Course Syllabus

CHEM121 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I

2024-2025 Fall
Instructor:
Dr. Eylem Kurulgan Demirci, Department of Chemistry
Phone Number: 750 5710
E–mail: eyemkurulgan@[Link]
Office & hours: Tuesday 13.30-15.30
Course Schedule: : Wednesday 13.30-16.45

Textbook:
General Chemistry, Principles and Modern Applications, R. H. Petrucci, 10th
Ed., 2011, Pearson
Course Objectives:
The course will provide you with the importance of chemistry as an
interdisciplinary and continuously developing science. The students will be
equipped with basic concepts and fundamental principles of chemistry.
Grading Policy:
You will have two midterm exams and a final exam.
First Midterm Exam : 25%
Second Midterm Exam : 25%
Final Exam : 30%
İnstructer opinion : 20%
Examination Dates:
First Midterm Exam : 26.11.2025
Second Midterm Exam : 07.01.2026
Final Exam : 21.01.2026

Attendance:
Students are expected to attend class and arrive ON TIME. You are
expected to attend class regularly and punctually. You are responsible for all
information and materials in sessions and classes.
Course Schedule:

Chap 1: Matter: Its Properties and Measurement

Chap 2: Atoms and the Atomic Theory

Chap 3: Chemical Compounds

Chap 4: Chemical Reactions

Chap 5: Reactions in Aqueous Solutions

Chap 6: Gases

Chap 7: Thermochemistry

Chap 8: Electrons in Atoms

Everyday talk about “chemicals” is often misleading—everything (foods, living
and nonliving things) is made of chemicals, so a label like “no chemicals added” is
meaningless.

Humans have practiced chemistry since ancient times (glazing pottery, smelting
metals, tanning, dyeing, making cheese, wine/beer, soap).

Modern chemistry can break matter down to atoms and reassemble it into new
materials with unusual properties (fuels, plastics, synthetic fibers, drugs,
pesticides—often from petroleum).

Chemical knowledge is essential both to understand life processes and to address

environmental problems (e.g., smog formation, ozone depletion). Hence
chemistry is called the central science.

Early chemistry focused on how-to via trial and error; modern chemistry explains
why as well, grounded in principles and theory.

Mastery requires a systematic approach and the scientific method: asking good
questions, designing sound experiments, and forming plausible explanations.
Slide 4 of 25 General Chemistry: Chapter 1 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Canada Inc.
GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Principles and Modern Applications TENTH EDITION

PETRUCCI HERRING MADURA BISSONNETTE

Matter: Its Properties

and Measurement 1
Dr. Eylem Kurulgan Demirci
Matter: Its Properties
and Measurement

Matter is anything that has mass and inertia. For example, water is a
matter however, sunlight is not a matter because sunlight is a radiation.
Slide 7 of 25 General Chemistry: Chapter 1 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Canada Inc.
 1.2 Properties of Matter

Chemistry is a branch of science that studies the

composition and properties of matter

Matter: Occupies space, has a mass and inertia

Composition: Parts or components

For example,
H2O, 11.19% H and 88.81% O
H2O2, 5.93% H and 94.07% O

Properties: Distinguishing features

physical and chemical properties
 1.2 Properties of Matter
Physical properties: A physical property is one that a sample of
matter displays without changing its composition.
Color, Malleability, Ductility and Conductivity

For example, we can distinguish between reddish brown solid,

copper, and yellow solid, sulfur, by the physical property of color.

Chemical Properties:
The ability or inability of a sample of matter to undergo a change
in composition.
In chemical changes, there is a change in composition.

For example, zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce

hydrogen gas and zinc chloride solution in water.
 1.3 Classification of Matter

Matter is made up of atoms.

114 elements.
About 90% available from natural sources
Compounds are comprised of two or more elements.
Molecules are the smallest units of compounds.
 1.3 Classification of Matter

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 1.3 Classification of Matter

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 1.3 Classification of Matter

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 1.3 Classification of Matter

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 1.3 Classification of Matter

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1.3 Classification of Matter

A classification scheme for matter

 1.3 Classification of Matter

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 1.3 Classification of Matter
Separating Mixtures:
A mixture can be
separated into its
constituents by
appropriate
means.

(a) Separation of a heterogeneous mixture by filtration: Solid copper(II)

sulfate is retained on the filter paper, while liquid hexane passes through.

(b) Separation of a homogeneous mixture by distillation: As water first

vaporizes and then condenses back to a liquid, it passes to the flask on the right,
while copper(II) sulfate remains in the flask on the left.
Separating Mixtures: a physical process 10
 1.3 Classification of Matter

(c) Separation of the components of ink using chromatography: As water moves

up the paper, a dark spot of black ink can be seen just above the water line.

(d) Separation of ink components on the paper: Water dissolves the colored
components of the ink, and these components are retained in different regions on the
paper according to their differing tendencies to adhere to the paper.

