessary pages to read to maximize your understanding.

I hope that you all have a lovely weekend and return Monday refreshed and ready to succeed on test 5 =)

Posted by Karen Heiges at 03:29 PM | Permalink

Honors students, be sure that you are working problems. You have a packet of problems to try. The answers to all of these are posted in the back of my classroom.

There are also problems in chapters 4 and 12 suggested in your text for you to practice. Answers are in the teacher's edition in the front of our classroom.

I found http://www.chem.arizona.edu/~salzmanr/103a004/nts004/l24/l24.html which may be another place you could turn for help.

You must work some of these on your own in order to truly understand the material.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:04 PM | Permalink

Students, in response to several of your requests, here are a couple of sites for Lewis structure practice.

http://www.chem.ufl.edu/~itl/2045/lectures/lewis_ramyess/pjb_ramyess.html gives you a quiz. Know that occasionally you'll be given an expanded octet; if so, skip it and try another.

http://misterguch.brinkster.net/PRA017.pdf#search=%22lewis%20structure%20practice%22 is a worksheet for you to practice. It has answers as well.

Lastly, visit http://members.aol.com/profchm/lewis.html where you'll be given additional instruction and a link to yet another practice site.

Be proud of who and what you are. Invest in yourself. Open your chemistry book and your notebook outside of class. Your grades will reflect this.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:30 PM | Permalink

A link for VSEPR theory and shapes is http://www.up.ac.za/academic/chem/mol_geom/mol_geometry.htm

Another nice spot is http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/200molecgeom.html

Posted by Karen Heiges at 06:05 PM | Permalink

Honors students, clicking here will take you to a site with acid nomenclature and formula writing practice http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Nomenclature/Acid-Nomenclature.html

There are other practice problems for covalent and for ionic compounds at http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/Nomenclature/Nomenclature.html

Yet another site with a variety of problems is http://www.shodor.org/unchem/basic/nomen/index.html
Do not work the organic compounds because we don't know that system of naming or formula writing.

Practice makes perfect. Do practice as many as possible so that you're ready for the quiz over all three types of compounds on Thursday, October 2.

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 7, for the test on covalent bonding.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 06:01 PM | Permalink

Greetings honors folks! I will quiz you on Thursday, October 2, over three types of nomenclature - ionic, covalent, and acid nomenclature. Open up your text to chapter 4. Turn to the portion about molecular (covalent) compounds. Choose any and all problems listed there to write names and formulas. You will also have acid nomenclature on this quiz. Be practicing and be sure that you can differentiate between ionic compounds, covalent compounds, and acids so that you name them correctly.

It is apparent that you are working problems outside class which is the key to succeeding in honors chemistry. Keep up the good work!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:54 PM | Permalink

Congratulations on the ionic bonding/nomenclature/formula writing test! You are obviously practicing formula writing and nomenclature outside of class and it is paying off. Study groups can also pay off for you. Work with the other students in class together to prepare for evaluations.

This is directed to those of you who are preparing for the quiz or just feel like you need more practice. At http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/chemzone/lessons, if you will click on "bonding" and scoll down, there is an interactive quiz that will give you many compounds to write the correct formula for or to name. Go there and give it a try for the practice that you need! If you see portions that you like, recall that Harrison has a membership. I have already provided the user name and password to you but can give it again in class. Just ask. : )

Thursday, October 2, we'll have the quiz on all types of naming and formula writing (ionic, covalent, and acids). Then, we'll also perform a lab on molecular models during the week. Work hard to ensure that you are doing the most you can do to learn. We'll discuss the test date for the unit when I see you in class.

It is imperative that you know how to write the correct formulas for compounds. In the next unit, as well as ones to follow, you will be given the name of a compound and asked to first write the formula and then proceed with other tasks. If you are stuck on writing the formula, there is no way that you'll be able to succeed with the rest of content. When you are given the following in the next unit - silver nitrate reacts with magnesium chloride to produce silver chloride and magnesium nitrate - and then asked to balance the equation and solve mathematical information, you MUST be able to first write the formulas. Work at it until you are proficient. Come see me for any extra help you require. Thank you for working hard to own your learning.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:43 PM | Permalink

Greetings honors students! This unit focuses on covalent bonding which is found in chapters 4 and 12.

