Chemistry is a vast subject, more than you or I could ever know, but fortunately learning the fundamentals of chemistry is possible. One fundamental of chemistry is understanding the electrons, neutrons, and protons that make up atoms. It

1
Fundamentals of Chemistry
Syllabus for CHM-130 MWF (7am-750) section 1111
Instructor Ken Costello
The images shown above represent the evolution of
chemistry. For example, on the left the four
recognized elements were fire, air, earth, and
water but it turned out that none were elements.
We now recognize 116 elements. The other images
also have their stories, which we will discuss in
class.
Welcome to the Fundamentals of Chemistry. I
find that dividing a chemistry topic into three
areas of focus makes it easier to understand.
?The building blocks focus sees chemicals coming
from simpler building blocks. ?Chemistry also
involves force and energy. For example,
attraction and repulsion of - charges guide
the assembly of atoms and chemicals. ?The third
part of chemistry involves mathematics. The Earth
represents the Metric system which is based on
Earth measurements and water.
Chemistry is a vast subject, more than you or I
could ever know, but fortunately learning the
fundamentals of chemistry is possible. One
fundamental of chemistry is understanding the
electrons, neutrons, and protons that make up
atoms. Its amazing that everything you can see
or touch is made from these three tiny particles.
However, their microscopic world is very
bizarre, similar but stranger than Hollywoods
virtual world called the Matrix. After learning
chemistry you will look at the world very
differently.
2
Textbook Fundamentals of Chemistry by Ralph A.
Burns, 4th Edition
To the left is the textbook. I do not follow it
too closely, but it is a good textbook that could
supplement my lectures. I cover additional
material not in the textbook. There exists a
study guide and solutions manual,but I dont
require them.
The textbook may or may not come with a CD-ROM.
It doesnt matter if you get it or not.
You will also need a scientific calculator. Not
right away but starting the fourth week.
Phone [phone] Email
costello_at_mail.mc.maricopa.edu
Instructor Ken Costello
Physical
Science
PS1W
Nursing
MC185
Math
Life
Library
Science
Classroom PS1W, Office MC185
Map to Office
Office hours Tue, Wed, Thur 230-430
www.chemistryland.com/CHM130/chm130home.html
Things you should expect to get out of this
course.

1. Gain an appreciation of chemistry its value to
   society, its role in history, the effort to get
   this far, and the modern marvels.
2. Learn about chemistrys building blocks from
   light ? matter/antimatter ? protons electrons
   neutrons ? atoms ? compounds ? organic vs.
   inorganic ? small compounds (CH4, CO2, H2O, SiO2)
   ? large compounds (sugars, amino acids,
   hydrocarbons) ? macromolecules (starch,
   cellulose, proteins, DNA)
3. Learn how to approach a chemistry topic as a
   blend of building blocks, force energy, and
   mathematics.
4. Learn the fundamental behaviors of atoms
   Electrostatic forces, the bizarre world of
   quantum physics, chemical bonding, and the
   periodic behaviors indicated in the Periodic
   Table.
5. Smarter consumer of chemical products Better
   understanding of labels, smarter at reading past
   the hype or paranoia, and better at recognizing
   pseudoscience.
6. Improved chance of survival Knowledge of
   neutralizing acids/bases, better avoidance of
   chemical dangers, better at improvising, better
   at solving problems, and better at critical
   thinking.

You will also get the competencies listed at
www.dist.maricopa.edu/curriculum/A-C/016chm130.htm
l
3
Below is the planned schedule however,
unexpected events may change the schedule.
Changes announced in class will override this
schedule. Also expect daily short quizzes.
Course Schedule
On Mondays (shaded) the topic will normally
reinforce the concepts that relate to the
CHM130LL lab of that week.