Separating Mixtures: a physical process

Inks and food coloring are typically composed
of many different dyes which can be separated
by paper chromatography. Which of the
following terms apply to inks?

1. substance
2. homogenous
3. compound
4. element
5. heterogeneous
Inks and food coloring are typically composed
of many different dyes which can be separated
by paper chromatography. Which of the
following terms apply to inks?

1. substance
2. homogenous
3. compound
4. element
5. heterogeneous
Which of the following separations cannot
be achieved using a physical process and,
therefore, requires a chemical process?

1. salt from sea water

2. water from honey
3. hydrogen from water
4. ice from water
5. fish from water
Which of the following separations cannot
be achieved using a physical process and,
therefore, requires a chemical process?

1. salt from sea water

2. water from honey
3. hydrogen from water
4. ice from water
5. fish from water
 1.3 Classification of Matter
Decomposing
Compounds: When heated,
A chemical ammonium dichromate
compound decomposes into
can be chromium(III) oxide,
decomposed nitrogen, and water
into its
constituent elements
by This reaction, once
chemical changes. used in movies to
simulate a volcano, is
illustrated in Figure

A chemical change: decomposition of ammonium dichromate

 1.3 Classification of Matter
•Mixtures can be separated by physical methods:

• Filtration: separates an insoluble solid from a liquid (e.g., sand + water).

• Distillation: boils a solution and condenses the vapor to collect a pure
liquid (e.g., remove water from CuSO₄(aq)).
• Chromatography: separates substances based on how strongly they
adhere to a solid surface (e.g., ink on paper).

•Compounds keep their identity during physical changes but can be decomposed
only by chemical changes into their elements (harder than separating mixtures).

• Examples: extracting Fe from iron oxides (blast furnace), producing Mg

from MgCl₂ (electricity).
• Compounds are often more easily converted into other compounds than
into their elements (e.g., heated ammonium dichromate → Cr₂O₃, N₂,
H₂O).
Copyright © 2011 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Canada Slide 25 of 27
Pearson Canada Inc. Inc.
 1.3 Classification of Matter
gas

States of Matter:
Matter is generally
in one of
three states: solid
solid, liquid, or gas.

liquid

An ice block on a hot surface

Macroscopic and microscopic views of matter

12
Matter is generally found in one of three states: solid, liquid, or gas.

In a solid, atoms or molecules are very close to one another; they sometimes form
a highly ordered structure called a crystal. Solids have a definite shape.

In a liquid, atoms or molecules are generally spaced somewhat farther apart than
in a solid. The motion of these particles gives a liquid its most distinctive property:
the ability to flow, covering the bottom and taking the shape of its container.

In a gas, the distances between atoms or molecules are much greater than in a
liquid. Gases always expand to fill their containers.

Slide 27 of 25 General Chemistry: Chapter 1 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Canada Inc.

Chemistry is a quantitative science
we measure properties and compare them to standards, writing results as a number
× unit (the unit tells which standard we used). For example, saying a field is 100 yd
means it is 100 times the length of the yard standard. Chemists work within the SI
(International System of Units), the modern metric system built on base units such
as the meter (m) for length. Historically the meter was tied to Earth’s dimensions and
a metal bar in Paris, but SI now defines 1 meter as the distance light travels in
vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second, making it stable and reproducible. SI includes
seven base quantities; all other units are derived from these. Because SI is decimal,
quantities that differ by powers of ten are expressed with prefixes (e.g., kilo- = 10³,
milli- = 10⁻³, micro- = 10⁻⁶, nano- = 10⁻⁹, pico- = 10⁻¹², etc.). Most chemical
measurements use SI, and we frequently convert between units—sometimes within SI
(km ↔ m) and sometimes between non-SI and SI units. These conversions use
conversion factors arranged in a conversion pathway. Later, the text applies this
systematically through dimensional analysis, a problem-solving method that keeps
track of units to ensure the result has the correct dimensions.

Slide 28 of 25 General Chemistry: Chapter 1 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Canada Inc.

Chemistry is quantitative: we record results as number × unit,
comparing measurements to agreed standards.

Scientists use the SI (International System of Units), the modern

metric system with seven base quantities; all other units are derived.

The meter (m) is now defined by a constant—the distance light

travels in vacuum in 1/299,792,458 s—so it’s stable and reproducible.

SI is decimal, so powers of ten use prefixes (kilo- = 10³, milli- = 10⁻³,

micro- = 10⁻⁶, nano- = 10⁻⁹, etc.).

Chemists often convert between units using conversion factors

arranged in a conversion pathway, a process formalized as
dimensional analysis.

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 1.4 Measurement of Matter
SI-International System of Units

We express the measurement as a product of a number and a unit.