As you know, we've already done portions of both of these chapters with our ionic unit. In chapter 4, you need to read pp. 103-107 and pp. 113-115. In chapter 12, you need to read pp. 401-406 and pp. 413-433.

As always, pace yourself on practice work. DO NOT save them all until the night before the test. DO read the material in the text which should enhance your understanding of the material. I will offer supplementary websites, as needed, for information that is not covered in depth in your text. Read and work problems to ensure that you are staying current on the material.

There is a quiz on Thursday, October 2, over BOTH types of nomenclature. If you didn't do well on the ionic names, this is your chance to redeem yourself. Practice, practice, practice!

Click the link that follows for suggested problems.

Continue reading "Honors Unit 5 Covalent Bonding" »

Posted by Karen Heiges at 01:16 PM | Permalink

IONIC TEST FRIDAY - BE PREPARED

Also, if you did not already submit your Percentage Composition of Hydrates lab, those reports are due on Tuesday, September 30.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 06:29 PM | Permalink

LAB THURSDAY - CLOSED TOE SHOES REQUIRED!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:56 PM | Permalink

Here is the powerpoint we saw in class on ionic compounds and metals.

Download file

Posted by Karen Heiges at 02:41 PM | Permalink

POLYATOMIC ION QUIZ TUESDAY - STUDY!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 09:21 PM | Permalink

Students, click below to access the correct answers for the additional worksheet given at http://www.lodi.k12.wi.us/schools/hs/Schnell/Chemistry/nomenclature/ionic%203.htm

Bear in mind that I cannot do subscripts on the blog. I apologize.

Be sure that you have studied for Friday's test well : )

Do recall that http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/chemzone/lessons has practice problems, too. See me or email me for the username and password.

Continue reading "Answers to additional online worksheet" »

Posted by Karen Heiges at 06:30 PM | Permalink

I found an additional worksheet for you at http://www.lodi.k12.wi.us/schools/hs/Schnell/Chemistry/nomenclature/ionic%203.htm
that you can use for extra practice. Should you use this worksheet, omit the following: nitrogen, mercury (II) iodide, cesium dihydrogen arsenate, hydrogen peroxide,and Na2O2.

There are also worksheets available at http://www.chemfiesta.org on a variety of topics in chemistry. Do visit them for extra practice.

In addition to the previous sections mentioned, please read pp. 76-83 and work 1-5 onp. 83 and 49, 50, 51, 52, 56b, and 57 on pp. 89-90. Also, read p. 506 and pp. 508-510.

We'll learn more on Monday and Tuesday and go to lab on Wednesday for ionic compounds and on Thursday for percent composition.

Be sure that you pay good attention to the notes that you took as well as to the ionic compound lab. Go back and practice problems in your text to ensure your understanding.

If you are not doing well in our class, you need to change the way you are keeping up with chemistry. You must immerse yourself daily in chemistry in order to maintain your progress and continue your understanding. One unit builds upon another. You cannot merely memorize and then not expect to see the information again. Chemistry is like a foreign language and requires consistent practice in order to master.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 06:16 PM | Permalink

Honors students, be sure that you are working on ALL of the charges that you need to be learning. You know you have a quiz Tuesday (9/23) over the polyatomic ions and I know that you are working on those. Can you look at the periodic table and determine the probable charge of a barium ion? How about on a phosphorus ion? Use the periodic table to your advantage.

You have a packet of problems to be practicing. Please do so to ensure the best understanding of ionic formulas and nomenclature.

We will be performing labs on Wednesday and Thursday next week. Plan your footgear accordingly.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 09:39 PM | Permalink

We will continue learning about ionic nomenclature and formula writing during this week.

Also, you might check http://www.chemistrygeek.com/rainbow/launch.htm for a cool site to practice formula writing.

Another site with practice quizzes is http://www.fordhamprep.org/gcurran/sho/sho/lessons/lesson53.htm

See http://www.fordhamprep.org/gcurran/sho/sho/lessons/lesson58.htm for information on percentage composition.
The test over ionic bonding (parts of chapters 4 and chapter 12) will be on Friday, September 26. Stay on top of things and practice nightly on naming compounds and writing formulas.

EQ • How do electrons participate in chemical bonds?
• What rules/patterns determine how atoms bond?
• How are compounds named?
• How are compounds symbolized?

