Objectives of the course:
To study how and why atoms, molecules, and ions react, paying particular
attention to chemical reactions that are critical in cycling elements
through the biosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere; to consider
how these element cycles may be being affected by the actions of
human beings.
Reading:
Munowitz, Michael. Principles of chemistry.
Assignments:
There will be two types of regular assignments in this class. 1.
Homework problems will be assigned regularly. 2. Chapter summaries
will be assigned for each chapter. The purpose of these summaries
is to ensure that you are reading the text carefully and comprehending
the written material. Each chapter summary will contain a 25 (no
more!) word précis summarizing the key idea from each section. Writing
a good précis is a great writing exercise, and will force you to
think critically about what you have just read. Your chapter summary
will also list any questions that you have about the material presented
in the chapter. In addition, before each chapter summary is due,
you will be given several specific questions in class to answer
as part of your summary. The entire chapter summary should not be
more than two typed pages.
Approximate schedule of topics to be covered:
Topic I: The Nitrogen Cycle
Chemical concepts illustrated:
· models of chemical reactions. Book chapter: 3
· stoichiometry, oxidation states Book sections: 2.5, Examples 2-6
to 2-8
· free energy, enthalpy, entropy Book chapters 13 and 14
Week 1: Introduction, overview. Nitrogen cycle overview. Week 2: Models of chemical reactions, practice problems.
What drives the nitrogen cycle (day 1)? Free energy, enthalpy, entropy. Week 3: QUIZ: stoichiometry. Week 4: What drives the nitrogen cycle (continue)? Free energy,
enthalpy, entropy. Week 5: Applied problems/review. Applied problems - summary. Week 6: Exam 1.
Topic II: The Carbon Cycle
Chemical concepts illustrated:
· equilibrium Book chapter 12
· acid/base chemistry Book chapter 16
· solubility Book chapter 15 Week 7: Carbon cycle overview. Carbon cycle and global warming
- revisited. Week 8: Equilibrium. Week 9, 10, 11: The carbonate system - acids, bases, buffers,
and salts. Week 12: Review.
Topic III: The Sulfur Cycle
Chemical concepts illustrated · oxidation/reduction reactions Book
chapter 17
Week 13: Redox chemistry.
Topic IV:Oxygen chemistry
Chemical concepts illustrated:
·Chemical kinetics Book chapter 18
Week 14: Oxygen chemistry overview. Kinetics of chemical
reactions involving oxygen.
Topic V: Case studies/Final review (will require synthesis
of all chemical concepts studied)
