CHEM 142: General Chemistry II – Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

This course, CHEM 142, is the second semester of General Chemistry, designed for students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields. It builds upon foundational chemical principles and emphasizes molecular-level processes, problem-solving, and laboratory skills.

• Instructor: Dr. Augustus Way Fountain III

• Lecture Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:40 AM – 12:55 PM

• Recitation: Weekly, with assigned sections

• Textbook: Chemistry: The Central Science, 15th Edition, Brown et al.

• Prerequisite: CHEM 141 with a grade of C or higher

• Credit Hours: 3

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of molecular-level chemical processes, including thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base reactions, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, coordination chemistry, introductory organic and biochemistry, polymers, and nuclear reactions.

• Master practical numerical problem-solving in chemistry.

• Work collaboratively in teaching and learning chemistry.

• Demonstrate historical and modern chemical knowledge.

• Show proficiency in laboratory techniques and data interpretation.

• Discuss the atomic and molecular basis of the natural world.

• Explain the impact of chemical phenomena in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, biology, and physics.

• Describe intermolecular forces and their effect on states of matter and phase behavior.

• Determine reaction rates and their dependence on concentration, time, and temperature.

• Apply Le Chatelier’s Principle to predict equilibrium shifts.

• Perform calculations involving enthalpy, entropy, free energy, and cell potential.

• Analyze cell potentials under standard and nonstandard conditions.

• Write and name simple organic molecules and identify biomolecular structures.

Course Structure and Topics

Lecture and Recitation

• Lecture: Core content delivery, reading assignments, and in-class quizzes.

• Recitation: Weekly sessions for homework discussion and quizzes.

• Homework: Assigned via Pearson’s Mastering Chemistry, due before lecture.

• Exams: Three midterms and a comprehensive final exam.

• Capstone Presentation: Required as part of course assessment.

Grading Breakdown

Grading Scale

Major Topics and Weekly Schedule

The following is a summary of the main topics covered, mapped to textbook chapters and lecture dates:

Key Course Policies

• Attendance: Required; must attend at least 75% of meetings to pass.

• Academic Integrity: Strict adherence to the university Honor Code; no unauthorized collaboration or use of generative AI tools.

• Homework: Late assignments penalized 10% per 24 hours.

• Disability Services: Accommodations available through the Student Disability Resource Center.

• Technology: Programmable calculators allowed; computers and cell phones not permitted during exams.

• Copyright: Course materials are protected; do not share or distribute without permission.

Summary of Major Chemistry Topics Covered

• Properties of Solutions: Solubility, concentration units, and colligative properties.

• Chemical Kinetics: Reaction rates, rate laws, and mechanisms.

• Chemical Equilibrium: Equilibrium constants, Le Châtelier’s Principle, and applications.

• Acid-Base Chemistry: Classification, strength, behavior, buffers, titrations, and solubility equilibria.

• Thermodynamics: Entropy, laws of thermodynamics, and free energy.

• Electrochemistry: Redox reactions, cell potentials, batteries, and electrolysis.

• Transition Metal Chemistry: Complexes, ligands, and crystal field theory.

• Organic and Biochemistry: Hydrocarbons, functional groups, biomolecules, and nucleic acids.

Example: Calculating the Equilibrium Constant

For a general reaction: , the equilibrium constant expression is:

Example: Gibbs Free Energy

The change in Gibbs free energy is given by:

Example: Nernst Equation (Electrochemistry)

The cell potential under nonstandard conditions:

Additional Info

• Students are expected to read assigned textbook sections before each lecture and come prepared with questions.

• Laboratory skills and safety are emphasized throughout the course.

• Capstone presentations provide an opportunity to synthesize and communicate chemical knowledge.