Posted by Karen Heiges at 04:53 PM | Permalink

Ladies and gentlemen, please work on learning your polyatomic ions, their charges, and their names. The polyatomics for which you are responsible are found on page 109 in your textbook. Please omit peroxide. Also, add phosphite, oxalate, and silicate to your list. You may either look them up now or wait for me to give them to you in class.

If I were you, I'd make a set of flash cards to assist me in learning these. Place the ion formula and its charge on one side and the name of the ion on the other side. Have a parent or a sibling or a chemistry buddy help drill you on them. We will have a quiz on the polyatomic ions on Tuesday, September 23.

This unit involves part of chapter 4 along with part of chapter 12. Homework follows at the link (continue reading...)

In Chapter 4, read pp. 93-103, pp. 109-112, and p. 115.

In Chapter 12, read pp. 400-401 and pp. 407-412.

You may ask yourself "Why is she splitting chapters?" It has been my experience that students respond well when ionic and covalent bonding units are separated; hence. I have cited the specific pages for ionic bonding here. In the next unit, we'll pull the other sections for covalent bonding.

Learning chemistry requires a lot of work on your part, beyond just attending class and paying attention. You must invest in the course if you expect to receive the grade you seek. Please be reading outside class and solving the suggested problems. There is a correlation between working hard on your part and succeeding in class.

The test over ionic bonding, nomenclature, and formula writing will be on Friday, September 26.

Continue reading "Honors Unit 4 Ionic Bonding, Formulas, and Nomenclature" »

Posted by Karen Heiges at 04:27 PM | Permalink

PERIODICITY TEST WEDNESDAY - STUDY!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 03:12 PM | Permalink

I found this online quiz to practice periodicity: http://www.roomd113.com/AP%20PRACTICE%20TEST/periodct.htm

Also, http://library.thinkquest.org/28330/Learn/Chapter_12/chapter_12.html looks like a good, informative site.

Please recall that your Adopt an Element projects are due on Monday, at the beginning of the period. We have a lab on Monday and will test on periodicity on Wednesday.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 06:27 PM | Permalink

Folks, see http://www.chemguide.co.uk/atoms/properties/atradius.html for more information on ionic radius and atomic radius.

A site for atomic radii is http://www.crystalmaker.com/support/tutorials/crystalmaker/AtomicRadii.html

For this site, click atom view or ion view so visualize the sizes http://www.chem.iastate.edu/group/Greenbowe/sections/projectfolder/flashfiles/matters/periodicTbl2.html

See http://members.aol.com/profchm/periodic.html for another explanation on periodicity.

For electronegativity, see http://www.chemguide.co.uk/atoms/bonding/electroneg.html

Posted by Karen Heiges at 01:04 PM | Permalink

Students, plan to perform a halide lab on Monday. What is a halide? Is this a word that sounds somewhat familiar to you? Wear appropriate footgear, please. The write-ups for the halide labs are due on Thursday, September 18.

We will continue working on periodicity on Friday. You have a packet in your hands that you can work to ensure that you understand the concepts. The answers to the packet are posted in the back of the classroom. Feel free to come in and check answers.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 11:03 AM | Permalink

The site we visited in class on Tuesday for the daily assignment to familiarize ourselves with the periodic table is http://hs-staffserver.stjames.k12.mn.us/~fraken/Physical%20Science/Castle%20Mendeleev/castlemendeleev.html

A chance to look at ionization energy is found at http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/chem20/trends/ionzenas.html

A quiz to test your periodicity knowledge is found at http://www.quia.com/rr/297517.html

Your test on periodicity is Wednesday, September 17. Be sure that you can evaluate all of the trends about which we spoke in class (ionization energy, electronegativity, atomic radius, ionic radius). Know your periodic table well : )

All honors chemistry students are "adopting" elements. This project, which will count toward the test average, will be collected on Monday, September 15. Students should prepare an advertisement for their assigned element and complete the fact sheet, according to the rubric. Do consult websites such as http://www.webelements.com or http://chemicool.com. Students should research to determine which isotope is most abundant and use that isotope to determine information. Please be sure to read the handout to ensure that you follow the correct format.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 12:36 PM | Permalink

Students, remember tomorrow we will work on laptops. It is essential that you have your log-ins available to do so. If needed, stop by the library to update yours so that by the time you arrive in chemistry, you're good to go.

