Web Resources for the Stoichiometry Unit

Here are a few helpful links that I found to be really helpful in stoichiometry.

1. Stoichiometry - This is the best website to learn everything. You just click on a concept and it takes you to a video in which everything about the concept is explained. I love Khan academy.
2. Stoichiometry Problems - This website has several problems relating to stoichiometry. It also has hints for select problems.
3. Sample Stoich Problems - This just contains a few examples of stoich problems if you are still a little confused about the whole how to do it part.
4. Theoretical and Percent Yield - This website contains information about how to do percent yield problems.
5. Percent Yield Problems - This contains some practice problems about percent yields.
6. More percent Yield Problems - This contains some more percent yield problems.

All of these contributed to my learning in this unit in some way. I suggest you use some of these as practice for the final exam.

Final Unit Test on Stoichiometry

This test was the easiest test ever!!! I am so happy that this was our last unit. I think I got an 'A' because of this test and I owe it all to this unit. It was just so easy. The 12 questions were just so easy that I feel like I didn't need all that time. I mean I only had 10 minutes extra time, but I spent some time checking answers. I actually was very busy the night before and decided not to study. I mean I just wing every test anyways, but I really wanted to study for this one as it would determine my semester grade. But as usual, I managed my time badly and ended up not studying. In the morning I printed out the test ticklr and that saved my life. I never thought that the exam would have the exact same question but with different numbers. Doing that ticklr saved me 10 mins on the test. The test itself was the most shocking thing. For the first time, the final unit test was not completely random. The problems were closely related to what we practiced and learned in class. That really was helpful. Also, I was one of the questions on the test!!! It had to do with me and my partner's lab and I was really excited about being on the test! I think I covered everything I needed to and I fell confident about this test. I know I got that 'A'!

http://icarusediting.com/essay-tips/steps-to-writing-an-essay-that-will-make-your-teacher-smile-part-1

Copper (II) Chloride and Iron Lab

I gotta say, this was actually one of the coolest labs we have done this year. This lab was the experiment of the single replacement reaction: Fe + CuCl2 ---> Cu + FeCl2.  On the first day, we put a polished iron nail in a solution of water and Copper (II) Chloride in a baby food jar. After that, we let it sit overnight for the reaction to take place. On the next day, we took out the nail and washed to copper with water and HCl. This is to clean and purify the copper. Then, we let the copper dry over the weekend so that we would get an accurate measurement of the copper. The whole purpose of this lab was to see the theoretical and actual yields of the copper, so we could find the percent yield of the copper. The coolest part about this lab was to see that the nail had been eaten by the solution. The strong nail broke apart and literally dissolved! This lab was just awesome!

Weekly Quiz on Stoichiometry

I gotta say, my opinion about this unit has changed. I thought it was super easy and that the unit test would be freakin awesome. But now I found another problem. As they say, "There is always a problem in Chemistry." The weekly quiz was pretty easy. Honestly, I didn't think it was hard. But the problem was time. It took us 50 minutes to do 10 stoichiometry problems. If we get 30 of those problems on the unit test, I wonder what is gonna happen. I think at least Mrs. Frankenberg should break apart the question into multiple questions involving steps. That way we can actually finish the test. The questions were easy, but they took sooo long! I did enough work on that quiz to fill 10 pages of notes. Every question was about the same. This was the only good part. There wasn't too much thinking involved. It was a little tricky but I caught on. The hardest part for me was trust. I did each problem and checked it like 10 times. Mostly because I know that if I mess up a single digit, it could mess up the whole answer. And also, Mrs. Frankenberg works each problem the wrong ways too. So I was unsure about every single answer, thinking that I was falling into her trap. This is weird, but I think she is testing our patience and concentration. If I lose track for one second, I know that I am gonna miss that question. Well anyways, hopefully the unit test will be fine. Hope is all I have left...

