Unit 1: Atomic Structure & Properties

Overview

This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of atomic structure, including the properties and organization of atoms. Students are expected to recall prior chemistry knowledge and prepare for advanced topics.

• Atomic Structure: Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The arrangement and number of these subatomic particles determine the identity and properties of each element.

• Properties of Atoms: Atomic number, mass number, isotopes, and electron configuration are key properties.

• Lab Component: A laboratory activity will reinforce concepts during Unit 2.

• Assessment: No dedicated Unit 1 test, but concepts will appear in the first summative assessment of Unit 2.

Example: The element carbon has 6 protons, 6 neutrons (in its most common isotope), and 6 electrons.

Unit 2: Compound Structure & Properties

Overview

This unit covers the structure and properties of chemical compounds, focusing on bonding and molecular geometry. Students will learn new concepts and use molecular model kits for hands-on learning.

• Sections Covered: 2.1 to 2.7, plus section 1.6 (new concept introduction).

• VSEPR Theory: Students will use the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) model to predict molecular shapes.

• Lab Component: Interactive lab using molecule kits to build structures.

• Assessment: 1 Quiz and 1 Summative Assessment.

Example: Methane (CH4) has a tetrahedral molecular geometry according to VSEPR theory.

Unit 3: Properties of Substances & Mixtures

Overview

This comprehensive unit explores the physical and chemical properties of substances and mixtures, including solutions, solids, and their behaviors.

• Sections Covered: 3.1 to 3.13.

• Mixtures: Classification into homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.

• Beer’s Law: Application in laboratory to determine concentration of solutions using absorbance measurements.

• Properties of Solids: Investigation of crystalline and amorphous solids.

• Assessment: 2 Quizzes and 1 Summative Assessment.

Example: A solution of copper sulfate in water is a homogeneous mixture; sand and iron filings form a heterogeneous mixture.

Unit 4: Chemical Reactions

Overview

This unit focuses on chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and analytical techniques for quantifying reactants and products.

• Stoichiometry: Quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, including mole-to-mole conversions.

• Dimensional Analysis: Traditional method for solving stoichiometry problems.

• BCA Tables: Introduction to a new method for stoichiometry (to be used in Unit 8).

• Lab Component: Analysis of hard water samples.

• Assessment: 1 Quiz and 1 Summative Assessment.

Example: Balancing the reaction:

Unit 5: Kinetics

Overview

This unit introduces chemical kinetics, focusing on reaction rates and the mathematical description of how reactions proceed over time.

• Rate Law: Mathematical relationship between concentration and reaction rate.

• Conceptual Applications: Understanding factors that affect reaction rates (concentration, temperature, catalysts).

• Lab Component: Experiments analyzing the rate law of a fading color in crystal violet or factors affecting reaction rate.

• Assessment: 1 Quiz and 1 Summative Assessment.

Example: The rate law for a reaction:

Unit 6: Thermochemistry

Overview

This unit covers the principles of thermodynamics as applied to chemical systems, including energy changes and calorimetry.

• Thermodynamics: Study of energy changes, enthalpy, and heat transfer in chemical reactions.

• Calorimetry: Measurement of heat flow in physical and chemical processes.

• Lab Component: Design and test a hand warmer using calorimetry principles.

• Assessment: 1 Quiz and 1 Summative Assessment.

Example: Calculating heat:

Unit 7: Equilibrium

Overview

This unit explores chemical equilibrium, focusing on reversible reactions and the factors that affect equilibrium position.

• Le Chatelier’s Principle: Predicts how a system at equilibrium responds to changes in concentration, temperature, or pressure.

• Equilibrium Constant: Quantitative measure of the position of equilibrium ().

• Lab Component: Experiments or demonstrations analyzing the effect of concentration and temperature on equilibrium.

• Assessment: 2 Quizzes and 1 Summative Assessment.

Example: For the reaction , the equilibrium constant is

Unit 8: Acids & Bases

Overview

This unit provides an in-depth study of acids and bases, including their properties, reactions, and titration techniques.

• Acid-Base Theories: Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis definitions.

• Titrations: Laboratory technique to determine concentration of an acid or base using a standard solution.

• Titration Curves: Graphical representation of pH changes during titration.

• Lab Component: Weak/strong and strong/strong acid-base titrations; construction of titration curves.

• Assessment: 2 Quizzes and 1 Summative Assessment.

Example: The neutralization reaction:

Unit 9: Thermodynamics & Electrochemistry

Overview

This unit reinforces thermodynamic concepts and introduces electrochemistry, focusing on the relationship between chemical reactions and electrical energy.

• Thermodynamics: Further study of energy, entropy, and spontaneity in chemical processes.

• Electrochemistry: Study of redox reactions and their applications in galvanic and electrolytic cells.

• Assessment: 2 Quizzes and 1 Summative Assessment.

Example: Standard cell potential:

Additional info: The syllabus outlines the sequence and focus of each unit, including laboratory activities and assessment structure. Students are encouraged to review prior knowledge and prepare for both conceptual and practical applications in each topic.