Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

The next two weeks we will spend time learning about the differences between an element, a compound, and a mixture.  The basic definition of an element is that it is the small unit of something that still retains the characteristics of what it is.  It is made of only one kind of atom.  The basic definition of a compound is that it contains two or more atoms of different elements that are BONDED together and can be broken down into smaller elements.  The basic definition of a mixture is that it contains two or more elements that are mixed together but are not bonded together.  You can physically pull apart the two types.  That is it in a nutshell, but of course there are more details to be learned about them.  Expect quite a few powerpoints to help explain the concepts.
Additionally, we are going to learn about methods of separating and purifying substances, including why it is important to purify a substance for everyday life.  Exciting!!!!
I think we can expect the quiz on Feb 9/10 so we can do the s'mores lab on Valentine's.  Who does not want chocolate on Valentine's day!  Keep checking the blog for updates and links to useful websites.

All About Matter

In science we have been learning about matter as a means of bridging the science of physics to the science of chemistry.  And what is matter?  Matter is essentially stuff, it is what the physical universe is made of, all the substances and materials that make up you, me, the planets, galaxies, and you get the picture.    To be more specific, we have been learning about solids, liquids, and gases and studying how they behave under certain conditions.  We have learned about the changing states of matter as they go from one phase to the next in addition to understanding the movement and densities.  In fact, I would say you have learned a lot in this past month.  AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS…. Duhn duhn duhn…. TEST time.  Don’t worry, you are all doing such a fantastic job of asking questions and coming to tutoring when you need it, I am sure you will get the grade you want on the test. 

In class you will be given the Unit 1 “All About Matter” chapter to read from the IGCSE CHEMISTRY book.  The information is similar to the chapters you have been reading from the IGCSE PHYSICS book, but I feel the Chem book does a better job of explaining information.  Please study Unit 1 for the test that you will take on Mon/Tues.   Get plenty of sleep, read the chapter, know the vocab, and answer the questions.  With those tools, you will be ready to ACE the test.  Good luck!

The week ahead

Hello!  For the next week we will be finishing up the physics side of chemistry.  We will have a short lesson on specific heat followed by a lab.  Please read 29 and 30 on your own, you may want to check your understanding by answering the questions at the end of 29 and 30.  There will not be a quiz over this section.

Now for some information about Specific Heat.  We know that heat gain or loss will result in a change in temperature, or a change in the state of matter.  Heat indicates a transfer of energy, if heat is lost in an object then the object itself will reflect an energy change.  Now, different objects have different heat capacities.  The specific heat capacity is the amount of heat that is required to cause 1 gram of a subjstance to change by 1°C.  Since different objects have different specific heat capacities, measuring the specific heat can help us identify an unknown substance.  For more information, refer to this link Thermal Energy.

Extended learning-  read through packets 29 and 30.  Write a one page summary about specific heat, how it works, and what it can be used for.  You may research the internet for additional information.  No copying and pasting!

Expansion and contraction and the gas laws

Hello!  This week we will be learning about the effects of temperature and pressure on the movement of molecules.  We will also be learning about the gas laws and the relationship between pressure, volume and temperature.  We will also be conceptually thinking about the thermal properties of solids, liquids and gases.
Looks like we will skip the lab this week but we will do an online lab simulation to demonstration the movement of gas particles at different pressures and temperatures.  Should still be a lot of fun.
Remember to keep up with the ELO postings.  This is a great opportunity to maintain your grade or improve your grade!  Looking forward to the week!

Misconceptions concerning temperature and heat

Here is an excerpt taken from the following website (http://www.teachscienceandmath.com/2009/08/31/misconceptions-heat-and-temperature/ )

• Temperature and heat are not the same thing. An object can have high temperature and very little heat. An object can also have very low temperature and a lot of heat. Temperature is simply how fast molecules are moving in an object like books on a table. Heat is a form of energy that depends on the temperature as well as the type of molecule, and how many molecules in the object. Temperature is measured with a thermometer. Heat cannot be measured directly.

Just what does that mean?  Take some time over the weekend to review this misconception.  Do a google search and try to find other explanations and videos.  Then post a comment to this blog.  This is a required activity and will be worth participation points.

Chem Is Try

We are about to embark upon our study of chemistry.  Don't get to comfortable, we are still firmly within the PHYSICS realm as we begin our study of chemistry.  You see, chemistry is one of the physical sciences and physics is inescapable.
To begin with, we are going to study the simple kinetic molecular model of matter.  Our objectives for the first unit:

• State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases.
• Describe the molecular structure of solids, liquids and gases.
• Relate the properties of solids, liquids and gases to the forces and distances between molecules and to the motion of the molecules.
• Interpret the temperature of a gas in terms of the motion of its molecules.
• Describe the pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its molecules.
• Describe the effect of a change of temperature on the pressure of a gas at constant volume.

As you can see, we have a lot to learn.  Look for more postings that include links to useful websites and videos that will help broaden your understanding.  To begin with, we can watch our favourite series "Eureka"  Solids, liquids, and gases.
Let's begin!