First Lecture of Stoichiometry

I got to say, my first impression at this unit was awesome. The lecture was just so easy, that I could not believe my ears. Stoichiometry (pronounced stoy-ki-oh-met-ri), is just such a misleading name. I thought this unit was just gonna be crazy hard. I was even more afraid for my grade. After that last Unit test, my grade took a pretty big downfall. But turns out, this unit is one of the easiest in the whole of Semester 1. I am just even more happy that this unit test is gonna boost my grade up. I am looking for that 'A' in chemistry. Yup, I think I am gonna get an 'A' this semester. Stoichiometry is just  fancy name for conversion. During the lecture, I learned that stoichiometry is really simple. It has 5 steps which don't change, even if the problem changes. We take one element and convert into a compound. This unit is a combination of the chemical composition and chemical reactions unit. There is nothing more that that. Its just plain and simple. On the lecture on Monday, we are going to listen to the second half of the lecture.

This is the steps for stoichiometry calculation

http://study.com/academy/lesson/mass-to-mass-stoichiometric-calculations.html

Web Resources for Chemical Reactions Unit

Here is a list of web resources for this unit. If you need to reference this unit for the final exam, I recommend these resources. Sorry I am posting this after the test, but I was kind of busy with this unit. Hopefully you like these resources.

1. Balancing Chemical Equations - This website shows you how to balance chemical equations and also has a couple good examples which show you what you do if you encounter any irregular equations.
2. Combustion Reactions - This website covers all you need to know about combustion reactions. It also has a video explaining chemical reactions.
3. Precipitation Reactions - This website covers the whole precipitation reaction and also has a condensed form of the solubility rules.
4. Solubility Rules Memorization - This website has two ways to remember the solubility rules.
5. Acid-Base Reactions - This website has an overview on acid base reactions and also has several examples. This website also provides free live chem tutoring so if you need help, you can go ask for help.
6. Redox Reactions - This website further explains redox reactions and also contains 10 examples on how to solve redox reactions. I used this website for help when I had a doubt about something related to redox reactions.

Chemical Reactions Test

My study session started yesterday at about 8 pm. I first, read the notes and read the rules and memorized and understood as much as I could. I did not look at the group chat as they were talking way too much. I took a 1 hour nap and when I woke p, there were 306 messages from groupme. So I decided not to read the chat. After I studied the notes, I took both practice tests. I missed two questions on the first one and missed none on the second. I felt pretty confident. I had a good night's sleep. This was the me yesterday. I woke up in the morning and went to school as usual. At about 3rd hour, I asked my friend about the test. She said it was alright so I relaxed. Then at lunch, my other friend told me that it was the hardest test of his life. I stared at him in disbelief. He was pretty smart too so I got a little worried. But I still didn't review and stayed strong. After I got the test packet, you will not believe the expression on my face. It looked a little like this.

I had no clue where these problems came from. I went through the test and did what I could. Turns out I skipped 7 problems out of 30. I went back and answered to the best of my ability. Most of those 7 are probably wrong. What I would be thankful for was if this test didn't drop my semester grade too much. Well, lets see what happens.

Reactivity Series Lab

This lab was almost exactly the same as the previous lab, which was the the solubility lab. We used the exact same well plates and we were mixing 2 things. The only difference was that we were looking to see if there was a chemical reaction in the reactivity series lab. In this lab however, we were conducting redox reactions. We were not conducting double replacement reactions. The prelab for this quiz was pretty easy. Partner A got a multiple choice and naturally, me being partner B, got the non multiple choice question. Although, I got the easy question this time. It was a 2 letter answer so no work involved. It didn't even take me a minute to do it. Naturally, me and my partner both passed. The lab itself wasn't too hard. It was writing the chemical equations at the end, which got me. I do not believe we did net ionic equations for redox, so we had o figure that out ourselves. In the lab, we combined a metal and a liquid compound. We were to see if there was any bubbling or fizzing or color change to indicate if the reaction took place. Then we had to make our own reactivity series. Calcium was on top because it reacted with all the compounds and lead was placed at the bottom as it didn't react with any of them. Calcium reacting is kind of cool as it fizzes and creates smoke. Overall, this lab was pretty fun.

