Humboldt State University ® Department of Chemistry

Richard A. Paselk

Chem 107
Fundamentals of Chemistry
Fall 2009

Lecture Notes: 25 August
© R. Paselk 2004

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*Humboldt State University* ® *Department of Chemistry*

Richard A. Paselk
Chem 107	Fundamentals of Chemistry	Fall 2009
Lecture Notes: 25 August	© R. Paselk 2004

		*NEXT*

Introduction to Fundamentals of Chemistry (Chem 107)

Overview:

Chem 107 is an introductory course in chemistry with an environmental spin - that is we use examples and applications of environmental interest.
The only pre-requisite is math code 30 - competence in elementary algebra (HSU Math 40) - a background in high school chemistry may help, but I don't expect it.
Go over the Syllabus, Lecture Schedule, and Lab Schedule. Note grading, lab attendance, and quiz/examination policies. With large classes like this I generally use the high score (total points) to normalize the scores - that is I call it 100%. Cut-offs are then 90% for an A-, 80% for a B-, 65% for a C-, and 50% for a D. Remember that a "D" is a passing grade, and may be all your major requires, however, a C- is necessary to proceed on to Chem 328 and may be necessary in other instances as well.
You should check the web site for Chem 107 regularly - all updates etc, will be posted there:
- In particular, I will be posting the Quiz topics on the Lab Schedule each week _ I will NOT be handing out a hard copy of the lab schedule as I want to make sure you find this schedule on-line.
- Lecture notes will generally be posted within 24 h of the lecture.
  - Corrections, errors etc. in lectures will be posted in the notes and noted on the lecture schedule.
As many of you know, Chemistry has a reputation as an elimination course - this is not a point of pride, nor is it intentional on the part of the Chemistry Department. Many of you will find chemistry very challenging. This is in part because it requires a variety of mental skills for success: memorization/language acquisition (a first semester chem course routinely requires the mastery of more new vocabulary than a first semester foreign language course), mastery of elementary algebra, reading/interpretation, problem solving, abstract reasoning, visualization, observation, etc. As a result failure rates in introductory chemistry classes tend to be high. With this in mind expect to work hard in Chem 107.

How to Study:

Nearly everything you will need to know will be covered in lecture - so it is very important to attend lectures and take good notes (the web notes may be helpful here, but should not be considered a substitute for your own notes!).
The textbook is meant as a supplement and a source of problems, examples etc. You may find the author more understandable or more compatible with your style than me, so read the chapters.
You should do as many of the end of chapter exercises etc. in your text or on ARIS as it takes to become confident of your grasp of chemistry.
Study Time/Study Skills:
- Keep in mind that most students can only study new material for about 15 - 20 minutes without a break (even the best can usually only go for 45 min). Even a few minutes break will usually help.
- Want to maximize lecture efficiency since most of material will be covered in lecture. Three traditional suggestions:
  - Review the last lecture's materials just before lecture to get your mind on track so you don't "lose" the first few minutes
  - Read over your notes from lecture as soon as you can, annotating them with things you remember but missed etc.
  - At the earliest opportunity, rewrite you notes with the aid of the on-line notes and/or your text to make an effective set of study notes.
- Look ahead at the material to be covered, then in lecture "think ahead of the lecturer" and see if your right! That is, try and anticipate what is to be covered. This will make the lecture more entertaining and engaging and thus a better learning experience. It is one of the main characteristics shared by top professionals in all fields as well as successful graduate students when listening to oral presentations.
- Reward yourself for hard work - take a break to watch a favorite show, play a short computer game, eat a favorite treat etc.
- Take off at least on day for fun - guilt free (after all your Chemistry Professor told you to, so I guess its kind of an assignment [you know what kind of reputations they have as hard-ass types]).
- Notice that much of this will be more effective if you carefully schedule your time.

Clickers

We will be using Clickers this semester to interact in lecture and to take attendance - make sure you bring your clicker starting the second week!

ARIS

We will be using ARIS as a graded on-line homework. I will email the class with instructions for getting on to ARIS before Thursday's lecture.

About Me:

My degree and formal training is in Biochemistry and Biophysics, I've been teaching Biochemistry in the CSU since 1974. I've also taught Clinical chemistry (what they test your blood for at the hospital and what it means), Environmental chemistry, Toxicology, and Chemical instrumentation. I also have a strong background in history of science and scientific instruments, evolution and the Precambrian (check out my web museums).

What is Chemistry?

H₂ balloons.

Chemistry is the study of matter and its transformations.

"Classical" chemistry involves mostly electron transfers and/or interactions of charges (electron and nuclear). As we'll see only some electrons in atoms are involved - the outer or valence electrons of atoms.
Nuclear chemistry is an extension of chemistry where nuclei are transformed changing one kind of atom (element or isotope) to another. This is a completely separate realm of phenomena, largely unimportant in everyday life (unless you work at a nuclear power plant!).