General Instructions

In this learning activity, you will reflect on all you have learned about the classification and properties of matter, the change of state of matter, and measurements. You will perform basic unit calculations and conversions in metric and other unit systems. To successfully achieve this, you must review all study materials for modules 1 and 2.

Step 1: Select and Reflect.

Select one of the topics below and read the scenarios in “Step 2” to describe/ demonstrate your understanding of them in a practical setting.

1. Techniques used to separate mixtures.
2. The relationship between the properties of matter and particle arrangement, the energy of particles, and the distance between particles.
3. Basic unit calculations and conversions in the metric and other unit systems.
4. Rules to determine significant figures when reporting measurements and calculated values.
5. Conversions from one metric unit to another.

Step 2: Respond

Using supporting data for your arguments, prepare a 300-350 words written piece that discusses any of the following questions based on the scenario you selected. 

1. Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows.

Scenario:

Martin is a high school student taking a chemistry course. As part of the course, he has to separate a mixture of salt, sugar, sand, and iron filings. First, Martin looks up different techniques used to separate mixtures. He reads about filtration, distillation, chromatography, and crystallization processes.

Question:

Which technique would be the most effective to separate the salt, sugar, sand, and iron filings in Martin’s mixture?

Consider the following points in your response:

• Think about the nature of each component of the mixture (particle size, solubility, etc.). What are the similarities and differences?
• Which component would be the easiest to separate? Would this component be the first to be separated?
• Which component(s) would be the most challenging to separate? Why? 
• Why are the selected processes most suitable for separating this mixture?

2. Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

Scenario:

A student is researching how the properties of matter, particle arrangement, the energy of particles, and the distance between particles are related. The student sets up an experiment to measure the properties of a liquid. The student fills two beakers with the same type of liquid and then stirs one of the beakers. The student then observes the properties of the two liquids, noting that the mixture in the stirred beaker has a higher temperature and a faster movement of its particles.

Questions:

1. What is the relationship between the properties of matter and particle arrangement?
2. How does the energy of particles affect the distance between them?
3. How does stirring a liquid affects its temperature and particle movement?
4. What other factors can influence the properties of a liquid?

3. Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

Scenario:

You are a pharmacist working at a local drugstore. A customer has come in and needs a prescription filled. The dosage given to the customer is 5 mg. However, the bottle in stock only has the measurement in milliliters (mL). How many milliliters do you need to give the customer?

Question:

What conversion is required to calculate the necessary milliliters for the customer's prescription?

4. Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

Scenario:

You are a scientist in a lab working on an experiment. You have completed the experiment and need to calculate the results. You need to report the results in a way that accurately reflects the precision of your measurements and calculations.

Question:

What are the rules for determining significant figures when reporting measurements and calculated values?

5. Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

Scenario: 

You are a chemist working in a laboratory and need to measure out 500 mL of a 0.5M acetic acid solution for an experiment. You have a 500 mL volumetric flask, a burette, a pipette, and a 0.5M acetic acid solution.

Question: 

How many milliliters of the 0.5M acetic acid solution will you need to measure to obtain 500 mL of the 0.5M acetic acid solution?

Step 3: Share 

To share your work, click on the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B.: references are excluded from word counts).

Step 4: Interact 

To complete the activity, you will need to reply to at least two posts made by your peers respectfully and professionally. Be sure your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas on other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback, and click “Post to the forum.”

OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”