Germany Jahrgangsstufe 12 Chemistry

Chapters: 8

1. How chemists think and work

Chemistry subject knowledge · Scientific inquiry in chemistry · Communicating chemistry · Evaluating chemistry issues

The Scientific Method – The scientific method is the careful way scientists find out how the world works. Observe something, ask a testable question, make a hypothesis (a clear, testable guess), test it with a fair experiment (change one variable, measure one, keep the rest the same), repeat and record data, analyse it, draw a conclusion and share it so others can check. Results that fail the test are useful too: they send you back to a new hypothesis.

Atomic structure and coordinate bonding

Quantum Mechanical Model: Quantum Numbers, Orbitals and Configuration – Moving electrons also behave like waves: λ = h/mv (de Broglie). Because of this we cannot know exact position and momentum together: Δx·Δp ≥ h/4π (Heisenberg). So we drop sharp orbits and use orbitals: regions where the electron is likely to be, from the Schrödinger equation (ψ² gives probability). Four quantum numbers describe each electron: n (shell, size, energy), l (subshell, shape: 0 to n−1), mₗ (orientation: −l to +l) and mₛ (spin: +½ or −½). s is spherical, p is dumbbell, d is mostly four-lobed. Electrons fill by the Aufbau (n + l) rule, Pauli principle (max 2, opposite spins) and Hund's rule (single first). Half-filled and fully filled subshells are extra stable, so Cr is 3d⁵4s¹ and Cu is 3d¹⁰4s¹.

Chemical analysis and ion tests

Tests for Ions: Flame Tests, Hydroxide Precipitates, Anion Tests and Flame Emission Spectroscopy – An ionic compound is made of a positive metal ion and a negative ion. Each can be found with its own test. Flame tests show metal ions by colour: lithium crimson, sodium yellow, potassium lilac, calcium orange-red, copper green. Sodium hydroxide gives coloured hydroxide precipitates: Cu²⁺ blue, Fe²⁺ green, Fe³⁺ brown, Al³⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ white (only Al(OH)₃ dissolves in excess). Carbonates fizz with acid and the gas turns limewater milky. Halides with acidified silver nitrate: chloride white, bromide cream, iodide yellow. Sulfates with acidified barium chloride: white precipitate. Instruments such as flame emission spectroscopy are faster, more sensitive and can measure amounts.

Chemical bonding and orbitals

Valence Bond Theory and Hybridisation – Valence bond theory says a covalent bond forms when half-filled orbitals of two atoms overlap and the two electrons pair up with opposite spins. Head-on overlap makes a strong σ (sigma) bond; side-on overlap of p orbitals makes a weaker π (pi) bond. To explain real shapes, an atom first mixes its orbitals into equal hybrid orbitals: sp (linear, 180°), sp² (trigonal planar, 120°), sp³ (tetrahedral, 109.5°), sp³d (trigonal bipyramidal) and sp³d² (octahedral).

Hydrocarbons and thermochemistry

Enthalpy, Calorimetry and Hess's Law – Enthalpy H = U + pV. At constant pressure the heat taken in or given out equals ΔH; at constant volume it equals ΔU. We measure ΔU in a sealed bomb calorimeter and ΔH in an open cup calorimeter, using q = C ΔT or q = m c ΔT. For gases, ΔH = ΔU + Δn_g RT. The reaction enthalpy ΔrH is negative for exothermic and positive for endothermic reactions, and ΔrH° = ΣΔfH°(products) − ΣΔfH°(reactants). Hess's law: the total enthalpy change is the same whether a reaction happens in one step or many, so thermochemical equations can be added like algebra.

Reaction rate

Rate of a Chemical Reaction – The rate of a reaction tells how fast a reactant is used up or a product is made, per unit time. Rate = −Δ[R]/Δt = +Δ[P]/Δt (unit mol L⁻¹ s⁻¹). The rate law, rate = k[A]^x[B]^y, is found by experiment; x + y is the order. Molecularity is the number of particles that collide in one elementary step.

Chemical equilibrium

Chemical Equilibrium: Kc, Kp, Q and Gibbs Energy – In a closed container a reversible reaction goes both ways. After some time the forward and backward rates become equal, so amounts stop changing, but the reaction does not stop. This is dynamic equilibrium. At equilibrium the ratio of products to reactants (each raised to its coefficient) is a fixed number, the equilibrium constant K. Kc uses concentrations, Kp uses partial pressures, and Kp = Kc(RT)^Δn. Pure solids and liquids are left out of K. The reaction quotient Q tells the direction: Q < K goes forward, Q > K goes backward, Q = K is equilibrium. K and Gibbs energy are linked: ΔG = ΔG° + RT ln Q and ΔG° = −RT ln K.

Redox equilibria and electrochemistry

Galvanic Cells and the Nernst Equation – A galvanic cell turns the energy of a redox reaction into electricity. Oxidation happens at the anode (−) and reduction at the cathode (+). Each electrode has a potential measured against the standard hydrogen electrode (0 V). E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode. The Nernst equation, E = E° − (0.059/n) log Q at 298 K, gives the cell voltage at any concentration, and ΔG = −nFE links voltage to energy.