ApproxDate Subject Details Related chap/page Activity in Chem Lab
Aug 22 First day of class.gt Introductions gtSyllabus Introduction to the class. Handout and presentation of syllabus.   Safety video
Aug 24 2nd day The 3 Barriers to Learning Approach to learning chemistry. You will learn about the three common barriers to learning a subject and how to use this in learning chemistry.   Safety video
Aug 26 Why did chemistry become a science? (plus group photos) Driven by needs wants chemistry throughout history improved survival and improved the quality of life. (Group photos to help me learn names) Chap 1.1 Safety video
Aug 29 Chaos to Order Periodic Table and where elements came from The Periodic table helps us organize the elements. But first where did elements come from and where are they now? (nuclear chemistry cosmology) Parts of Chap. 7, Chap 18 Periodic table, names, oxidation numbersSeparation of Mixture
Aug 30 Chemistry Its all about building blocks Light ? particles ? atoms ? Elements ? Compounds The simplicity of building blocks is the secret of the physical universe. Light builds protons, electrons, neutrons, that builds the elements. Elements build compounds small compounds build macromolecules. Parts of the following chapters 2, 18, 19, 20 Periodic table, names, oxidation numbersSeparation of Mixture
Sep 2 Math So Misunderstood Dimensional Analysis Metric System Origin of Math and common misunderstandings. By examining dimensions you can set up problems correctly. The origin of the metric system Part of Chapter 3, Appendix D Periodic table, names, oxidation numbersSeparation of Mixture
Sep 5 Labor Day (No Class) Nomenclature- Binary CompoundsLab Measure-ments, Signi- ficant Figures
Sep 7 Whats in a name? Nomenclature Binary compounds. Naming compounds whose two elements share electrons (covalent bonding) plus naming compounds where one element (usually a metal) has given one or more electrons to another element (ionic bonding) Chap. 6. Nomenclature- Binary CompoundsLab Measure-ments, Signi- ficant Figures
Sep 9 Dimensional Analysis Metrics (continued) More practice on using dimensional analysis and working with metric units. Include density, temp, mass. Hand out study guide for first exam. Part of Chapter 3, Appendix D Nomenclature- Binary CompoundsLab Measure-ments, Signi- ficant Figures
Sep 12 Naming ionic compounds Polyatomic ions Nomenclature of ionic compounds and polyatomic ions. Learn names and uses. Intro to Lewis structures Chap. 6 Nomenclature-TernaryTemp, Mass, Vol, Density
Sep 14 First Exam Test on all material covered up to Sept. 9th. Nomenclature-TernaryTemp, Mass, Vol, Density
Sep 16 Types of Chemical Reactions Learn about synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion reactions. Chap. 10 Nomenclature-TernaryTemp, Mass, Vol, Density
Sept 19 Specific Heat Learn how different substances store different amounts of heat and how to calculate that amount of heat energy.  pp. 67, 115, 397-400 Specific Heat
Sep 21 Art of Counting without CountingMoles Molar Mass Formula and Molecular Weights. Moles and Molar Mass. Avogadro's number. Empirical and Molecular formulas. Chapter 9 Specific Heat
Sep 23 Moles Molar Mass (continued) Do calculations for grams to moles, moles to grams for elements and compounds. Chapter 9 Specific Heat
4
Approx.Date Subject Details Related chap/page Activity in Chem Lab
Sep 26 Review nomenclature Review nomenclature Chap. 6 Major 50pt quiz-Nomenclature Equation Writing Balancing
Sep 28 Equation Writing and Balancing Solubility Rules Writing chemical equations is two-part. First, will the reaction take place? Second, if so, then how are all the elements accounted for? (Balancing) Chap. 10 Major 50pt quiz-Nomenclature Equation Writing Balancing
Sep 30 Waste Not, Want Not Stoichiometry Calculations based on chemical equations. Mole to Mole calculations, Mole to Mass calculations, limiting reactant, percent yield. Chapter 11 Major 50pt quiz-Nomenclature Equation Writing Balancing
Oct 3 Activity series, redox reactions Learn what drives single replacement reactions. Learn to use the activity series and what electrons are transferred. Chap 17, p295-9, 528 Single Replacement Reactions.
Oct 5 Stoichiometry (continued) More practice on stoichiometry problems. Chap 11 Single Replacement Reactions.
Oct 7 Good Bad news of chemistry Learn what makes chemistry easy or hard. (Recap past concepts and preview future concepts) Single Replacement Reactions.
