CHEM 120 DeVry All Week Discussions

CHEM 120 DeVry All Week Discussions 

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CHEM 120 DeVry All Week Discussions 

CHEM120 

CHEM 120 DeVry Week 1 Discussion 1 Latest 

Scientific Method and Calculations (graded) 

Let’s explore the scientific method. Here is the situation: We are planting a garden. We have a variety of bulbs and 

potted plants. We do not have any directions on how or when to plant each of these items. We do not have any 

gardening books, magazines, or access to the Internet (Oh, the horror!). We need to observe a number of 

characteristics for these plants. 

What are some of the characteristics that we want to observe? What might be your initial hypothesis? How would you 

set up an experiment to test your hypothesis? 


Atoms and Atomic Structure (graded) 

There are a number of elements (minerals) that are important to human nutrition. These include sodium, potassium, 

calcium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, iodine, molybdenum, and selenium. Using the periodic table 

of elements, pick one of these elements and determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons found in this 

atom. 

Check out the interactive periodic table in the Week 1 Lecture for more information on how to calculate the number of 

protons, neutrons, and electrons. It is recommended to print a copy of the table from the interactive periodic table. 


Chemical Names (graded) 

Sulfates, sulfites, nitrates, nitrites—how does one keep all of these similar but different names straight? 

Let’s begin this discussion by talking about the naming of different compounds. Why would it be important to make sure 

that you know which compound is associated with which name? To apply these concepts, look at problems 18 and 22 

on page 122. Choose one part of the problem, and provide your answer. 


Chemical Structures (graded) 

The electron configuration of an atom determines the number of electrons available to participate in bonding with 

another atom. One method of depicting the valence electrons that an atom has is through the Lewis structure.

To begin this discussion, pick an element from the periodic table of elements. Identify the valence electrons and the 

orbitals in which they reside. You can use the textbook and lecture. 

Note: The goal of this exercise is to become familiar with the concepts. This discussion will also explore how this 

impacts the ability of atoms to bond and the 3D structure of the molecule. 


Chemical Reactions and Equations (graded) 

Understanding chemical reactions and the information that is available in a balanced chemical reaction is an important 

concept in chemistry. By working with a variety of problems, one will become comfortable with the concepts and be 

able to apply these concepts. The first concept that we will discuss is balancing chemical reactions. 

Look at the Self-Assessment Questions on page 129 in your textbook. 

To begin, pick either question I, II, III, or IV from problem 1. 

1. Determine the number of atoms for each element in the reactants. 

2. Determine the number of atoms for each element in the products. 

3. Given this determination, is the reaction balanced? 

4. If the reaction is not balanced, what is the balanced chemical reaction? 


Molarity and Solution Calculations (graded) 

Professionals in a scientific laboratory and in the healthcare field need to accurately prepare solutions for a number of 

reasons. 

If you wear contacts, you probably use a saline solution to rinse your contacts. 

 

 

 

What solutions do you use at work? How would you calculate the amount of solute to the solvent to prepare 

this solution? 

If you do not wear contacts but you use or make cleaning solutions for your housework, how would you 

accurately prepare solutions to clean? 

What solutions do you use that use percent concentration? 


Gases (graded) 

Matter exists in three different states: solid, liquid, and gas. Depending upon its physical properties, matter will be found 

in one of these states at ambient temperature and pressure. 

Describe a situation where a substance changed between the solid and liquid states or between liquid and gas states? 

Can you describe an example of when a substance changed between the gas and solid states? Let’s see how many 

different examples we can describe. 


Acids and Bases (graded) 

While we often do not realize it, acidic and basic solutions are a part of our daily lives. 

Describe an example of when you have used an acidic or basic solution in your home. Let’s see how many different 

examples we can describe.


Organic Molecules 1 (graded) 

Describe a way in which you use organic compounds in your home or work environment. Choose a compound that is 

classified as an ether, aldehyde, ketone, ester, or alcohol. Let’s see how many different examples can be described. 


Organic Molecules 2 (graded) 

Describe a way in which you use organic compounds in your home or work environment. Choose a compound that is 

classified as an amide, amine, thiol, carboxylate, or halocarbon. Let’s see how many different examples can be 

described. 


Polymers (graded) 

Look around your home. What do you have in your home that is constructed from a synthetic polymer? Identify the type 

of polymer and its monomer. Let’s see how many different examples can be identified. 


Nuclear Chemistry and Energy (graded) 

Radiation can be found in different forms. Electromagnetic radiation is something that we use every day. Ionizing 

radiation can cause damage to living tissue. Take a look around you. Describe an example of a way in which you are 

impacted by radiation. Is this a type of ionizing radiation? What is the source of this radiation? Let’s see how many 

different examples can be identified. 


Carbohydrate, Lipid, and Protein Structures (graded) 

Carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins! Take a look around your home. Describe an example of a carbohydrate, lipid, 

and/or protein found in your home. Let’s see how many different examples can be described. 


Nucleic Acid Structure and Flow of Genetic Information (graded) 

In the news, we often hear examples of how DNA or the transfer of genetic information impacted someone’s life. 

Examples range from DNA fingerprinting to genetically engineered organisms to an individual with a genetic disease. 

In each of these scenarios, the structure of nucleic acids and the flow of genetic information through mRNA to protein 

are involved. Describe an example of the how the structure of DNA or the transfer of genetic information impacted 

someone’s life.

CHEM 120 DeVry All Week Discussions

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