HeychemTutor got a chance to sit down with esteemed professor and advocate Dr. James Nowick, who is currently based out of the University of California-Irvine. We sat down to discuss chemistry, LGBTQIA+ rights, and advocacy. This was a project Heychem set in celebration of June 2017 Pride month. ~~Interview Start~~ HeyChem: How did you first … Continue reading Interview with James Nowick- Researcher, Educator, Advocate (A Profile Piece)
Chemistry
Determining the Molar Solubility of Iron (II) Hydroxide
Given Question: Calculate the molar solubility of Fe(OH)2 (Ksp=4.87*10^-7). Tutor's Note: The Ksp radical that's written down comes in later, I got confuzzled by my own notes! Happens to all of us. Sorry students 🙂 Step 1: Write out the reaction equation with all ions. Make sure it's balanced! We'll use this in the next step with … Continue reading Determining the Molar Solubility of Iron (II) Hydroxide
Calculating the pH of a Buffer System
The point of this problem is to correctly calculate the pH of a buffer system using formonitrile, or hydrogen cyanide. Here, we use the dissociation constant and the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. Given Problem: Calculate the pH of a buffer that's .250 M HCN (kª= 4.9*10^-10) and 0.170 M KCN. 2. This is to remind us of the … Continue reading Calculating the pH of a Buffer System
Titration of Strong Acid With Strong Base
The goal of this example is to help students become fluent in calculating pH/pOH of a solution during a titration of a strong acid (HCl) and a strong base (NaOH). This problem includes calculations for titrations of increasing volumes. Given Problem: Calculate the pH of a titration of 25.0 mL of HCl (.100 M) with … Continue reading Titration of Strong Acid With Strong Base
Calculating Acid:Buffer Ratio using H-H Equation
Given Question: Which acid would you combine with its Na (sodium) sat to create a buffer with a pH of 7.35. What ratio of a buffer to acid is needed? There are 3 potential buffers provided to choose from. 1. First, we choose which buffer is the best acid to choose to obtain the desired … Continue reading Calculating Acid:Buffer Ratio using H-H Equation
VSEPR Theory Examples (chem.purdue)
Given Problem: Draw the Lewis dot structures, identify the molecular geometry, and give the bond angle for the following compounds: BeF2 BCl3 SI6 1. BeF2: The first step is to draw the Lewis dot structure. This can be done by identifying how many bonding groups are involved. A bonding group, counts as 1 lone electron, an electron pair, … Continue reading VSEPR Theory Examples (chem.purdue)
Balancing Equations (Chem.libretext example)
The point of this exercise is to practice balancing reactions. Many students get overwhelmed when they face having to balance equation usually because it's hard to determine where to start. Given Problem: Lead (IV) Hydroxide and sulfuric acid react as: Pb(OH)4+H2SO4→ Pb(SO4)2+H2O Balance the equation: 1. The first step to balancing a chemical reaction is to identify … Continue reading Balancing Equations (Chem.libretext example)
Profile: Antoine Lavoisier
Antoine Lavoisier (1743-1794) was a pioneer of modern chemistry. Born in Paris, France, in 1743, Lavoisier enjoyed a privileged life as the son of a prominent lawyer. His mother died when he was five years old and left a good amount of money for him. He studied at Collège des Quatre-Nations of the University of Paris between … Continue reading Profile: Antoine Lavoisier
Profile: Sir Ernest Rutherford
Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937) was born in New Zealand to James and Martha Rutherford. He had a quiet childhood complemented by a better education than most kids living in the New Zealand countryside. In 1887 Rutherford won a scholarship to Nelson Collegiate School - at that time it was the only scholarship available to help students attend … Continue reading Profile: Sir Ernest Rutherford
Profile: Dmitri Mendeleev
Dmitri Mendeleev (1834-1907) was born in Verkhnie Aremzyani, Siberia and moved to St. Petersburg at age 16 to enroll in university studies. His father died at age 13, leaving him, his mother, and as many as 11-17 siblings behind (reports vary). While at university Mendeleev flourished as a chemist and graduated top of his class. He earned … Continue reading Profile: Dmitri Mendeleev
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