Oct 10 Oxidizers Stoichiometry Learn uses and chemistry of oxidizers including KClO3. Do stoichiometry problems that relate to oxidizers. p.515-520, Decomposition of Potassium Chlorate
Oct 12 Acids and Bases Historical significance of acids and bases. Acids as H donors. Bases as OH- donors. Other definitions of acids and bases. pH Scale. Chapter 16 Decomposition of Potassium Chlorate
Oct 14 Review for second test Test will cover all material from Sept. 16 to Oct 12. Decomposition of Potassium Chlorate
Oct 17 Hydrates (Stoichiometry applied) Certain salts that have combined with a set amount of water are called hydrates. They are a source of water and can be made to be desiccants (absorbers of water) P174-5, 254, 625 Water in Hydrates
Oct 19 Second Test Test will cover all material from Sept. 16 to Oct 12. Water in Hydrates
Oct 21 Tips on Poster Making(Hand out 10 homework assignments) Learn to make educational posters that grab and hold attention and teaches. Begin chemistry topic search. (Hand-out 10 homework assignments) Water in Hydrates
Oct 24 Review Reactions Balancing Conductivity (electrolytes) Review synthesis, decomposition, single double replacement, and combustion reactions. Balance equations. Predict products. Learn about electrolytes Chap. 10, 17 Major Quiz on Equation balancing, classification, prediction of products Conductivity lab
Oct 26 Discuss second test results Examine strengths weakness from 2nd test. Receive prescription of what to study or get tutoring on. Major Quiz on Equation balancing, classification, prediction of products Conductivity lab
Oct 28 Halloween Chemistry Demonstrations Learn the chemistry for magic tricks, special effects, slime, and other attention getters. Major Quiz on Equation balancing, classification, prediction of products Conductivity lab
Oct 31 Chemistry of double replacement reactions Learn the driving forces of double replacement reactions. Learn molecular, total ionic, and net ionic equations. P287, 299-304 Double replacement Reactions Lab
Nov 2 Solubility polar solvents ways to measure concentrations Solubility of ionic covalent compounds. Qualitative terms of concentration. Quantitative measurements w/w, v/v, w/v, w/v, ppm, ppb, molarity. Chapter 14 Double replacement Reactions Lab
Nov. 4 Fluorides (Electronegativity, MSDS, concentration, acid/base) Special presentation on the use of fluoride to prevent tooth decay and the controversy that surrounds it. Good application of acids and bases, electronegativity, concentrations calculations. Chap 16. Chap 8.3 Double replacement Reactions Lab
5
Approx.Date Subject Details Related chap/page Activity in Chem Lab
Nov 7 Theory behind lab on qualitative analysis of ions. Solubility rules, acid-base neutralization, decomposition, oxidation/reduction. p. 300, 303, 471 Qualitative analysis of anions Lab
Nov 9 Gas and the various laws that govern its behavior. Boyle's law, Charles Law, Guy-Lussac's Law, Combined Gas Law, Avogadro's Law, Ideal Gas Law, Dalton's Law of partial pressures. Kinetic molecular theory. Standard temp, pressure. Chap. 12  Qualitative analysis of anions Lab
Nov 11 Veterans Day (No Class) Qualitative analysis of anions Lab
Nov 14 Acid/Base titration Learn the theory and math behind acid base titrations p.499-500 Preparation of a Standard Base
Nov 16 Representations of molecular structure Lewis Couper structures plus molecular, Kekulé, condensed, shorthand formulas, VSEPR. Chap 8, p231-238 Preparation of a Standard Base
Nov 18 Quantum Model of AtomThird Exam (Take-home) Electrons live in the bizarre world of quantum physics. Pass out third exam (take-home exam) Chap 5.5 thru 5.10 Preparation of a Standard Base
Nov 21 Four forces of nature (electromagnetic, strong weak nuclear forces, gravity) String theory including quantum mechanics, and the unification of the four forces of nature. p. 127, 132-6 No Labs. Thanks-giving
Nov 23 Educational Posters Due Review of posters (Posters will be displayed in corridor leading to library) No Labs. Thanks-giving
Nov 25 Thanksgiving Break   No Labs. Thanks-giving
Nov 28 Third exam due Reaction Rates and Equilibrium refresh titration calculations Collision theory, factors that control reaction rates, catalysts, Le Chatelier's principle. Chapter 15  Determin-ation of Concen-tration of Acid
Nov 30 Forensic Chemistry (application of chemistry learned in class) Presentation and demonstration of forensic chemistry. Determin-ation of Concen-tration of Acid
Dec 2 Homework assignments dueDiscuss third exam results Examine strengths and weakness from third test. Receive prescription of what to restudy or get tutoring on. Determin-ation of Concen-tration of Acid
Dec 5 Chemistry on demand Rapid fire questions regarding wide range of chemical concepts calculations answered when called upon.  