Wednesday and Thursday will find us answering questions and talking about periodicity. Halide labs will be performed on Monday, September 15. The test on periodicity will be on Wednesday, September 17. Be sure that you are working on your trends.

Read in your text and try some of the problems. It is essential that you practice to ensure your success with the material.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:10 PM | Permalink

Greetings honors students! I hope that you are ready to learn about the periodic table in depth. This unit involves a portion of chapters 3, 11, and 12. I plan to give you your test on periodicity on Wednesday, September 17. You need to first read the material. Then, I suggest that you try some of the problems. The lab that we did on flame tests ties in well with our chapter.

Suggested homework problems for chapter 3 include p. 83 questions 1-5 and p. 88 questions 42 and 45. Suggested problems for chapter 11 are on p. 393 question 40 and pp. 394-5 questions 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, and 70. The remaining questions are in chapter 12 on p. 435 questions 6 and 8. The only portion of chapter 12 is on pages 398-403.

EQ • How is the periodic table arranged?
• How does periodicity explain the chemical and physical properties of elements?
• How can chemical and physical properties be predicted based on the periodic table?
• What are the basic building blocks of an atom?
• How are neutral atoms, ions and isotopes related?
• What is the relationship between valence electrons, electron configuration and electron dots?

Remember, there is a direct relationship between your working of the problems, understanding of the material, and performance on the tests. Read for comprehension!

Understanding the trends that the periodic table has is important : )

I plan to get your atomic structure tests graded and back to you shortly. Recall that your flame test lab reports are due on Tuesday, September 9.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 07:25 PM | Permalink

Honors students, while surfing, I encountered these sites to help you in your quest to understand the trends better.

http://dl.clackamas.cc.or.us/ch104-07/atomic_size.htm provides an online quiz with answers.

Also, look at http://dl.clackamas.cc.or.us/ch104-07/ionization_energy.htm

There's also http://misterguch.brinkster.net/miscellaneousworksheets.html where you can click on "periodic trends" to find a worksheet with answers. We are not studying electron affinity in our class so you may omit this one.

I think you'll find these locations to be helpful.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:44 AM | Permalink

Students, do recall that you have a test on Monday.

Honors folks, yours is over chapters 3 and 11 regarding atomic structure, atomic theory, wavelength, frequency, energy, electron configuration, quantum numbers, atomic mass, and isotopes. Use your notes as a guide for studying.

AP folks, yours is over chapter 4 which involves reactions including oxidation/reduction, net ionic equations, and all sorts of reaction predictions.

Spend a portion of your weekend preparing. See you Monday!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:59 PM | Permalink

Students, please note that the following questions on the Unit 2 homework set WILL NOT be included in this unit nor on this test; instead, they will be included in Unit 3 on periodicity.

Chapter 3 p 83 1-5, p 88 42, 45

Chapter 11 p. 393 40, pp. 394-5 52-57, and 70

Thanks for understanding!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 09:59 PM | Permalink

http://www.avon-chemistry.com/quantum_prac_problems.pdf gives you a worksheet with frequency, wavelength, and energy problems.

Here is another http://home.cvc.org/cvcscience/GC/GC2/HCphotonpractice04-05.pdf

A third is found at http://www.algebralab.org/practice/practice.aspx?file=Algebra_WavelengthFreqEnergy.xml

This location http://www.wwnorton.com/college/chemistry/gilbert/tutorials/ch3.htm has a tutorial on electron configuration and a tutorial on quantum numbers, as well as practice problems.

http://www.mtnhomesd.org/Classrooms/Brantley/chemistry%20stuff/chemistry%20worksheets/chemistry%20ch.%204/electron_configuration_practice.htm gives you more electron configuration practice. Be sure to consult http://www.webelements.com to confirm your responses.

Stuck on any problem? Bring it to class and we'll look at it then : )

Posted by Karen Heiges at 08:18 PM | Permalink

Ladies and gentlemen, we will look at a concept called quantum numbers on Tuesday You will not find quantum numbers in your textbook. Instead, I will give you a handout about them. It would benefit you tremendously to investigate quantum numbers outside of class.

