Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2CHE

What is this course about?
'''Chemistry is the study of matter. ''' Chemistry is about understanding the properties of different substances and how these substances can change. Chemistry allows us to predict how substances may alter when the surrounding conditions change, or how they may react to form new substances, and to explain why this happens. Chemists are continually changing matter into new and more useful forms.

Chemical transformations happen all the time, everywhere. Chemistry goes on continuously, all around us; in plants that make food using the air and in animals that digest this food, in the burning of fuel and rusting of cars, in the formation of snow and ice, in the industries that supply us with all our household products, and in the many biological processes that maintain the living world.

Chemists interpret the world from an atomic perspective. Chemists and students who study chemistry use their understanding of atoms, molecules, and ions – particles that are too tiny to be seen with our eyes – to explain and predict the properties and behaviour of different materials.

What will I learn?
How to write chenmical equations and the formula for common ions.

This is fundemental to communicating in chemistry. You will need to understand and use the correct chemical symbols to show understanding throughout the course. There will be exciting experiments but these need to be discussed using the correct symbols and equations.

All matter is made of particles The fundamental particle from which all matter is made is the atom. There are approximately 115 different atoms which form the building blocks of the molecular and ionic structures that make up all the known substances.

The properties of materials derive from the identity and arrangement of particles  Atoms come together to form bonds during chemical reactions. The properties of the resulting materials depend on which atoms are combined and the way they are arranged.

Energy plays a key role in determining the changes that matter can undergo Energy changes occur during physical and chemical transformations as the bonds between atoms or molecules are broken and new bonds are formed. Since energy can be neither created nor destroyed, energy will determine the changes that matter can undergo.

Chemistry is everywhere Chemical transformations maintain the world around us. Most natural processes are based on chemistry and can be understood at a molecular level. For example, why some metals such as iron corrode and others appear not to like zinc. The chemical reactions occurring in cells will determine their structure and function and ultimately the nature of the organism to which it belongs.

What sorts of things will I do?

 * Carry out a qualitative analysis to identify uknown solutions to find out what is in them
 * Learn about how electrons move from one substance to another in a chemical reactions
 * Using models and tests to further understand chemical and physical properties of substances.
 * Learn and use gravimetric and volumetric analytical techniques used for quantitative analysis to find how much is in them
 * Investigate and explain factors that affect the rate of a reaction.
 * Investigate factors that affect equilibrium reactions using Le Chateliers' principle.
 * Calculate pH values.
 * Learn about and make various organic compounds that are used in todays marketplace.

Homework
Homework will be given each lesson, this will involve consolidation work and reading in preparation for the next lesson. In order to have the best chance of success, you must complete all homework on time. 

Frequently asked questions:
What do I need to be able to successfully complete level 2 Chemistry?

It is highly recommended that students have passed, with merit or above, the level 1 chemistry standards. If you do not have these standards you need to see the head of the science department to discuss a programme of 'catch-up' work. This will ensure you are able to understand the new concepts and skills required at this level of study. It is also very useful to be good at algebra and basic rearranging of relationships.

''' What do I need to buy? '''

Beginning Chemistry Workbook with accompanying CD - Terry Wales and Anne Wignall (ISBN 978-1-4425-2739-3).

This can be purchased through your teacher.

2B8 Hardback book

You will also need a scientific calculator

A limited number of copies of a variety of text books are available in the school library which you may borrow.

Another useful text is: ESA Year 12 NCEA Chemistry Study Guide - Suzanne Boniface, Terry Bunn and Mark Sayes (ISBN: 978-1-877366-50-5).