Honor Chemistry
Topic break-down
Recommended text: Introductory Chemistry A foundation (Zumdahl, Decoste)
Topics Sub-topics
Properties of matter Matter
Physical and chemical
properties and changes
Elements and compounds
Mixtures and Pure substances
Separation of mixtures
Bonding Types of chemical bonds
Electronegativity and bond
polarity
Stable electron configurations
and charges of ions
Ionic bonding
Lewis structures
Molecular structure and VSEPR
Intermolecular forces
Chemical periodicity Rutherfords atom
Electromagnetic radiation and
atomic emission
Bohr model and wave
mechanical model of atom
Orbitals and electronic
configuration
Periodic trends
Stoichiometry Atomic mass
The mole quantity
Molar mass
Percent by mass
Content
Describes the arrangement and movement
of particles in the 3 states of matter
Describe and identify properties and
changes
Describe elements and compounds as pure
substances
Describe mixtures as impure substances
that can be separated by physical means
Understand filtration and distillation
Recognize that atoms can form ionic,
covalent or metallic bond
Define electronegativity and understand
that electronegativity difference is related
to bond polarity
Understand the duet and octet rule
Ionic bond as transfer of electron
Learn to draw Lewis structures with the
help of periodic table
Predict molecular shape and angle using
VSEPR
Compare and explain boiling point
difference between substances
Appreciate that the knowledge of atom is
built on evidences obtained in various
experiments
Understand wave properties and light as
waves
Compare the two models of atom and
understand why the Bohr model is now
obsolete
Recognize the shape of different orbitals
and is able to apply rules in working out
electronic configurations
Understand the anomalous configurations
of Cr and Cu
Understand the gradual transition from
metals to metalloids to non-metals in the
periodic table
Relate atomic position to atomic size,
ionization energy
Introduce amu unit
6.02 x 1023
Understand the importance of using mass
per mole of substance in calculations
Be able to calculate percent by mass from a
chemical formula
Honor Chemistry
Topic break-down
Topics Sub-topics
Empirical and molecular
formulae
Mole-mole relationship
Mole-mass relationship
Limiting reactants
Percent yield
Thermochemistry Temperature and heat
Exothermic and endothermic
processes
Measuring energy changes
Hesss law
Spontaneity of reactions
Kinetics Collision theory
Energy profile of reaction and
activation energy
Factors affecting rate of
reaction
Equilibria The equilibrium conditions
Equilibrium constant
Types of equilibria:
Homogeneous and
Heterogeneous equilibria
Le Chtelier's principle
Applications
Acids and bases Introduction to acids and bases
Strength of acid
Water as an amphiprotic
substance
pH scale
pH calculation of strong acid
Buffer
Oxidation-reduction Redox introduction
Oxidation states
Content
Understand the difference between the two
formulae
Learn to relate reaction stoichiometry using
mole ratio
Calculate theoretical yield from given
quantity of reactants
Identify limiting and excess reactants
Calculate percent yield from actual and
theoretical yield
Q = mc delta T
Classify and understand the two types of
energy processes
Describe the basic setup of a calorimeter
and ways to reduce heat loss
Use of Hesss law to calculate unknown
enthalpy change
Use enthalpy and entropy to predict
reaction spontaneity at different
temperature
Understand the requirements for a reaction
to occur
Be able to draw an energy profile (labelled)
and understand the meaning of activation
energy
Describes the 5 factors
Describes some features of equilibrium
Write Kc expressions
Classify equilibria into the 2 types
Describe and apply to principle in predicting
direction of equilibrium
Apply Le Chtelier's principle on Haber and
Contact process
Identify acid and base from their formulae
Distinguish between strong and weak acids
Understand amphiprotic substances as
things that can either accept or donate
protons
Classify substances as acidic, neutral or
basic according to its pH
pH = -log[H+]
Understand the ability of buffer to resist pH
change as a result of its special composition
Describe and explain oxidation and
reduction events in reactions
Calculate and understand the meaning of
oxidation states
Honor Chemistry
Topic break-down

Topics Sub-topics Content

Balancing redox equations Balance redox equations using either the
half-equation method or the oxidation
number method
Electrochemistry Apply concepts of chemical potential to
explain the principle of voltaic (galvanic
cells)
Electrolysis Predict and explain the products formed by
electrolysis of molten ionic compounds