Choose at least 2 terms from the list, and answer the following questions for each term:
This week, consider the following terms:
- Acid
- Base
- Chemical equation
- Coefficient
- Combustion reaction
- Insoluble
- Limiting reactant
- Oxidation
- Precipitate
- Product
- Reduction
- Solubility
What familiarity and prior knowledge do you have about the term?
What does the term mean in everyday language to everyday people? Use examples to help describe your thoughts. How do people use the word?
What does the term mean in technical language to chemists?
How is the term related to the course student learning outcome: Represent and quantify chemical reactions at the atomic level?
What are the similarities and differences between the everyday and technical meanings and uses of the term?
What impact might the similarities and differences have on your learning of chemistry concepts in this course?
Sample Solution
Term 1: Acid
Familiarity: I have a strong understanding of acids based on scientific literature.
Everyday Meaning: In everyday language, "acid" is often associated with sour taste. People might use it to describe things like lemons, vinegar, or even stomach upset ("having acid reflux").
Technical Meaning: In chemistry, an acid is a substance that can donate a hydrogen ion (H+) in a water solution. Acids also have a pH lower than 7. There are different types of acids, but this core property of donating a hydrogen ion is what defines them.
Full Answer Section
Course Learning Outcome: Understanding acids is directly related to representing reactions at the atomic level. When an acid donates a hydrogen ion, it essentially breaks a bond between hydrogen and another atom. Writing a balanced chemical equation for an acid-base reaction requires representing the movement of hydrogen ions.
Similarities and Differences: The sour taste association in everyday language aligns with some acids we encounter (e.g., lemons). However, the technical definition is more specific, encompassing the concept of hydrogen ion donation and pH. Everyday language doesn't capture the broader range of acids or their chemical properties.
Impact on Learning: The everyday meaning provides a good starting point, but a deeper understanding of hydrogen ion donation and pH is crucial for accurately representing acid-base reactions at the atomic level.
Term 2: Solubility
Familiarity: I have access to scientific information on solubility.
Everyday Meaning: In everyday language, solubility refers to how well something dissolves in a liquid. People often use it in cooking ("sugar is soluble in water") or cleaning ("this stain isn't soluble in water").
Technical Meaning: In chemistry, solubility is the maximum amount of a substance (solute) that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent (usually a liquid) at a specific temperature and pressure. A solution is considered saturated when no more solute can dissolve.
Course Learning Outcome: Solubility is directly related to representing reactions at the atomic level because it impacts the feasibility of reactions. If reactants are not soluble, they won't be able to interact and the reaction won't occur efficiently.
Similarities and Differences: The everyday meaning accurately captures the essence of dissolving. However, the technical definition provides more specific details about saturation, temperature, and pressure dependence.
Impact on Learning: The everyday understanding is a good foundation. The technical definition adds important details for predicting reaction feasibility and understanding factors that influence how much of a substance can dissolve.