Dec 7 Review for Final    
Dec 9 To be announced
Dec 12 Final Exam this week
Dec 16 Grades turned in
6
Special Learning Needs
If you have any special learning needs, let me
know, but first visit our Disabilities Resources
Services Office. They will work with both you
and me to find ways to help. Deaf students will
enjoy the many visuals I use in class. Visually
impaired students with some vision can get my
PowerPoints so they can view them in the
librarys Adaptive Lab. Totally blind students
will have a bigger challenge, but I am willing to
try some alternatives.
TEST A four letter word
No one likes tests, even teachers. In the old
days, when people learned by apprenticeship,
there wasnt a need for tests because the master
knew how the apprentice was doing by watching him
or her and regularly asking questions. However,
in a classroom of 40 students, the instructor may
have no idea how much a student has learned, so a
test is one way of finding out.
One philosophy of teaching is that instructors
are only sure that they have taught the subject
if they find out that students have learned the
subject. In other words, I must ask you a lot of
questions to see if both you and I are doing a
good job.
Everyone gets it correct
My expectation is that everyone understands
everything on the test and gets it 100 right.
Everyone may not get it 100 the first time, but
they should get it correct on the 2nd, or 3rd
time. It makes no sense to go on when there is
something critical missing. Much of chemistry
builds off the previous material. Of course, a
person who takes three tries to get a question
right doesnt deserve the same amount of credit
as the person who got it right the first time.
But getting it right the third time still
deserves credit. On problems you missed, you have
the opportunity to be retested with a similar
problem. You get 85 of the score you would have
gotten if you got it right the first time. For
example, if you miss a 10 point question but get
a similar one correct on the retest, you make 8.5
points, which is much better than losing all 10
points. You just have to make an extra effort
to do it again. In short, Im more interested
in you learning the material than giving you low
grades. Im not eager to do extra grading, but
Im willing to do that if you are willing to put
in the time to restudy and retest on what you
missed. Final grades are not based on a curve,
so students who ace a test the first time
shouldnt worry about the students who retake the
test to improve their scores.
7
GRADING is not an exact science
I really hate to talk about points for two
reasons First it takes your attention away from
the subject. Second, it implies that grading is
accurate down to the last little point. It
would be hard to prove that a person with 524
points actually knows more than someone with 523
points. Mathematically it seems accurate, but in
actuality grading is approximate. When a
teacher says one question is worth 15 points and
another is worth 10 points, the choice is rather
arbitrary. With this said, we can use points
because it is easy to work with, but it is only
approximate. People who focus only on learning
the subject do better than those who worry about
grades. Thats because when you worry about
points and grades, you are not thinking about the
subject. Listen and learn in class and grades
will take care of themselves. In case you are
still interested, here is the breakdown of points
that will serve as a guide to your grade Daily
quizzes (Attendance) 100 points3 tests 100
points each totaling 300 pointsFinal test 100
pointsPoster project 100 pointsMiscellaneous
assignments 100 points Total 700
points Grades are 90-100A, 80-89B, 70-79C,
60-69D, Below 60F If your points are close to
a better grade, I will always give you the
benefit of the doubt and give you the better
grade because, like I said, grading is not that
accurate. Notice attendance is a big contributor
to your grade because of all of the daily
quizzes. If you miss an exam, I will handle it on
a case-by-case basis. It all depends on the
circumstances involved. I again apologize for
this much attention drawn to tests and points.
Being aware of them is good, but worrying or
being fixated on them will actually take
attention away from learning and hurt your grade.
The best thing is to get interested in the
subject and that motivation will help you do good
on any tests that come your way.
Everyone Finishes
Just like I expect everyone to learn the material
well enough to get an A, I also expect everyone
to finish the class. However, if you miss three
classes in a row without contacting me, I will
telephone you and send email to find out whats
going on. Note I can be pretty flexible when you
have circumstances that warrant it. But if I
cant reach you, I will have to withdraw you from
class. If you disappear a week before class
ends, I may just give you a grade based on your
work up to that time, but lowered because you
missed the final.