"The First Family Can't Swim"

If nothing else, we learned one thing in class today: the first family can't swim.  Here are videos of each element being put in water...notice any pattern?

Lithium (Li)
Sodium (Na)
Potassium (K) 
Rubidium (Rb)
Cesium (Cs)
Francium (Fr)...bomb

Ch. 5 Atoms, Introduction

So you heard Mr. Stewart's atom analogy, where you pictured the room as an atom.  Here's another good one:  If a golfball was an atom's nucleus, then the whole atom would be the size of a half-mile wide sphere!  Pretty crazy, huh?

The idea of an atom as a mostly empty sphere with a tiny nucleus was proposed by one of the most famous chemists in history: Ernest Rutherford.  Interesting fact:  he was a research assistant for J.J. Thompson, the man that proposed atoms were like plum pudding (or jello salad).  Nothing like proving your boss wrong...

Here's a good video showing a re-make of Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment

If you aren't much of an artist and would like to see some more information about the different atomic theories and models throughout history this table has a nice break down of the discoveries and changes throughout history, and where we are today.

Any of you stuck on writing chemical symbols with their atomic number (# of protons), atomic mass (protons +neutrons), and charge (difference between protons and electrons)?  Maybe this visual will help:

While this is an example for sodium (Na), the numbers should appear in the same places for all elements.

Safety: Hydrochloric Acid

As with any chemical, it's important to know what the safety concerns are.  This week we have been using HCl (hydrochloric acid), and I want to provide you with a bit more information about handling it safely.  For most of you this is already understood, but I strongly suggest reading what is below.  While some of this information is more relevant to you than some of the other details, too much information is never a bad thing when it comes to safety.  As always, let us know if you suspect you spilled or got something on you!

Common Routes of Hydrochloric Acid Exposure

• Inhalation. The most common way for hydrochloric acid to enter the body is through the respiratory
  system. Signs and symptoms of hydrochloric acid inhalation can include:
  • Coughing
  • Choking
  • Burning of the throat
• Contact with the Skin. Hydrochloric acid can irritate the skin and cause chemical burns ranging from mild to severe depending on the concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution. Concentrated vapor or solution may cause the victim to experience pain, redness of the skin, and blisters. Signs displayed by skin exposed to liquefied hydrochloric acid can include frostbite, tissue death, or severe burns with deep ulcerations.
• Contact with the Eyes. Hydrochloric acid, even with short-term exposure, can irritate the eyes and cause burning, swelling, tearing of the eyes, blurred vision, photophobia, sloughing of the surface cells of the eye, and may cause blindness.
• Ingestion. Immediate burning in the mouth and throat occur when hydrochloric acid is swallowed. Ingestion of concentrated solution can cause severe pain in the mouth, chest and abdomen, nausea and vomiting.

First Aid Management

Prompt action is essential if there is a hydrochloric acid spill or leak. If a hydrochloric acid spill or leak occurs, take the following actions:

• Breathing
  If hydrogen chloride is inhaled, move the person to fresh air at once. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and resting. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Eye Exposure
  Wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Contacts should not be worn when working with hydrogen chloride/ hydrochloric acid.
• Skin Exposure
  Skin contaminated with hydrogen chloride/ hydrochloric acid should be flushed with water for at least 15 minutes. Do not rub or wash skin. If strong concentrations of gas or solution penetrate clothing, remove clothing and flush the skin with water. Seek medical attention immediately.

More Information: Hydrochloric Acid Exposure

Study Tool! Chemical Equations

Here is a terrific link that breaks down chemical equations and the Law of Conservation of Mass:

Chemical Equation Review

When going to this link, you have the ability to watch and listen to video, as well as complete practice problems (click on the tab above the video).  I would pay particular attention to the following (you can click on these titles in the left side bar):

• Identifying the reactants and products
• Identifying the coefficients
• Distinguishing subscripts from coefficients
• Identifying liquids, solids, gases, and aqueous solutions
• Overview for the Law of Conservation of Mass

Study Tools! Chapter 2

Here are some good online quizzes to help you study some of the material from Chapter 2:

Elements & Compounds Self-Quiz

Element, Compound, or Mixture? Self-Quiz

Don't forget that your test is coming up! (Friday for 5th hour, and Monday for 1st hour)

Using the Site, First Lab

Hi, all!
Just a note about the Calendar feature on the class site.  When looking at it, there are events for multiple subjects...you should only concern yourself with those labelled "Chem" (GS=geophysical science).  Also, if you ever see a number after "Chem," the number refers to the hour.

Hopefully none of you are too intimidated about going into the lab tomorrow.  It's going to be a busy class period, but one where you finally get to start mixing things together and conducting experiments!  As always, if you ever have questions, don't be afraid to ask.