When the length of an object is 100 m, we mean that the length of the object
is 100 times longer than a standard of length called the meter (m).
 1.4 Measurement of Matter
Quantities differing

from the base unit

by powers of ten

are noted

by the use of prefixes.

For example,

the prefix kilo means

one thousand (1000)

times the base unit.

1000 m = 1 km
Which of the following is an SI unit ?

1. km
2. ml
3. kg
4. mg
5. cm
Which of the following is an SI unit ?

1. km
2. ml
3. kg
4. mg
5. cm
 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 to
convert
kL hL daL L dL cL mL

km3 hm3 dam3 m3 dm3 cm3 mm3

to
÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 convert

Using the above diagram, 1 1. 1000 mL

L is equivalent to 2. 1000 cm3
3. 0.1 m3
4. Both 1 and 2
5. All of the above
 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 ÷ 10 to
convert
kL hL daL L dL cL mL

km3 hm3 dam3 m3 dm3 cm3 mm3

to
÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 ÷ 1000 convert

Using the above diagram, 1 1. 1000 mL

L is equivalent to 2. 1000 cm3
3. 0.1 m3
4. Both 1 and 2
5. All of the above
 1.4 Measurement of Matter
Mass
Mass (m) is the quantity of matter. Mass is
a scalar quantity (magnitude).

Weight (W) is the force of gravity on an

object. Weight is a vectoral quantity
(magnitude and direction).

W = g×m

15
 1.4 Measurement of Matter
Temperature

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 1.4 Measurement of Matter
Temperature

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 1.4 Measurement of Matter
Temperature

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 1.4 Measurement of Matter
Temperature
For example:

Celsius Scale 0C 41 0C can be converted to 0F

Fahrenheit Scale 0F
t(0F)
= 9/5 t(0C) + 32
Kelvin Scale K = 9/5 (41) + 32
= 106 0F
T(K)=t(0C) + 273.15

t(0F)=9/5 t(0C) + 32

t(0C)= 5/9 (t(0F)-32 )

17
1.4 Measurement of Matter

17
1.4 Measurement of Matter

17
 1.4 Measurement of Matter
SI Units Non-SI Units
Length meter, m Length Angstrom, Å, 10-8 cm
Mass Kilogram, kg Volume Liter, L, 10-3 m3
Time second, s Energy Calorie, cal, 4.184 J
Temperature Kelvin, K Pressure
Quantity Mole, 6.022x1023 mol-1 1 Atm = 1.064 × 102 kPa
1 Atm = 760 mm Hg

Derived Units Volume is an important derived quantity.

Velocity m s-1 Its dimension is length³, so the standard
SI unit of volume is the cubic meter (m³).
Force Newton, kg m s-2 In practice, more commonly used volume
Pressure Pascal, kg m-1 s-2 units are:
Energy Joule, kg m2 s-2 •Liter (L) = 1 dm³ = 1000 cm³
•Milliliter (mL) = 1 cm³

18
1.5 Density and Percent Composition
Density (d) = mass (m)/volume (v)
Density is the ratio of mass to volume.

d = m/V (g/mL)
m = Vd v = m/d

Mass and volume are extensive properties

(dependent on the amount of matter).

Density is an intensive property

(independent on the amount of matter).
 1.5 Density and Percent Composition”

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1.5 Density and Percent Composition
Density in Conversion Pathways
Example:
What is the mass of a cube of osmium that is 1.25 inches on
each side?

Have volume, need density = 22.59 g/cm3

The volume of the cube to the right is
10.0 cm

1. 1.00 L
2. 100 mL 10.0 cm

3. 1.00 kL
4. 30 cm3 10.0 cm
5. 1.00 dL
The volume of the cube to the right is
10.0 cm

1. 1.00 L
2. 100 mL 10.0 cm

3. 1.00 kL
4. 30 cm3 10.0 cm
5. 1.00 dL
 The average density of a human brain
is 0.90 g cm-3. Which of the following is
the correct process to convert g cm-3 to
kg L-1?

g 1000 kg 1 cm 3 kg
1. 0.90   = 0.90
cm 3 1g 1000 L L

g 1 kg 10 cm 3 -3 kg
2. 0.90   = 9.0  10
cm 3 1000 g 1L L

g 1 kg 1000 cm 3 kg
3. 0.90   = 0.90
cm 3 1000 g 1L L
 The average density of a human brain
is 0.90 g cm-3. Which of the following is
the correct process to convert g cm-3 to
kg L-1?

g 1000 kg 1 cm 3 kg
1. 0.90   = 0.90
cm 3 1g 1000 L L

g 1 kg 10 cm 3 -3 kg
2. 0.90   = 9.0  10
cm 3 1000 g 1L L

g 1 kg 1000 cm 3 kg
3. 0.90   = 0.90
cm 3 1000 g 1L L
The density of the earth is about 4 g ml-1.
Which of the following is the correct process
to convert g ml-1 to kg m-3?

