CHE110 Summary Notes

Class Structure

  • Lectures: M/W, weekly group recitations

  • Individual exams and quizzes

  • ALEKS online homework

Communication and Resources

  • Use CANVAS for information: check email regularly for homework, handouts, slides, and schedules

  • Access to ALEKS required, recommended to bundle with eBook

Grading Breakdown

  • Exams and quizzes: 20% each (2 x 20% + 30% / test = 70% total)

  • Participation in lectures and recitations: 6% each

  • ALEKS homework: 8%

  • Quizzes: best 10 out of 11 contribute 10%

  • Total: 100%

Recitation Specifics

  • Not covered in lecture, counts as 16% of final grade

  • Participation includes responding to questions and submitting worksheets

  • Quizzes begin most sessions, must be handwritten and submitted in CANVAS

Matter and Measurement

  • Studying atoms and molecules

  • Matter defined as anything occupying space with mass

  • Classification: element, compound, mixture (homogeneous/heterogeneous)

Chemical vs Physical Changes

  • Physical: changes that don't alter composition (e.g., boiling water)

  • Chemical: alterations in composition (e.g., rusting)

Significant Figures

  • Rules: count all non-zero digits, interior zeros, and trailing zeros with decimals are significant; leading zeros are not.

  • Scientific notation used for clarity in measurements.

Units of Measurement

  • Standard units (SI) include meter (m), kilogram (kg), and liter (L)

  • Temperature scales: Kelvin (K), Celsius (°C), and Fahrenheit (°F)

Density and Properties

  • Density as mass/volume, an intensive property

  • Extensive properties depend on amount; intensive properties do not (help identify substances)

Conversion Factors and Dimensional Analysis

  • Use conversion factors for unit changes; maintain units in calculations for accuracy.