I. Introduction

General Chemistry I teaches how matter is put together, how we measure and predict chemical amounts, and how energy and chemical change connect.

II. Outline

  1. Measurement, Units, and Significant Figures
    • SI units, Dimensional Analysis
    • uncertainty, sig figs, scientific notation
    • density and unit conversions
  2. Atoms, Elements, and the Periodic Table
    • subatomic particles, isotopes, atomic mass
    • periodic trends
      • radius, ionization energy, electronegativity
  3. Electronic Structure
    • light and spectra
    • quantum ideas, orbitals, electron configurations
    • valence electrons and periodic behavior
  4. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
    • ionic vs covalent bonding
    • Lewis structures, formal charge, resonance
    • VSEPR geometry, polarity, intermolecular forces
  5. Chemical Formulas, Nomenclature, and Reactions
    • naming ionic/molecular compounds, acids/bases
    • reaction types
      • precipitation, acid-base, redox
    • balancing equations
  6. The Mole and Stoichiometry
    • mole concept, molar mass
    • mole-to-mole and mass-to-mass calculations
    • limiting reactant, percent yield, empirical/molecular formulas
  7. Reactions in Aqueous Solution
    • solubility rules, precipitation reactions
    • strong vs weak electrolytes
    • net ionic equations
  8. Gases
    • ideal gas law and gas stoichiometry
    • partial pressure, Dalton’s law
    • kinetic molecular theory, real gases
  9. Thermochemistry
    • heat, work, state functions
    • calorimetry, specific heat
    • enthalpy, Hess’s law, formation enthalpies
  10. Intro to Chemical Equilibrium
    • equilibrium concept and K
    • reaction quotient Q vs K
    • Le Châtelier’s principle
  11. Acids and Bases