What is General Chemistry?
General chemistry begins with a study of atomic structure, then expands to cover chemical naming, patterns of reactivity, thermochemistry, the interaction of light and matter, atomic orbitals, ionic and covalent bonding, and molecular shapes. With an introduction to organic chemistry, biochemistry and physical chemistry, general chemistry courses prepare students for upper level chemistry courses.
Supersaturation
Demonstration:
Materials:
- 250 mL Flask with Stopper
- Solid Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
- DI Water
- Hot Plate
- Large Beaker
- Ring Stand with Clamp
Procedure:
To prepare the supersaturated solution, add roughly 150 grams of sodium acetate trihydrate to 25 mL of DI water. Use a double boiler system by using the ring stand and clamp to place the flask with contents into a beaker with water. The contents of the flask should melt evenly and be sure to not allow solution to boil. Remove solution from heat and rinse neck of flask with a little water. Allow the solution to cool for at least four hours before demo. Note that if the solution has impurities or bumped, it will solidify. If solidified before demo, gently heat over a hot plate till completely dissolved.
Comments:
Air Pressure
Demonstration:
Materials:
- Round Bottom Flask
- 2 Ring Stands
- 2 Iron Rings
- Ice Pack or Bag of Ice
- Bunsen Burner
- Iron Gauze
- Clamp
Procedure:
Attach the iron ring onto the stand and place the wire gauze on it. Fill the flask about half full and place it on the wire gauze. Stopper the flask and tape it so it doesn’t come out when the flask is inverted. Attach the clamp to the ring stand and clamp it to the flask. Position the Bunsen burner under the flask and adjust the iron ring as needed. Light the burner and bring the water to a boil. While the water is boiling, attach the other iron ring to the stand. After the water boils, turn off the burner and invert the flask. Use a thermal glove or tongs to invert the flask and place it in the iron ring. Place the ice pack on the round bottom part of the flask and watch the water boil.
Comments:
Diffusion Mechanisms
Demonstration:
Materials:
- Gummy Bears
- Water
- 3 Beakers
Procedure:
To demonstrate diffusion in the most simplistic way, take gummy bears and place them in a beaker full of water. Allow the water to diffuse across the surface of the gummy bear for roughly 6 hours or a longer period of time (this can be left over night as well). Once the waiting period is done, remove the gummy bears from the water and observed the differences in the bears.
Comments: