0. Introduction to the course.
Course introduction
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course deals with the study of metals and metalloids from what are known as “Main Groups” of the Periodic Table. During this course the student will have the opportunity to discover how an element occurs in nature, how it can be obtained and for which important applications it is used. Additionally the study of physical and chemical properties of these elements will help learners to understand and consolidate all the basic concepts acquired in a General Chemistry course, such as the study of chemical reactions, and the thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibrium of those reactions. After the course, the student will be able to analyse the suitability of a determined element for some application. This relationship with real life will contribute to the engagement of the student during the course.
During the first week of the course we will review the main acid/base theories and oxidation/reduction concepts, which will be a key factor for assimilating most of the content of this course. The student will learn how to construct and interpret redox diagrams, such as Latimer and Frost diagrams, which are really useful for visualising the most stable oxidation states of the elements. Moreover, during this first week, we will also show the construction and interpretation of Ellingham diagrams, which are really important in order to rationalise the process of extraction of a metal from its ore.
From the second week until the end of the course we will go over what it are known as “The Main Groups” of the Periodic Table, by exploring and studying metal and metalloid elements present in those groups. There will be a descriptive study of each element where we will review all their physical and chemical properties. We will pay more attention to the elements and combinations that are most useful in our lives, so we will end up every week with a series of compounds for each studied group, which are relevant in our society.
The course has been structured in videos, where basic ideas are presented, and some text readings recommended, in order to gain a deeper insight into specific physical and chemical data, such as density values, ionisation energy data, main reactivity, abundance of the elements on earth and so on. We have also included an experiment recorded in our laboratory facilities which will be really useful for seeing chemistry in action and conveniently understanding all concepts learned during the week.
The course’s assessment will be based on some small problems between the videos, homework given at the end of the week and a final exam the last week of the course. For a detailed explanation about how will be the assessment developed please consult the grading policy of the course. We have estimated around 4-5 hours per week in order to complete successfully all the content.
PRERREQUISITES
To complete the course satisfactorily, basic knowledge in general chemistry is recommended, especially in acid-base and redox concepts. However, the course has been designed to also be accessible to less-qualified students, incorporating supporting material to better understand the key concepts.
GOALS OF THE COURSE
By taking this course, students will achieve the following objectives:
- Master and apply fundamental concepts of general chemistry, such as acid/base and redox equilibria, kinetics, and thermodynamics.
- Interpret and construct Latimer and Frost diagrams what will be really useful for predicting the relativity stability of the different oxidation states of an element.
- Be able to interpret the extraction of metals from their corresponding ores by employing an Ellingham Diagram.
- Rationalise the properties of an element according its position in the Periodic Table and be able to predict its chemical behaviour.
- Understand the occurrence and the obtaining process of the studied elements and their most industrially demanded combinations.
- Recognise the importance and relevance of metals and metalloids in our daily life.
- Apply theoretical principles to real situations by visualising different laboratory experimental processes.
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