The purpose of this text is to produce a reliable and free textbook, specifically tailored toward the needs of students studying VCE Chemistry in an attempt to gain the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The eventual aim is to provide a practical alternative to standard textbooks, complete with exercises and worked examples.
Unit 1: The Big Ideas of Chemistry
The Periodic Table
In 1856,Mendeléev,a Russian scientist,was the first to construct a Periodic Table. He pointed out that elements with similar properties kept recurring at regular intervals or periods. He predicted that there were undiscovered elements which could fill these gaps .He even predicted the possible properties of these elements.
- Different Views on Matter
- The Current Periodic Table
The modern Periodic Laws states that the properties of the elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers.
- Relative Atomic Mass and the Mole
Materials
- Metals
- Ionic Compounds
- Covalent molecules, networks and layers
- Carbon Compounds
- Surfaces, Bonding and Nano-particles
Unit 2: Environmental chemistry
Water
- Solubility
- Precipitation
- Acids and Bases
- Stoichiometry
- Redox Reactions and Corrosion
- Green Chemistry
The Atmosphere
- Atmospheric Make-up
- Environmental Issues
- Gases in the Atmosphere
- Properties of Gases
Appendices: Unit 1 and Unit 2
- Units 1 and 2: Glossary
- Periodic Table
Unit 3: Area of Study: Analytical Chemistry
Chemical Analysis
- Analysis via mass
- Volumetric Analysis
- Analysis of acids and bases
- Analysis of oxidants and reductants
- Chromatography
- Spectroscopy
- Combinations of analysis
Unit 4: Chemistry at work
Industrial Chemistry
- Reaction Speed
- Reaction Yield
- Precipitation
- Equilibria with Acids and Bases
- Benefits and Risks of Industrial Chemistry
- Production of Ammonia
- Production of Nitric Acid
- Production of Sulfuric Acid
- Production of Ethene
Supplying and Using Chemistry
- Fossil Fuels
- Alternative Energy
- Energy in Chemical Reactions; heat and electricity
- Batteries and cells
- Electrolysis
Appendices: Units 3 and 4
- Units 3 and 4: Glossary