Experiment #2 Pre-lab assignment

The pre-lab for experiment #2 instructs you to use the CRC handbook of Chemistry and Physics. This is a very powerful resource for many scientists.

“The CRC Handbook provides broad coverage of all types of physical science data commonly encountered by scientists and engineers. Notwithstanding the growing availability of specialized databases on the Internet, we feel there is still a need for a concise, reliable reference source spanning the full range of the physical sciences and focusing on key data that are frequently needed by R&D professionals, engineers, and students. The CRC Handbook, in its print, CD-ROM, and Internet formats, is aimed at serving these needs. The data contained in the Handbook have been carefully evaluated by experts in each field; quality control is a high priority and the sources are documented. The annual updates make it possible to add new and improved data in a timely fashion.”
David R. Lide, ed., CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 89th Edition,
CRC Press/Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton, FL.

Every chemist in the world has used the CRC Handbook at one time in their academic career. It is an absolute must have for every research group. Its contents are jam packed with so much valuable information. Of particular interest for this lab are the physical and chemical properties of the chemicals listed in Table 1. Throughout all three general chemistry courses you will frequently use the CRC Handbook, so be sure to familiarize yourself with it.

Copies of the CRC Handbook can be found on the first floor of the Science and Engineering Library, but we are currently moving towards solely using the on-line version, which is very easy to access. If you login to this course on carmen click on the Library link on the top red tool bar and the page shown below should pop up. Be sure to check out the recommended links posted by the library and they will definitely help whenever you are instructed to use the CRC Handbook.

Lecture #4, Wednesday, September 30th

Today we discussed Avagadro's constant and how the mole relates the number of atoms to its mass. We went over several mole to gram and gram to mole conversions and it is vital that you understand how to do these calculations like the back of your hand. I also discussed the main ideas for Experiment #2.

If you are keeping up with the material you should be working on questions 1-5 of the collected homework and questions 1-32 of the additional exercises.

Chapter 2 Additional Exercises

I posted the additional exercises for Chapter 2 on Carmen. You should have no problem with problems 1-21 after Monday's lecture.

Be sure to be working these problems first then check the answer key only to check you answers.

Lecture #3, Monday, September 28th

Today's material covers Chapter 2: Atoms, Molecules, and Ions.

I first defined an atom and described the three subatomic particles an atom is composed of: the proton, neutron, and electron.

Next we defined an element and then described the notation chemists use to represent elements. From these symbols you MUST be able to determine how many protons, neutrons, and electrons each element possesses. Also, if I give you the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons and atom/ion has you must be able to produce the proper elemental symbol.

An element is characterized by the number of protons it has. If we vary the number of protons we have an new element. But chemists can manipulate the number of neutrons and electrons an element contains. This leads to two new terms: ions and isotopes. Be sure you know the similarities and differences between atoms, elements, isotopes, and ions.

We ended lecture discussing the atomic mass listed on the periodic table and we will start on Wed by finishing the calculation to determine the atomic mass of chlorine.

If you have been keeping up with the material you should be finished with homework set #1 and I will post a new homework set tomorrow evening after the first set of quizzes have been completed.

See you in class on Wed, Dr. Fus

Lecture #2, Friday, September 25th

Today I covered the material in Chapter 1. I defined chemistry and talked about its importance in our society.

Chemistry is an EXPERIMENTAL science and chemists are interested in observing and interpreting experimental measurements.

I showed some powerpoint slides on some definitions from chapter 1 and then went through some conversion factor problems emphasizing significant figures.

If you are keeping up with the material you should have already finished reading chapter 1 and by the time you begin recitation this week you need to complete the assigned collected homework and should complete the additional Chapter 1 exercises.

Have a great weekend and if you happen to be going to the Horseshoe enjoy the game.

GO BUCKS!

Carmen Academic Misconduct Quiz Question #12

For the last question (#12) in the COAM quiz on carmen there are two correct answers and you must check BOTH boxes in order to get the question correct.

Survey Comments

To start things out, I'll give you my answers to the survey questions...

My undergrad major was chemistry with a minor in math. In high school I took AP Chem and AP Calc, but I only took regular physics. In grad school I specialized in solid state inorganic chemistry and got my PhD. from The Ohio State University in 2007.

Favorite Songs: Anything country especially Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley. I'm starting to take a liking to rap a little more these days and nothing gets me fired up more than listening to the Ohio State marching band.

Favorite TV Shows: Anything ESPN: SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, Pardon the Interuption, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, The Office, House, Seinfeld, and Everybody Loves Raymond.

Favorite Movies: The Hangover, Wedding Crashers, Fever Pitch, Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, and Mona Lisa Smile.

I can't wait to get started with the course and summary of some of the grade expectations and my favorite comments/expectations. (All student responses are in bold)

I’m freaked out! This is my second time taking this course, not because I failed, but because I got a C, but I’m starting fresh and re-learning it, because I didn’t get it the first time.

I’m sure you’re a nice dude, but I have low expectations for this class. I’ve been through this before and it was quite the humbling experience. However offering tons of help on-line and during lecture could help.
Taking general chemistry at Ohio State can definitely be a humbling experience. I asked you to fill in the grade you expect to earn in this class here were the results: A+ (2%), A (48%), A- (4%), A – B (11%), B (31%), and C (4%).

First of all, this is college and we don’t give out an A+. Here are the results from last year’s Chem 121 class that I taught: A (7%), A- (3%), B+ (8%), B (12%), B- (9%), C+ (15%), C (12%), C- (10%), D+ (9%), D (3%), and F (12%).

Keep in mind that chemistry is the “central science” and many majors require students to take general chemistry to ensure that students in their field meet a certain standard of excellence. You may have heard this referred to as a weed out process, but we need our doctors and engineers to be the best of the best. As a student in the sciences you will not only be competing against the top students in this country, but also around the world.

