What is included in a chem 20?

Chem 20, also known as Introduction to Chemical Principles, is an introductory chemistry course that dives deep into the basics of chemical reactions and phenomena. This course covers a wide range of topics that are crucial for anyone interested in pursuing higher education or careers in fields related to the sciences.

If you’re planning on taking this class, then you might be wondering what exactly it entails. Fear not my friend! In this article, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about what’s included in a Chem 20.

The Basics

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s first establish some basic information about Chem 20.

  • It is typically offered at universities and colleges as an introductory level course.
  • The course generally lasts one semester (around four months), though duration can vary depending on institution.
  • Students must have completed high school level mathematics before enrolling.
  • Some institutions may require previous knowledge of chemistry for enrollment, while others offer courses specifically intended for beginners.

Now that we’ve got those out of the way let’s move onto…

Course Content

Atomic Structure & Bonding

This section will give students an understanding of how atoms work including their structure/makeup/, bonding behavior and its relationship with chemical reactivity/properties.
Topics covered or area like:

  • Size and Charge
  • Electrons configuration
  • Energy levels
  • Trends across periods/groups: electronegativity etc
    Also whatever else tickles your fancy!

Acids & Bases

Acidic and basic solutions are important concepts when studying Chemistry as they play a significant role in life processes e.g., digestion). Students learn:
The measurement scales used(Acidity / Alkalinity)
Formulae + types–strong vs weak acids/bases; Bronsted Lowry Acid Base Theory [^1] amongst others.

Thermodynamics

This area of study dives into how energy changes play a critical role in the reactions’ behavior. This topic has its subset too which concern themselves with:

  • Energy exchanges from heat to work and vice versa.
  • Laws (1st+2nd) of thermodynamics/Entropy and Enthalpy calculations[ ^2]!= important.
  • Heat Transfer mechanisms e.g., conduction, convection radiation et al.

Chemical Equilibrium

Everything regarding chemical equilibrium will be covered here; thermodynamic basis for it, different types, Le Chatelier’s principle which describes how reaction conditions are balanced by shifting equilibria towards favourable products [^3]. The following areas will be subsumed directly or indirectly under this section:
– Illicit substances meant only for experimental purposes… no just kidding! Chemical Kinetics makes an appearance here because it also describes shifts from reactants to products like chemical equilibrium does{4}.
– Factors affecting chemical equilibrium
Concentration, pressure & Temperatures

Solutions and Colligative Properties

Ever wonder why sugar dissolves entirely in water, but oil doesn’t? Well you might after a lecture on solutions!
The below topics Will likely mentioned/discussed:

  • Types of Solutions• Molarity/Molality equation/solutions.
  • Raoult’s law. Freezing point depression. Boiling point elevation among others

### Organic Chemistry Basics
Ahh yes!, ever wondered what those molecules made out of carbon that make flowers smell so good are called?
Students get some background on Carbon based compounds =organic compounds:

  • Alkanes,
  • functional groups i.e alcohols/carbonyls/amides),

We could go down the rabbit hole further if we wished!

Course Tools

There are several tools used throughout Chem 20 that students should be familiar with.

  • Textbook(s) + Lecture notes – indispensable to Chem 20.
  • Periodic tables- asides from atomic structure knowledge testing, they’re also helpful memory aids.
  • Scientific Calculator – and learn how to use advanced functions e.g., logarithmic ones/inverse log/)
    • Pro Tip: Practice solving lot of exponential equations by hand; you’ll come out on the other side like a statistical warrior!

Course Load

As with any university course, there will be some homework assignments and exams associated with it. However, the workload for Chem 20 will vary depending on one’s institution requirements that aligns with course objectives.

Generally though students can expect around 2-4 hours per week spent outside class working through problem sets, reading text book(s), or reviewing lecture materials etcetera.

Additionally most universities have lab sessions for chem courses where experiments are performed under lecturers /undergrad student supervision resulting in write-ups all along!

Exams

Usually two tests (Mid-term + Final exam) need to go well if students want an A grade at least!

However schedule changes may occur especially when a pandemic hits so prepare accordingly i.e note taking strategies/prioritize clarifications from Professors et al

Homework Assignments

Lecturers assign periodic homework related material which could involve:
Problem Sets solving,
These queries usually align/respond directly to areas discussed during lectures

 Some tips for nailing these includes:
     -- Understanding questions before answering them.
     -- Before calculus work double-check units

Conclusion

Chemistry is fascinating!, challenging… but mostly fun!!!?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career or higher education in this field ,then It all starts with taking a chem 20 introductory-level course first—knowledge acquired here is foundational because it provides insight into what happens when molecules interacted within living organisms & their environment!

And Just like that; we’ve explored the topics of Atomic Structure & Bonding, Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium amongst others.

Don’t worry if some things feel a little overwhelming at first; Professor’s expertise + Office hours appointments with stressed peers (come exams/assignments season) are just an email/click away till you get better footing!

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