Chemistry: Provincial Level

Core Topics

A. Reaction Kinetics

• Describe the collision model of chemical reactions
• Describe activation energy, endothermic and exothermic reactions using potential and kinetic energy diagrams
• Describe the factors that affect reaction rate including temperature, concentration, surface area, and catalysts

B. Equilibrium

• Explain the nature of chemical equilibrium using examples
• Apply Le Chatelier’s Principle
• Calculate equilibrium constants of homogenous and heterogeneous systems and equilibrium concentrations from equilibrium constants
• Calculate Ksp and solubility

C. Acid-Base

• Describe Bronsted-Lowry acids and bases including acid-base pairs
• Predict the relative strengths of acids
• Calculate [H+], [OH-], pH, and pOH from any one known
• Calculate pH from Ka or Kb
• Describe the characteristics of a buffer system

D. Oxidation-Reduction

• Assign oxidation states to elements in compounds
• Identify oxidizing and reducing agents
• Balance redox equations
• Describe the components of electrochemical and electrolytic cells
• Predict the voltage, Eo, of electrochemical and electrolytic cells
• Describe the applications of oxidation-reduction to everyday and industrial processes

E. Gas Laws

• Use the appropriate units and conversions for pressure, volume, and temperature
• Apply Boyle’s, Charles’, Gay-Lussac’s, and the Combined Gas Laws to predict pressure, volume, or temperature
• Describe an ideal gas and make calculations using the Ideal Gas Law

Options

Options may include: organic functional groups, thermochemistry, nuclear chemistry, biochemistry, environmental ethics, and industrial applications.

Laboratories

Chemistry laboratories are an essential component of the study of chemistry.

During laboratories, students reinforce theory through practice. Laboratories develop skills in safety, procedures, techniques, data collection, analysis, and communication.

All chemistry courses must include a minimum of eight labs covering the core concepts, wherein chemistry learners will:

• List the safety and protective equipment available in a laboratory setting
• Demonstrate the appropriate procedures and techniques for dealing with particular hazards and hazardous materials
• Follow instructions and procedures
• Handle appropriate equipment for measuring mass, volume, and temperature
• Prepare solutions
• Perform titrations
• Collect and record data effectively
• Analyze and interpret data
• Communicate results and conclusions
• Write formal laboratory reports
• Participate in experimental design