Monthly Archives: March 2021

Hon Chemistry 3-31-21 Orbital Notation & Electron Configuration Notation

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HON CHEMISTRY: Wow, you did a great job today! Did quantum numbers begin making more sense when you started using them? Good work with orbital notation and electron configuration. I think you’re going to be seeing arrows and numbers in your sleep!

And then, just when you were getting the hang of drawing arrows, I go and change it! But don’t you think writing electron configuration notation is a whole lot shorter than doing orbital notation? Don’t get me wrong, knowing how to do orbital is great for seeing how the electrons are paired, but this way is waaaay shorter!

Be sure and practice with the homework tonight, and don’t forget to use the Aufbau “chart”! Did you figure out the riddle!


flickr photo by Iguana Jo

Chemistry 3-29-21 Intro to Atomic Theory

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CHEMISTRY: Here’s the last of our discussion of Dalton’s atomic theory vs. the modern atomic theory. If you weren’t in class today, be sure and get the definitions and applications of allotropes and isotopes. I still say it’s pretty cool that something that was discovered so long ago is something that we use today!

Now on to checking out part of those theories! Today we did Part 1 of the Conservation of Mass lab. If you weren’t in class, you’ll need to make up Part 1 before we do Part 2 in class on Wednesday. You can make it up tomorrow, Tuesday, 5th or 7th periods, or you can come Wednesday morning before school at 7:50 A.M. It will take about 15 minutes. Be sure and read Part 1 of the lab so it will go faster!

Hon Chemistry 3-29-21 Quantum Numbers & Intro to Orbital Notation

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HON CHEMISTRY: Great job with quantum numbers today! And then on to orbital notation! Wow, it was a lot. Confused yet?

Don’t worry! Today you learned all the background information about quantum numbers. Did it start to make more sense when we put it all together with orbital notation? Let’s take it up again tomorrow!


Cartoon courtesy of nearing-zero.net

Hon Chemistry 3-26-21 Bohr vs. Quantum Model of the Atom

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HON CHEMISTRY: I figured anybody who ditched his honeymoon to finalize his work on atomic theory deserved to have his picture on our website.

Here are some of the video clip that begin to show the connection between our lab on spectroscopy, the hydrogen emission spectrum, and how we can identify elements – including the one from today on why it’s all important. They’ll be very helpful as you study!!

The Electromagnetic Spectrum (not the song!)
Emission Spectrum of Hydrogen
Animated Quantum Video is the one that explains all about why scientists began to believe that electrons could be acting as waves


Image source www.atomicarchive.com/Images/bio/B23.jpg

Chemistry 3-26-21 Intro to Atomic Theory

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CHEMISTRY: So how do you feel about being made from earth, air, water, and fire? Here’s the intro we did on how we ended up with the atomic theory. Had you ever heard of Lavosier, Proust, and Dalton?

Pretty impressive little theory that Dalton came up with, huh? Let’s continue comparing it with the Modern Atomic Theory on Monday.

Speaking of impressive – a penny turning to gold – wow!! 🙂

Lost in the Taklamakan

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Welcome to a great adventure! You’ve learned so much this year – not just concepts, but skills, and you’re still learning! I can’t wait to see how you are going to apply it all!

Here’s the place where you can post your questions about the “Lost…”. First answer – the due date is Tuesday, April 20.

A really useful hint? Go back and re-read the project again – this time with a highlighter. It’s amazing how much I miss the first time I read something. So what’s your next question?

Here’s another copy of the first part of the project, if you need it:

Lost in the Taklamakan – Regular Chemistry
Lost in the Taklamakan – Honors Chemistry

Monday – Chemistry Applications 3-22-21

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CHEMISTRY: Isn’t it awesome to find practical ways that chemistry is a part of your everyday life?!

Here’s the assignment for today, Monday. Regular Chemistry – you need to have 3 applications (3 slides). Honors Chemistry needs to have 5 applications (5 slides).

If you didn’t finish in class, it’s due on Tuesday.

Chemistry Applications in Everyday Life

Chemistry 3-10-21 Chapter 9 Test Overview

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CHEMISTRY: I still say stoichiometry is a lot like baking – sometimes you just have to get in there and get your hands dirty! Here is our overview of the test today. The majority of the test is basic reaction stoichiomety, and then limiting reactants and percent yield. Be sure and give that the most of your study time!

Also, review writing and balancing chemical reactions. Most of the stoichiometry problems will require that you begin by doing just that! There will be just one extra jumbo large problem. and Practice, practice, practice!! Don’t forget about the Interactive Review Games with the online textbook. I’ll be praying for you! And I believe in you – you can do this!!


Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

Hon Chemistry 3-9-21 Photoelectric Effect & Hydrogen Emission Spectrum

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HON CHEMISTRY: Wow check out this awesome example of the photoelectric effect – a giant solar flower in Buenos Aires, Argentina! It moves as it follows the sun. Click on the link to learn more. There’s also a link below the vodcast. Giant Solar Flower

Awesome field trip today and great job role playing electrons! Hey what about other applications of the photoelectric effect?


flickr photo by Stuck in Customs