Writing formulas and bonds, also stoichiometry scare me to death
Let’s hope that after the quarter is over you aren’t quite as scared to write them out :)

I’m only nervous about making the transition between high school science class and college science class.
It is quite a transition between high school and college chemistry. 23 students took both AP Chem and AP Calc. There transition should be much easier, but the biggest difference between the two is the labs. Speaking of labs…

I am absolutely TERRIFIED of the labs!
Many students get really worked up about the labs. My guess is that not many of you had adequate labs in high school and it also freaks students out that the labs have an accuracy component. You also do not get points for trying and participation, but in certain labs you are graded on how well you perform them. The best word of advice I can give is that you need to read ahead and prepare yourself and RELAX when you are in the lab. Many students get a case of the yips when they step foot in the lab. Be confident in your abilities and things will work out just fine.

Don’t embarrass me.
As long as you don’t do this we should be fine. Be sure to spend plenty of time in the classroom (and the library) and know your conversion factors.

So far I expect you to be funny and you seem to be able to make this interesting which is an amazing plus. My last chemistry lecturer went too fast and did too many demos that didn’t explain much so just better explanations and demos are not necessary.
I’m not a big fan of demos. Deep down I really don’t think you learn too much from them. They might be entertaining, but the bottom line is that I am here to teach you, not to entertain you. I will do my best to make things interesting and enjoyable and you can always watch demos like this one. Because the coolest ones are “not safe for ANY of our viewers.”

My expectations would be for you to help me not dread or be afraid of chemistry. I’m nervous about EVERYTHING. I don’t want to fail or be in a bad mood just because I’m taking Chem 121.
Keep up with the homework sets, UNDERSTAND them while you are doing them, and ask for help when you need it. No need to dread everything or be in bad mood, or be nervous.

I do expect a changeup from R&B/Rap occasionally.
I absolutely LOVE country music, so you will be hearing plenty of that as well. If you really want to make a song request let me know in lab and I will see what I can do, but I won’t promise anything.

I hope that there will be enough of a connection between student and teacher in order to ensure that as the student I can do my best in this class.
I will be walking through the labs for one reason and one reason only. To get to know the students. I’m not there to check on the TA’s or to make you nervous. I’m there to see how things are going and to take any suggestions you may have. So be sure to say hi :)

Try to get to know us as much as possible and watch the AL dominate in the World Series.
I’m a Cubs fan, but I am from the Philadelphia area and do have a soft spot in my heart for the Phillies. The AL? Remember this? And thanks to Cleveland for Cliff Lee looks like the Phightin’ Phils are gonna repeat!


Some comments make me want to give a healthy “Child Please!” [Go to the 1:20 min mark of the video.]
Curve tests and give extra credit
This is college. There is no extra credit. Child Please

Easy Exams!
The best evaluation you could ever give me is that I am a great lecturer, help you with anything you need, but give tough exams. Again, this is college chemistry, the exams will be tough. Child Please.

Hopefully we get out early on Fridays :)
I have a ton of material to cover this quarter and NEVER plan to let you out early. I typically talk past the bell so please don’t pack up early. Let you out early? Child Please.

Disclaimer: Be careful of what you hear from other students…

I heard you’re a great teacher, so my expectations are pretty high! I’m nervous because I’m not good at chemistry, but I’m going to work hard.
Well I heard that he once had an awkward moment, just to see how it feels.

I heard this is the hardest class ever!
Well I heard that he once taught his dog to bark Spanish.

I heard Chem 121 is a large “weed out” class and I’m worried I’m not going to get the help I need.
Well I heard that his cereal never gets soggy. It just sits there, staying crispy, just for him.

I heard everyone fails his tests.
Well I heard if he were to give you directions… You would never get lost. And you’d arrive at least 5 minutes early.

I already looked at your reviews online and I heard you’re tough, but really helpful and just want everyone to learn the material.
Well I heard that police often question him, just because they find him interesting.

I heard that you truly care and wish to help us.
Ok, so maybe the last two are true. But I can only help you so much. I cannot emphasize how important it is to keep up with the work. I will do everything in my power to motivate you, but it is up to you to get the work done on your own and ask questions when you don’t understand.

Stay thirsty my friends, but be sure to thirst for knowledge.

I expect tons of information thrown at me, but in a manner so it is easy to understand. I’m ready to go!

I can’t wait for this class to begin Dr. Fus!

I can’t wait either. Let’s have a great quarter everyone :)

Lecture #1, Wednesday, September 23rd

Today in class I went over the course expectations and details of the syllabus. There are two quizzes on carmen that need to be completed. One is the academic misconduct (COAM) quiz and the other is a syllabus quiz. Try to get them done and out of the way sooner rather than later.

Also, before Friday's class you should look over the Chapter 1 Supplemental Information notes and read Chapter 1. I will FLY through those notes on Friday and get into Chapter 2 right away. You should also print off the homework set and make a valid attempt at completing it. The homework set will be collected by your recitation TA at the beginning of class on either Tues or Thurs of next week (depending on which day you have recitation) and the quiz content will be based on the homework questions.

Labs start tomorrow and be sure to look over the lab requirements on the syllabus and check out the lab report guidelines and discuss them with your lab TA. Please keep in mind that not all labs require a formal report.

Lastly, a common question that came up today after lecture is whether or not you need to bring your book to class. You will not need to bring it to class as my lectures will be written out on the chalkboard, but be sure to bring a notebook and a pen or pencil. You will also not need your textbook in recitation or lab.

Hope everyone had a great first day of classes. Later tonight I will post the most interesting survey comments. I look forward to get to know each and every one of you this quarter and hopefully we will have a great quarter, Dr. Fus