Redox Lecture

This lecture was not something I would have expected. We were supposed to listen to the lecture before Thanksgiving break. But due to change of plans by Mrs. Frankenberg, we had to listen to the lecture the day we came back. She said that this lecture was going to be one of the  hardest to understand. But when we listened to the lecture, it wasn't too hard to understand. I actually felt confident about this unit. This was the me, 2 days ago. Here I am now, wondering what I am doing with my life.... I have no clue what these problems are talking about and I feel like I am gonna cry. Mostly because I know the test is gonna be really hard. I did some of the practice tests and they weren't too hard. I think I should be somewhat okay. We will see what happens.

Weekly Quiz over Chemical Reactions

This weekly quiz wasn't too bad. It was nothing compared to the previous quiz. This one was really easy. The part that helped me the most was the fact that there was no review on the quiz. And this lesson itself isn't too hard. I didn't spend too much time studying. I studied about 15 minutes in my math classroom. I kind of remember the solubility rules of the top of my head now. Everything was going well, but then my friend told me that there were a couple questions about a precipitate. I forgot what that meant so I got nervous. I tried finding it in my book, but then I saw my friend. I asked her and she told me that a precipitate is the driving force. After I learned that, I was confident again. I answered every question and only guessed on one. This equation was kind of hard to balance so I kind of gave up and guessed an answer. A lot of people said that I guessed the right answer so I was happy. I think this might have been my first hundred in the class. Hopefully, the unit exam is also this easy.

Solubility Lab

This was the first lab for the Chemical Reactions unit. This lab was quite interesting. As usual, there was a lab quiz, but whether you fail or pass, you get to do the lab. The pre-lab question wasn't too hard. Again, there was a partner A and B and I was partner B, again. As usual, partner A gets the easy question and my partner got done in 10 seconds. It didn't take me too long though. I finished in about 2 minutes. We both got it right and entered the lab. The lab was basically dropping two liquids and watching to see a color or substance change. It was kind of cool in the beginning, but it got boring towards the end. This lab wasn't that special so there isn't much to talk about. After the lab, we were told to write the equations for the ones that worked during the lab. This was a lot of work. Took me a whole 15 MINUTES!!! My hand hurt a little after writing 2 pages of chemical equations. I was tired, but then I got over it. And then I turned it in. I took a couple pics. Too bad they aren't selfies... :/ Selfie with the well thingy is kind of hard.

 

Web Resources for the Chemical Composition Unit

Here is a list of a couple web resources that I used for this unit. This unit involved a couple concepts so I have a resource or two for each concepts. I have also summarized the information in each website so that it will be easier for you guys to study from.

1. Conversion/Mole map - This website includes some information on the molar map. It also has a couple practice problems.
2. Calculating Molar Mass - This website tells you how to calculate molar mass. It also contains a couple practice problems.
3. Molar Mass Practice Quiz - This website contains a practice quiz on calculating molar mass of compounds.
4. Moles - This website gives more information on moles. It is very useful for those who are still confused on the mole concept.
5. Percent Composition Practice Quiz - This website has a practice quiz on percent composition by mass.
6. Empirical Formulas - This website clears doubts for those who are unsure about empirical formulas.

All of these websites helped me understand this unit. If you guys need study resources for the test, these websites will prove to be helpful for you. Good luck on the test guys.

Formula of a Chloride Lab

Yesterday in class, we did the formula of a chloride lab. We made zinc chloride in the lab. To first do the lab, we had to do a pre-lab question. It wasn't too hard but I was happy that me and my partner passed it. I think about 2 groups failed and the rest passed. When we went to our lab station, we first weighed a dry 100 ml beaker. Then we added a tiny piece of zinc to the beaker and weighed the mass again. After that, we measured 10 ml of 3M HCl in a graduated cylinder. Using a hot plate, we heated the mixture until all the zinc dissolved and until all the water disappeared. We had to take it off right after the water disappeared or else the salt would decompose and start releasing chlorine gas. So after we took it off the hot plate, we placed it on a hot pad and let it cool with a little help from the paper fan. After that we weighed the beaker and recorded the mass. This was the end of the lab procedure. We didn't want to finish the work cause we were too tired so we decided to eat the Doritos from Mole day. Even though that was a long time ago, the Doritos still tasted pretty good.

