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Learning Outcomes - Exam 4

Learning Outcomes for Nuclear Chemistry

Students will be able to…..

  1. Explain the macroscopic observables associated with nuclear change and the microscopic or chemists view of nuclear change.
  2. Identify and define various types of nuclear changes or processes including fission, fusion and decay reactions.
  3. Use proper isotopic notation to write down and balance a nuclear reaction.
  4. State and compare the differences and similarities between a nuclear change and a chemical change.
  5. Recall and properly use Eintein’s theory of relativity equation, E = mc2, to calculate the amount of energy released upon a nuclear change.
  6. Define binding energy and mass defect and be able to calculate each for a given nucleus.
  7. Understand and explain the concept of ionizing radiation and distinguish between the three different types of radiation.
  8. Understand and explain the concept of isotopic stability including the band of stability.
  9. Be familiar with the units used to quantify nuclear decay
  10. Understand the concept of rate of change and half life in the context of nuclear decay.
  11. Understand the basics of nuclear chemistry applications: nuclear power, medical treatment, isotopic labeling, and carbon dating.

Learning Outcomes for Chemical Kinetics

Students will be able to…..

  1. Understand the concept of rate of change associated with chemical change, recognizing that the rate of change and how it can be measured.
  2. Determine rate law of chemical change based on experimental data.
  3. Be able to identify the reaction order for a chemical change.
  4. Understand the concept of pseudo-first order kinetics and when they apply.
  5. Apply integrated rate equations to solve for the concentration of chemical species during a reaction of different orders.
  6. Understand the concept of mechanism and using rate law data predict whether or not a proposed mechanism is viable or not.
  7. Recall and explain why certain factors such as concentration, temperature, medium and the presence of a catalyst will affect the speed of a chemical change.
  8. Interpret a reaction coordinate diagram (aka a potential energy diagram) and determine if such a diagram supports a given single or multistep mechanism, including the concept and depiction of any transition states and reaction intermediates.
  9. Understand the concept of an activation energy in the context of the transition state and be able to calculate the activation energy given some experimental data.
  10. Recall, manipulate and properly employ the Arrhenius Law/Equation.
  11. Explain the function and purpose of a catalyst.

Amendments Specific for Dr. McCord's Exam

Know ALL necessary formulas for answering all the questions that go with the outcomes listed above.

Once again, there ARE many concepts that you must still know from chemical equilibrium and acid/base theory. In particular, still know how to correctly write out a mass action expression (Q or K) and how to calculate the pH of a solution (-log[H+]).