One site is http://library.thinkquest.org/10429/low/eleconfig/electron.htm

Another reference you might consult is http://www.meta-synthesis.com/webbook/34_qn/qn_to_pt.html

Yet another source is http://www2.wwnorton.com/college/chemistry/gilbert/overview/ch3.htm where you can click on quantum numbers tutorial for a good lesson.

We also have learned wavelength, frequency, and energycalculations. Don't forget to practice these as well as the electron configurations : )

We will have our flame test lab on Wednesday, September 3. Plan your footgear accordingly. Flame test write-ups are due on Tuesday, September 9. You have started to receive graded lab reports. Be sure to review them so that you don't continue to make the same mistakes.

Your test over chapters 3 and 11 will be on Monday, September 8. Practice!

Posted by Karen Heiges at 04:40 PM | Permalink

I am so tickled that you honors students have so many great questions! To answer some of them, do visit the following links to expand your horizons.

For info on the atomic bomb, see http://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-bomb.htm

For more information on Rutherford's gold foil experiments, visit http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/chemistry/essentialchemistry/flash/ruther14.swf or http://www.rsc.org/chemsoc/timeline//pages/1911.html or perhaps http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/java/rutherford/.

http://www.shsu.edu/%7Echm_tgc/sounds/ruther.mov

A great place for quantum number information is http://www.shsu.edu/%7Echm_tgc/sounds/flashfiles/Quantum.swf

Another cool site to visit is http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/atom/ where you can build an atom.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 06:06 PM | Permalink

Tomorrow, we'll learn about electron configurations. You should go home and turn to chapter 11 and practice several of these to cement what we learn. I realize that the information is a little overwhelming; however, to understand the material, you must practice what we learned.

The text book has another version of the diagonal rule (Aufbau principle). Also, refer to http://chemtutor.com/struct.htm Scroll down about 2/3 of the way to the "Common Electron Configuration Scheme B" which is also referred to as "follow the yellow brick road." As I explained in class, this is easy to replicate if you know that an energy level has n sublevels.

You might also visit http://www.chem1.com/acad/webtext/atoms/atpt-6.html where you can see the s, p, d, and f blocks on the periodic table.

Another nice place is http://www.shodor.org/unchem/basic/atom/index.html

Pictures of atomic orbitals are found at http://www.humboldt.edu/~rap1/Chem_resrc/AOSup.htm

Work some on your own to reinforce. Test will be on Friday, September 5.

Also, if you did not yet turn in your Atomic Mass of Candium labs, those are due Friday, August 29.

Posted by Karen Heiges at 06:04 PM | Permalink

Folks, I located a few sites to help you on this unit.

Isotopic notation can be found at http://preparatorychemistry.com/Bishop_Isotope_Notation.htm

Atomic mass information is at http://nobel.scas.bcit.ca/chem0010/unit3/3.5.1_atomicMassCalc.htm
and http://www.docbrown.info/page04/4_73calcs01ram.htm

A practice site for frequency, wavelength, and energy calculations is found at http://chemistry.csudh.edu/lechelpcs/wavefreqcsn7.html

Help with electron configuration is found at http://preparatorychemistry.com/Bishop_complete_electron_configurations_frames.htm

As you know, we have new textbooks this year that were adopted for both general chemistry as well as honors chemistry. At many places, I will supplement what you find in your text. As you see a need for more problems (i.e. atomic mass of isotopes questions), let me know and I will find practice problems for you, either online or hard copies. : )

Posted by Karen Heiges at 11:10 AM | Permalink

Honors students, you will have a quiz on isotopic notation on Wednesday, August 27. Be prepared : )

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:50 PM | Permalink

Hello honors gang! Your tests have been graded and will be posted soon. We reviewed the test today and discussed strategies you might employ to perform differently in the future. If you are disappointed with your performance on test 1, I suggest that you change your methodology for paying attention in class and for studying. You may also choose to move to a different seat in the classroom.

For this unit, it is your responsibility to read chapters 3 and 11. The homework is posted when you click on the link that follows (continue reading...) It is definitely to your advantage to read the material and to work as many problems as you feel you need to succeed in this unit.

EQ: • How are neutral atoms, ions and isotopes related? • What is the relationship between valence electrons, electron configuration and electron dots?

Continue reading "Honors Unit Two" »

Posted by Karen Heiges at 05:40 PM |