Chemical Composition Weekly Quiz #1

This was actually a very hard test. I don't know how to explain it. Even though it felt like you knew everything on the test, you couldn't solve anything. The first question was what threw me off. I don't know why but on most chem tests, the first question is very difficult. If you don't skip it and come back to it later, you will not be able to do good on the test as a whole. I was very anxious about what this test is gonna do to my grade. Also, this test was 17 questions so if u miss 4, you are down to a C. When I got the results, I was pretty happy with what I got. I mean it wasn't the best, but it also wasn't the worst. I know already about two of the questions I missed. What I don't know is the third question that I missed. I was even more happier when I found out that my grade only dropped about 1%. Well that's it for today. Cya later, my fans.

Hydrate Lab

This lab was pretty interesting. The pre-lab question was kind of new this time. We get to choose if we want to be Person A or Person B. Person A gets the lab information question and Person B gets the math question. I was Person B... It was intense. My partner got his question right in 10 seconds and that put more pressure on me. I was nervous. And we only got 3 minutes for the pre-lab. I passed it all right. The lab was about heating copper sulfate. I was happy that we got to play around with fire. I was even happier that there weren't any accidents. The bad part was that heating and weighing was pretty much all we did in the lab. It wasn't anything else. I was amazed that this took us all hour though. Well atleast now I am confident in calculating everything. I think I am gonna ace the test we are taking tomorrow. I don't think I need luck for this test. I will be back to post again tomorrow, after the test.

Lecture on Hydrates

Yesterday in class, we learned about hydrates. Hydrates are compounds that have water molecules as part of their chemical structure. If they lose the water in them by like evaporation, they become an anhydride. A substance can only be an anhydride if it was a hydrate before. The cool thing about hydrates is that if they become anhydride, they can be rehydrated by adding water to them. The nomenclature for hydrates is very simple. It is regular nomenclature plus the word hydrate with a number prefix for hydrate. The prefix represents the number of water molecules. We also learned to use the ratio of the anhydrous salt to the water to solve equations. These equations were fairly easy to complete but a small mistake in any calculation can be devastating. This lecture was not in the textbook, but it was specifically for the Hydrate lab that we will be doing on Monday.

Here is an example of a Hydrate

http://tjjaletai.en.china.cn/selling-leads/detail,1135646230,Anhydrous-Cupric-Sulfate.html

Pre-Test for Chemical Composition Unit

This test was very hard. I arrived a little late first of all but time wasn't the issue on this test. I had absolutely no clue what this unit was about. I didn't know the main thing in this pre-test. We previously didn't learn on how to convert from moles to mass and mass to moles and the test had like 30 of those questions. The only thing I did on this test was guessing. I knew about the last couple questions as they didn't have to ado much about moles. I have never used moles before so I didn't know what to do with them. A mole is a pretty big number and I have no idea what it represents. I am not looking forward to this unit. I don't like the fact that we have two tough units in a row and that could be terrible for my grade. I actually did surprisingly well on my unit exam for last unit, which was measurement. I think my grade is safe but, not for long...

http://www.redbubble.com/people/emojishirts/works/14663169-grin-emoji

Web Resources for Measurement Unit

Here is a list of web resources that really helped me with this project and helped me understand this unit.

1. Metric Kitchen - This was the website given to us by our teacher, Mrs. Frankenberg. This website really helped me convert most of the ingredients in my recipes. Thanks Mrs. Frankenberg.
2. Cooking Measurement Equivalents - I found this link a little after I finished my work for the Last Meal project. I wish I had used these measurement converters. This website converts teaspoons into mLs and grams so this one is technically better than the metric kitchen.
3. Counting Significant Digits - This website is pretty good. If you are unsure about measuring the distance in a ruler or graduated cylinder, this website page is for you. It talks about how to measure the ruler and graduated cylinder the right way. I used this website for learning another concept in this unit. The link to that page will be below.
4. Rounding Significant Figures - This page talks about how and where to round in significant figures. I know that we all know how to round normal numbers in math but this concept in chemistry is actually very confusing. This page kind of helped be understand this concept in a better way.
5. Units and Dimensions - This website is actually very good because it tells you the prefixes for the unit and what they equal. It is generally very hard to remember each one so this website may help you. Also a new thing I learned was that the prefix smaller than pico- is femto-. Femto- is equal to 10^-15, so that is 1000 times smaller than pico-. That was a pretty cool thing I learned. This website also teaches you how to convert. I am pretty good at that so it didn't help me too much.
6. Density Related Problems - If you are looking for more practice questions involving density, this is the website for you. It only has 10, but they are good questions for extra practice. A little extra practice wouldn't hurt, right?

