Notes for Pre-University Remedial Chemistry Program

Pre-University Remedial Program for Chemistry 2014 E.C.

Course Content Overview

  • 1. Atomic Structure and Periodicity (8 hours)
    • Concept of the atom
    • Discoveries of subatomic particles
    • Bohr Theory of hydrogen atom
    • Quantum mechanical model of atom
    • Electromagnetic radiation and atomic spectra
    • Electronic configuration and periodic table
  • 2. Chemical Bonding and Structure (6 hours)
    • Introduction to chemical bonding
    • Types of Chemical Bonding
    • Ionic Bonding
    • Covalent Bonding
    • Metallic Bonding
    • Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory and molecular geometry
    • Bonding theories
  • 3. Physical States of Matter (6 hours)
    • Kinetic theory of matter
    • Properties of matter
    • Gaseous, liquid, and solid states
  • 4. Solutions (12 hours)
    • Introduction to solutions
    • Types of solutions
    • The solution process
    • Solubility as an equilibrium process
    • Ways of expressing concentrations of solutions
    • Preparation of solutions
  • 5. Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry (8 hours)
    • Introduction to chemical reactions
    • Laws of chemical reactions
    • Energy changes in chemical reactions
    • Types of chemical reactions
    • Balancing chemical reactions
    • Calculations with chemical formulas and equations
    • Rates of chemical reactions
  • 6. Chemical Equilibrium (6 hours)
    • Introduction to equilibrium expressions and constants
    • Characteristics of chemical equilibrium
    • Le Chatelier’s principle
    • Ionic equilibrium
  • 7. Electrochemistry (6 hours)
    • Introduction to electrochemistry
    • Electrical conductivity and electrochemical cells
    • Quantitative aspects of electrolysis
    • Applications of electrochemistry
  • 8. Introduction to Organic Chemistry (12 hours)
    • Overview of organic compounds
    • Classification of organic compounds
    • Hydrocarbons
    • Alcohols, carboxylic acids, and esters
    • Uses of organic compounds

Unit Highlights

1. Atomic Structure and Periodicity
  • Development of Modern Atomic Theory:
    • Atom consists of a small nucleus (protons and neutrons) and electrons in orbit.
  • Democritus Theory (300 BC):
    • Introduced the concept of indivisible particles (atoms).
    • Limitations: Lacked experimental support, did not identify subatomic particles.
  • Dalton's Atomic Theory (1808):
    • Atoms are indivisible, identical in size and mass for the same element, and combine to form compounds.
    • Includes Law of Conservation of Mass and Law of Definite Proportions.
2. Chemical Bonding and Structure
  • Types of Bonds:
    • Ionic Bonds: Electrostatic forces between oppositely charged ions.
    • Covalent Bonds: Sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
  • Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR):
    • Electron pairs repel each other, determining molecular geometry.
3. Physical States of Matter
  • Kinetic Theory of Matter:
    • Describes matter as composed of particles in constant motion.
  • States of Matter: Properties of Gases, Liquids, and Solids
    • Gases are compressible, liquids have definite volume, solids have definite shape.
4. Solutions
  • Characteristics:
    • Solutions are homogeneous mixtures of solute and solvent.
    • Solubility is affected by temperature, pressure, and nature of solute/solvent.
5. Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry
  • Laws of Chemical Reactions:
    • Conservation of mass, definite proportion, and multiple proportions.
  • Balancing Reactions:
    • Importance of balancing equations for stoichiometric calculations.
6. Chemical Equilibrium
  • Dynamic Nature:
    • Equilibrium involves forward and reverse reactions occurring at equal rates.
  • Le Chatelier’s Principle:
    • Predicts how a system at equilibrium responds to changes in concentration, temperature, and pressure.
7. Electrochemistry
  • Electrochemical Cells:
    • Components and function of galvanic and electrolytic cells.
  • Applications:
    • Use of electrochemistry in various reactions and industries.
8. Organic Chemistry
  • Classification of Organic Compounds:
    • Based on functional groups and structures.
  • Functional Groups:
    • Identify common functional groups: alcohols, carboxylic acids, etc.
  • Reactions:
    • Overview of combustion, oxidation, and esterification reactions.

Teaching Methods and Assessment

  • Emphasis on active learning, teamwork, and collaborative activities.
  • Continuous assessments including quizzes and project work.
  • Model exams conducted to gauge understanding of the material.
Reference Materials
  1. Ministry of Education (FDRE) Chemistry Text Books (Grade 9-12)
  2. Ebbing D.D, General Chemistry, Houghton Mifflin Company, USA, 2009.