City College of New York

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chem 10401

General Chemistry 2

Lecture

Twice a week, 1 hour 15 minutes

Lab 

Once a week, 1 hour 50 minutes

Recitation 

Once a week, 1 hour 50 minutes

Course Description

This course is the second of a two-semester sequence and provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamental laws and techniques of chemistry for majors in science and engineering.  Topics include: intermolecular forces, solutions and their physical properties, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, solubility and complex ion equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. It consists of three components (lecture, laboratory, and recitation), which are integrated to provide a comprehensive but thorough introduction to the principles of chemistry.  The laboratory component introduces students to common laboratory methods including visible spectroscopy and titration.

Hours/Credits: 3 lecture, 2 recitation, 2 lab. hr./wk.; 4 cr.

Prerequisite:  Chem 10301 with a grade of C or better

Textbook

Julia Burdge, “Chemistry. 4^th Edition”, McGraw-Hill, 2016. Chem 10401 covers chapters 11 and 13-20. The CCNY online bookstore has a package which includes the full loose-leaf version of the text and Two Year Connect access code (you will need this code to access the online study modules and materials). The ISBN for this package is 9781260022094. The bookstore also has the Two Year Connect access code which includes the eBook and access to the online study modules and materials.  The ISBN for this package is 9781260022193. Alternatively, you can purchase the second package online.

Online assignments

Online assignments will account for 10% of the grade and include two types of activities: a) reading assignments and b) online homework based on problems from the book. Registration is free with a registration code from a new textbook. Otherwise, you will need to purchase access to the online homework. A 14-day Courtesy Access is also available, in case you are not certain about completing this class. An online access code also provides you access to the full electronic version of the textbook.

Your reading assignments will have to be completed before the corresponding lecture and are based on the “Smartbook” concept. For more information please consult https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqmcJVdRMoi371pyeElfcjcX_a08MAo1X.

For tutorials and FAQs please consult http://www.connectstudentsuccess.com/. For tech support go to www.mhhe.com/support or call (800) 331-5094.

      Calculator

A simple scientific calculator is necessary for CHEM 10301.

      Exams and Grading

There will be three midterms during the semester and a comprehensive final examination.  The lowest grade of the three midterms will be dropped. The final grade is a composite of the score in the other two midterms, the final exam, the laboratory, online assignments and recitation sessions.

No makeups are offered for the midterm exams.  A makeup for the final exam is offered only under compelling circumstances.

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, students should be able to:     

1. Discuss states of matter and properties of solutions and the factors that affect solubility, and understand and interpret colligative properties, molality, and colloids and their applications to solutions.

2. Understand chemical kinetics, reaction rates, factors that influence the reaction rates,

reaction mechanisms, and catalysis.

3. Develop conceptual knowledge of equilibrium, equilibrium constant, and their

applications to systems at equilibrium, and apply Le Chatelier’s principles and its

applications to systems at equilibrium.

4. Develop knowledge about acid-base equilibria, the pH scale, perform calculations into

the pH of solutions of acids and bases of varying strengths, predict the strength of an acid

or base by examining its structural properties, and apply principles of buffered solutions

and the role they play in the environment and biological system.

5. Explore solubility, factors the affect solubility, and the separation of ions by precipitation.

6. Define entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics and how to relate it to

everyday life, define Gibbs free energy and its relation to the enthalpy and entropy, and

manipulate equations and make sense out of relating the free energy, enthalpy, entropy,

and the equilibrium constants.

7. Develop the skills for balancing oxidation-reduction reactions, explore electrochemical

cells and the effect of concentration on the cell potential, and be aware of how batteries

operate and building different types of batteries.

8. Explore nuclear chemistry by exploring radioactivity, patterns of nuclear stability, rates of decay, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and the energy changes that accompanies a nuclear reaction.

9. Develop the capabilities to solve problems by combining several concepts in chemistry.

10. Write a laboratory report including data and analysis.

11. Be able to conduct a variety of experiments (titrations, spectroscopic) including

accurate recording of results and preparation of calibration curves.

