Essential Understandings: Chemistry

TERM 1:

  • Understand the nature of metals and non-metals. Use this understanding to apply the rules of chemical nomenclature.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the use of mathematics in chemistry using the factor-label (dimensional analysis) method.
  • Explain that the properties of a compound may be different from those of the elements or compounds from which it is formed.
  • Identify evidence of chemical reactions and demonstrate how chemical equations are used to describe them.

TERM 2:

  • Analyze evidence for the laws of conservation of mass and conservation of energy in a chemical reaction.
  • Relate the structure, behavior, and scale of an atom to the particles that compose it. 
  • Correlate atomic structure and the physical and chemical properties of an element to the position of the element on the periodic table. 
  • Evaluate quantum energy changes in the atom in terms of the energy contained in light emissions.
  • Evaluate how changes in the nucleus of an atom result in emission of radioactivity.
  • Relate the properties of simple compounds to the type of bonding, shape of molecules, and intermolecular forces.

TERM 3:

  • Evaluate factors specific to collisions that affect the rate of chemical reaction.
  • Recognize that certain reactions do not convert all reactants to products, but achieve a state of dynamic equilibrium that can be changed.
  • Relate kinetic-molecular theory to the behavior of gases in terms of changes of pressure, temperature, volume, and number of gas particles.
  • Describe factors affecting the process of dissolving and evaluate the effects that changes in concentration have on solutions.
  • Summarize the quantitative and qualitative effects of colligative properties on a solution when a solute is added.

TERM 4:

  • Differentiate between acids and bases in terms of hydrogen ion concentration.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of acid-base titrations both mathematically and in laboratory work.
  • Understand solubility both qualitatively and quantitatively.
  • Identify and balance oxidation-reduction reactions.
  • Using an electrochemical cell describe how electrical energy can be produced in a chemical reaction.