Final Unit Test For Measurement

This test was by far the hardest test I ever took. I really had to use all of my brain to finish this test in time and hopefully correctly. The hardest part about this test was the fact that everything you learned in math till now, is useless for this unit. It was so different from the traditional math that I had such a hard time with it. Also  the problems with significant figures really got me. I mean I got the ones which were like 'find the number with the most number of significant zeros', but the ones involving a lot of math calculations were hard. I was especially very confused about whether to punch it all in the calculator and round in the end or round every time. I was unsure about pretty much every answer on the test. If this unit is gonna be on the final exam, I am gonna need a lot of review. Well I am hoping for atleast a not bad grade because I don't want my quarter and semester grade to go down too much. Wish me luck for future tests guys. I need it. Peace out!

I need to improve on the measurement unit....

Source for the picture:

1. Measurement Process. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2015, from http://www.zenoviaandrews.com/uncategorized/measurement-process

Measurement Weekly Quiz #1

This was by far, the only test I thought I did good on. Turns out, I got a bad grade... I thought I did great on this test, but I didn't. I still haven't seen which questions I got wrong. I will find out on Thursday, probably. I missed 4 questions, and it brought my grade down. That's why I don't like tests which have less than 30 question. If I miss a couple questions, I drop a lot of percentage points. Well, there wasn't really anything I didn't understand on the test. The only doubt I had was about the problem where I didn't get an exact answer. I was close to the answer but I was a little off. Well, I guess I have to find out later about what answers I got wrong. I also have to take the PSAT tomorrow. Wish me luck on the PSAT and the Unit exam guys. Gotta go. Cya!



Picture sources:

1. The source for the A+
2. The source for the arrow
3. The source for the B+

Aspirin Lab Day 2

This is the second day of the aspirin lab. On this day, we did the last 2 steps of the lab. After we let the mixture sit overnight, the crystals formed the right way. If it didn't we would have had to scratch the side of the beaker with a stirring rod to induce crystallization. But, we didn't have to do that. To collect the product, we used a buchner funnel and filter paper to separate the water and the product. We also used a vacuum made by a tube and running water to suck out all the water on the aspirin. This process is called suction filtration. After we ran it for about 15 mins, we placed the filter paper and aspirin on the lab bench. We are gonna let them completely dry over the fall break and then we are going to measure it and see what percent yield we had. This is the end of day 2.

Sources;

For pictures:

1. Buchner Funnels. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2015, from http://orgchem.colorado.edu/Technique/Equipment/Benchglass/Buchnerfun.html

Aspirin Lab Day 1

In this lab we created aspirin. We used salicylic acid and acetic anhydride to make aspirin. Sulfuric acid was the catalyst. We split the lab into 2 days. In day 1, we measured out 5 grams of salicylic acid. To this we added 7 ml of acetic anhydride, Then we added 8 drops of sulfuric acid with a simple pipette. After this we mixed the contents using a stirring rod. Then we heated the mixture using a hot water bath and a hot plate. We heat the mixture for 15 mins after it begins to boil. When the mixture is heated, acetylsalicylic acid and acetic acid is formed. After this we cool the mixture by removing it from the hot plate and placing it on a hot pad. After 3 mins, we slowly add 15 ml of ice cold water to the flask to remove the excess acetic anhydride. Then we poured the contents into a smaller beaker and covered it with a post it and let is sit overnight. This is the end of Day 1 of the aspirin lab.

