WHAT'S THE MATTER?
We will investigate the intermolecular and intramolecular forces that hold matter together. The shape and polarity of molecules also influences how well matter comes together. In turn, we will use our knowledge about these forces to explain why various substances have different properties, such as different melting points, conductivity, and ductility. We'll apply that knowledge to study substances with useful properties and recent applications in our society, such as superconducting materials, nanomaterials, integrated-circuit chips, polymers, fuel cells, and more. Lastly, we’ll examine how the breaking of bonds and rearrangement of atoms to form new substances can release or absorb heat energy. The release of large amounts of heat energy can be dangerous, but can be harnessed for amazing things such as sending rockets into space!
This course will prepare you for NCEA Level 2 chemistry external assessment opportunity (91164 - 5 credits).
CHEMICAL REACTIVITY
Next, we will focus on some important questions across a broad range of topics in chemistry:
1. How can we speed up or slow down chemical reactions for useful purposes? What are some cool examples and contexts where this is applied?
2. What is dynamic equilibrium, and why is this useful in everyday life, from keeping the world's oceans' pH stable to producing fertiliser to feed the world's rapidly growing population?
3. What are acids and bases, and what are their properties?
Through learning these three topics (rates of reaction, dynamic equilibrium, and acids and bases), students will be prepared for an external assessment worth 4 credits (AS91166).
Essential vocabulary: reaction rate, collision theory, activation energy, catalyst, surface area, temperature, enthalpy change, reversible reaction, dynamic equilibrium, closed system, Le Chatelier's principle, Lewis acids, Lewis bases, dissociation, weak vs strong, dilute vs concentrated, indicator, pH