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NGSShigh school

High School Chemistry

From atoms to reactions to real-world applications: atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, acids and bases, equilibrium, and organic chemistry. A full-year course that builds both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.

5units
13topics
175questions
~4hours

Course Units

Learning objectives

  • Describe the structure of an atom including protons, neutrons, and electrons
  • Write electron configurations and relate them to an element's position on the periodic table
  • Explain periodic trends in atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity
  • Distinguish between isotopes and ions based on subatomic particle counts
  • Analyze photoelectron spectroscopy data to determine electron configurations and support the shell model of the atom

Learning objectives

  • Distinguish between ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding based on electron behavior
  • Draw Lewis structures and predict molecular geometry using VSEPR theory
  • Explain how intermolecular forces determine physical properties of substances
  • Relate bond polarity to electronegativity differences between atoms
  • Predict the physical properties of a substance based on the types and strengths of its intermolecular forces

Learning objectives

  • Classify chemical reactions by type including synthesis, decomposition, and combustion
  • Balance chemical equations and apply the law of conservation of mass
  • Use mole ratios to calculate quantities of reactants and products in stoichiometric problems
  • Determine the limiting reagent and calculate percent yield of a reaction
  • Apply the mole concept to convert between mass, moles, and number of particles
  • Analyze the results of a laboratory reaction to calculate percent yield and identify sources of experimental error

Learning objectives

  • Calculate enthalpy changes using calorimetry and Hess's law
  • Distinguish between exothermic and endothermic reactions using energy diagrams
  • Explain how temperature, concentration, and catalysts affect reaction rates
  • Describe the behavior of acids and bases using the pH scale and neutralization reactions
  • Calculate the pH of a solution and predict the products of an acid-base neutralization reaction

Learning objectives

  • Explain why carbon is uniquely suited to form the backbone of organic molecules
  • Identify and name common functional groups including hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups
  • Describe the structure and properties of hydrocarbons including alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes
  • Connect organic chemistry to biochemistry through the roles of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids
  • Classify organic reactions by type including addition, substitution, and condensation and predict their products