Sources:

For picture:

1. Aspirin Powder - Buy Aspirin Powder, Price , Photo Aspirin Powder, from Tradeniger Impex Private, Limited. Pharmaceutical Drug on Allbiz Mumbai India. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2015, from http://mumbai.all.biz/aspirin-powder-g551089#.VhajOvlViko

Web resources for Unit 2

Here is a list of web resources I have found that really helped me with this project.

1. Stellar Database - This contains all information on any known star.
2. 100,000 stars - This is an interactive experiment set up by google that shows s number of stars and some information on them.
3. Element list chart - This shows the elements for the star with a specific spectral class.
4. Star's Stellar Classification - This shows the stellar classification/spectral class for the listed stars.
5. Interactive Periodic Table - This is an online interactive periodic table. It is very useful. Especially if you have a periodic table which does not have the information you require.
6. Atomic Structure and Radioactivity - This is an online lesson on the atomic structure and radioactivity unit. This is what I used to do the reading guides. The reading guides really help me study. This online lesson is very close to the lesson in our textbook.

Unit Test for Atomic Structure and Radioactivity

I think I did pretty good this test. I was unsure about a few things on the test, but it was fairly easy. I am expecting a pretty good grade on this test. I didn't have too much time to study for it though. I kind of had to fix some things on my star log project. But, I think I did alright. This unit moved very quickly. It all got wrapped in 2 weeks. All right then, that's it for today. Cya'll later.

Star Log Project

Okay, I know I am procrastinating with this project, but I have really been busy this week. I am probably going to get it done this weekend because I won't have time during next week. The project is due next Thursday, so I have to get it done this weekend. Wish me luck because I am gonna have a very busy weekend! (wow, I am really starting to use this as my journal. I should probably stop...)

First Weekly Quiz

Wow, this quiz was a shocker. I did not know we had a test in the class until one of my friends told me about 20 minutes before the test. I didn't prepare but I knew most of the stuff so I did pretty good on the test. Although I got mastery in most of the objectives, I got a pretty bad grade in one of them. The good news is that if I get mastery over this objective on the next test, my chemistry teacher will drop the bad score. Alright guys, wish me luck on the next test. I know when it is so I can study for it. :)

Beanium Lab

The Beanium lab was an experiment done to test the reason why the atomic mass on the periodic table is never a whole number. The procedure had us count the beans and then weigh them and calculate the average mass of the isotope, abundances, and the average atomic mass. This lab was pretty fun, but I can't wait till we get to do an actual experiment involving chemicals.

Isotopes

Today, we learned in class about isotopes. We learned how isotopes are determined by the number of neutrons in the element. We also learned about the isotopic symbol and how to write and interpret it. After this, we played a game where we take the signature of a person who knows the answer to the question. This was to help us review about the isotopes.

Pre-Test Unit 2

That was definitely one of the worst pre-tests I had. I didn't know anything on the test. Boy, if that was for a grade, I would have an 'F' in this class right now. I kinda figured some stuff out in the end, but the rest of it was just hard. A test which was even worse than this was the ACT. I had to take it last Thursday. I never thought it could be soo hard. I got sick after taking the ACT... that definietely wasn't fun. Well at least they were both practice or pre-tests. They are not for a grade! Or are they????

Final Thoughts About Nomenclature

I was thinking. I already know a couple ways of naming compounds. There might be more though. I really don't know what 'thoughts' I have about nomenclature. This is about it. I already summed up the things I learned in the other post.

Things I Learned in Nomenclature

There are different ways of naming compounds. It also depends on if the compound is ionic or covalent. There are two ways for naming ionic compounds. Type 1 compounds have cations with a constant charge. Type 2 compounds have cations with a variable charge. Type 3 are covalent compounds. This type of naming is used if the the cation is nonmetal. Then there is polyatomic ions. This is a summary of what I learned in nomenclature.

Introduction Page

'Sup everyone. I am Varun. I am gonna post about stuff in chemistry. Well not yet but later. I am a sophomore in FHHS. I play tennis during the spring. I'm pretty cool once you get to know me. Hope you enjoy my blog. By the way feel free to comment. Comments help me a lot. Also if u do notice a mistake. Let me know. Thank you for the effort. Thanks for viewing my blog everyone! Cya later!