UNIT 1 - Vocab and Numbers
In order for us to discuss different chemical phenomena, we will need a common language. In chemistry, as in any profession, there is a particular language that is used to describe aspects of different compounds. If you want to become a lawyer, there are certain words that you need to be able to recall on the spot, you need to speak the language. The same can be said of chemistry. There are several words that you will be expected to understand so we can talk to class. The only true way to communicate data is quantitatively. The data that scientists collect generally does not come in nice whole numbers. The values that we will work with are either extremely large or unbelievably small. These types of values are written in what is called scientific notation. This is a tool that you will be able to use throughout your life when looking at large and small numbers. When measuring a given quantity, there should be a unit associated with it. The length of the chemistry room is 25. This does not give an observer any idea of that actual size. If 25 cm, then it is a very small room, if 25 km, then the room is comically large. 25 m would be a realistic measurement. The final section of this unit is a review of different glassware that you will see this year. There is a large amount of glassware used in laboratories, however, we will be covering the glassware that is most common.