12. Work as part of a problem solving team to solve chemistry problems.

Topics covered

1. States of Mater and Intermolecular Forces
2. Physical Properties of Solutions
3. Chemical Kinetics: Rates and Mechanisms of Chemical Reactions
4. Chemical Equilibrium
5. Acids, Bases, and Acid–Base Equilibria
6. More Equilibria in Aqueous Solutions: Slightly Soluble Salts and Complex Ions
7. Thermodynamics: Spontaneity, Entropy, and Free Energy
8. Electrochemistry
9. Nuclear Chemistry

Study tips

Learning Chemistry is cumulative – if you miss a class you will miss a significant building block, which will affect your exam performance, scores, and final grade as well as your ability to understand material in future courses.  So, attendance for all lectures, labs, and workshops while required is critical to your success.  Further, your own practice by doing homework and becoming engaged with the material as well as engaged with your classmates in workshop and lab discussions of chemical concepts will help you build your knowledge to succeed.  Learning these skills will prepare you for your chosen major and professional career. You will need a simple scientific calculator for this course.

Plan at least three hours of study (reading the chapter and completing the problem sets -“homework”) time for every hour you spend in class.  Do the problem sets individually (without help from friends or classmates) initially.  Please look at a related problem in the solution manual to help you solve the assigned problem.  If you are still unable to solve the problem, then ask a friend, classmate, workshop leader, TA, or Professor for help.

Attend workshop: finish the Self-Test, finish the workshop problems, and ask questions.

Seek help when you have difficulty (office hours, tutoring, study groups with workshop).

Free tutorial service may be available

Please check with the Chemistry Office (MR1024), the CCAPP office (MR Plaza), or the Engineering School.

Attendance (general CCNY policy)

Students are expected to attend every class session of each course in which they are enrolled and to be on time. An instructor has the right to drop a student from a course for excessive absence. Students are advised to determine the instructor’s policy at the first class session. They should note that an instructor may treat lateness as equivalent to absence. (No distinction is made between excused and unexcused absences.) Each instructor retains the right to establish his or her own policy, but students should be guided by the following general College policy: In courses designated as clinical, performance, laboratory or field work courses, the limit on absences is established by the individual instructor (see above). For all other courses, the number of hours absent may not exceed twice the number of contact hours the course meets per week. When a student is dropped for excessive absence, the Registrar will enter the grade of WU.

Courtesy

Noise and excessive chatter, eating, drinking, or use of unauthorized electronic equipment is not allowed in the classroom.

Statement on Academic Integrity

The CCNY policy on academic integrity will be followed in this course. The document can be found through the CCNY website by clicking on Current Students → Academic Services → Policy on Academic Integrity. All students must read the details regarding plagiarism and cheating in order to be familiar with the rules of the college. Cases where academic integrity is compromised will be prosecuted according to these rules.  In addition, the Policy of Academic Integrity can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin 2007-2009 in Appendix B.3 on page 312.

Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable academic accommodations if determined eligible by the AccessAbility Center (AAC). Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student’s eligibility from the AAC, which is located in NAC 1/218. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate contact with the AAC and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Academic Appeals

The faculty of each of the schools defines the degree requirements, academic standards, and rules, and in general has jurisdiction over all of the courses offered by that school. Each of the schools has a Committee on Course and Standing charged with overseeing enforcement of these matters and dealing with special cases and appeals. Students have the right to appeal to the appropriate Committee on Course and Standing any decision made by individual faculty members or administrators about these academic matters. Students must consult with their academic advisor for the appropriate appeals procedure. The Committees on Course and Standing are the final authority on enforcement of curriculum, degree requirements, academic standards, grades and academic rules. It should be noted that most academic rules are enforced without exception.

Grievances

Students with grievances concerning classroom matters other than grades should first attempt to resolve the grievance at the department level through discussion with the faculty member(s) or department chair. If the matter is not resolved, the student or department may refer the problem to the appropriate academic dean, the Ombudsman, or the Vice President for Student Affairs, who shall, if necessary, refer it to the Office of the Provost for further consideration and possible action.

Make-up examination for INC grades

INC may be assigned to students who have a passing grade (average on all the exams) in the course but who are unable to take the final examination due to conflict with another scheduled examination, death of spouse, injury sustained in a catastrophic incident, etc. (proof is also required). An Incomplete Grade Agreement form must be signed by the Instructor before the student is allowed to take the makeup exam.  Payment of a fee at the Bursar's office is required in order to take the makeup examination. Makeup exam for INC grades in Chemistry courses will be completed no later than two weeks after the end of classes. 

Wellness

If you find yourself suffering during this or any other semester from anxiety, stress, or issues related to mental health, this is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is recommended you seek help.  The Wellness and Counseling Center (WCC) at City College provides counseling and psychological services to all registered CCNY students.  There is no charge for these services, and sessions are confidential.

http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/current/student/services/wellness/index.cfm