g 1 kg 1  106 m l 3 kg
1. 4   = 4  1 0
ml 1000 g 1 m3 m3

g 1 kg 1000 ml kg
2. 4   = 4
ml 1000 g 1 m3 m3 From NASA files

g 1000 kg 1 ml −3 kg
3. 4   = 4  10
ml 1g 1  106 m 3 m3
The density of the earth is about 4 g ml-1.
Which of the following is the correct process
to convert g ml-1 to kg m-3?

g 1 kg 1  106 m l 3 kg
1. 4   = 4  1 0
ml 1000 g 1 m3 m3

g 1 kg 1000 ml kg
2. 4   = 4
ml 1000 g 1 m3 m3 From NASA files

g 1000 kg 1 ml −3 kg
3. 4   = 4  10
ml 1g 1  106 m 3 m3
Density in Conversion Pathways

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Density in Conversion Pathways

20
Density in Conversion Pathways

20
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Slide 58 of 25 General Chemistry: Chapter 1 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Canada Inc.
A 31.1 g stone is placed into a graduated cylinder and
displaces 10.2 mL of water. Without using a
calculator, an estimate for the density of the stone is

1. ~3000 g mL-1
2. ~300 g mL-1
3. ~30 g mL-1
4. ~3 g mL-1
5. ~0.3 g mL-1
A 31.1 g stone is placed into a graduated cylinder and
displaces 10.2 mL of water. Without using a
calculator, an estimate for the density of the stone is

1. ~3000 g mL-1
2. ~300 g mL-1
3. ~30 g mL-1
4. ~3 g mL-1
5. ~0.3 g mL-1
20
20
1.6 Uncertainties in Scientific Measurements
All measurements are subject to erorr.

Systematic errors: They originate from measuring instruments.

For example, thermometer constantly 2°C low.

Random errors: They originate from experimenter.

For example, limitation in reading a scale.

Precision:
Reproducibility of a measurement.

Accuracy:
How close to the real value.
1.6 Uncertainties in Scientific Measurements

Accuracy indicates proximity of

measurement results to the true
value while precision is a measure of
the repeatability, or reproducibility
of the measurement

22
1.6 Uncertainties in Scientific Measurements

Accuracy indicates proximity of

measurement results to the true
value while precision is a measure of
the repeatability, or reproducibility
of the measurement

22
Slide 66 of 25 General Chemistry: Chapter 1 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Canada Inc.
1.7 Significant Figures
What is a "significant figure"?
The number of significant figures in a result is simply the number of figures that are
known with some degree of reliability. The number 13.2 is said to have 3 significant
figures. The number 13.20 is said to have 4 significant figures.

Why it matters
•It reflects the accuracy of the measurement and the instrument’s resolution.
•It prevents reporting results as over-precise, i.e., implying more certainty than the
data support. 24
1.7 Significant Figures

The result of multiplication or division may contain only as many

significant figures as the least precisely known quantity.
14.79 x 12.11 x 5.05 = 904

The result of addition or subtraction must be expressed with the same

number of digits beyond the decimal point as the quantity carrying the
smallest number of significant digits.
15.02 + 9986.0 + 3.518 = 10004.5

In order to round off a result, the final digit is increased by one unit if the
digit dropped is 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9. The final digit is unchanged if the digit
dropped is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.
4 4
15.44 to 15.4 15.45 to 15.5 1.4775 x 10 to 1.48 x 10

25
1.7 Significant Figures

25
1.7 Significant Figures

25
1.7 Significant Figures

25
1.7 Significant Figures

25
 Which of the following expresses the result of the
following calculation with the correct number of
significant figures?

31.621 cm x 10.22 cm x 2.793292 cm =

1. 9.027 x 102 cm
2. 9.0269 x 102 cm3
3. 9.027 x 102 cm3
4. 9.026 x 102 cm3
5. 9.0 x 102 cm3
Which of the following expresses the result of the
following calculation with the correct number of
significant figures?

31.621 cm x 10.22 cm x 2.793292 cm =

1. 9.027 x 102 cm
2. 9.0269 x 102 cm3
3. 9.027 x 102 cm3
4. 9.026 x 102 cm3
5. 9.0 x 102 cm3
Which of the following expresses the result of the
following calculation with the correct number of
significant figures and appropriate units?

86.31246762 g cm-3 x 10.5 cm3 =

1. 906.3 g

2. 906.28091 g cm3
3. 906.2 g cm-6

4. 906.28 g

5. 906 g
Which of the following expresses the result of the
following calculation with the correct number of
significant figures and appropriate units?

86.31246762 g cm-3 x 10.5 cm3 =

1. 906.3 g

2. 906.28091 g cm3
3. 906.2 g cm-6

4. 906.28 g

5. 906 g