The program deals with how petroleum is formed, its properties and uses. Structures and formulae of hydrocarbons are examined and 3-D animation is used to clearly show the composition of various linear, cyclic, saturated and unsaturated compounds in an engaging and easy to understand format. The program takes an in-depth look at how petroleum (a mixture) is refined into fractions and how these fractions can be changed to have more useful properties. Various cracking and reforming processes are investigated, showing raw materials, processes and products.
Subjects: Chemistry
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Nuclear Chemistry
A comprehensive look at the make up of the nucleus. What makes a stable nucleus? Radioisotopes and Fission vs. Fusion. A brief introduction to atomic structure sets the scene with students taken through the properties of particles that make up the nucleus including how and why some nuclei release energy and/or particles, with attention being placed to means of detecting ionizing radiation and uses of radioisotopes. Giving a historical perspective to this fascinating subject, the program also shows the sequence and importance of discoveries about the nucleus, including the major figures involved.
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The Periodic Table
Reviews Mendeleev’s periodic table and the theory of the nuclear structure of the atom. An examination of Bohr’s model of the atom explains how this theory led to the organization of the modern periodic table. Students use the periodic table to make predictions about the chemical properties and reactions of representative elements.
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Reaction Equations
Discusses formation and decomposition reactions: how to predict and test compound classification as ionic, molecular, acid or base; how to name the compounds involved; the law of conservation of mass; and how to balance equations.
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Combustion and Replacement Reactions
Compares combustion reactions to respiration, explores solubility, explains polyatomic ions and multi-valent metals, and investigates single and double replacement reactions.
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Maintaining Equilibrium
Explores the concepts of equilibrium and homeostasis in living systems. Examines diffusion, osmosis and tonicity at the cellular level. Illustrates the exchange of energy and matter in open systems.
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Measurement and Uncertainty
The importance of error and uncertainty in scientific measurement. Show case studies of students estimating and reporting the uncertainties in their measurements. The program deals with these questions: why is measurement important in science?; why is uncertainty inevitable in scientific measurements?; the importance of multiple measurements and of averaging the results; outliers; how to estimate the range of uncertainty in a measurement; accuracy and precision; how to manage uncertainty when adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing measurements; expressing uncertainty in standard form. The program concludes with a practical exercise: students are shown how to measure the Sun’s diameter, and then estimate the uncertainty in their results.
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Safety Matters
Investigates the hazards associated with the handling and disposing of chemicals. Introduces WHMIS labels and Material Safety Data Sheets for common lab chemicals. Explains universal naming systems and how to write word and chemical equations.
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Discovering the Elements
Conducts experiments to establish the physical and chemical properties of a number of representative elements. These elements are then grouped logically, first into metals and non-metals, then into groups based on observation of reactions.
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Acid-Base Titrations and Concentration Calculations
Hydrochloric acid is standardized using a sodium carbonate solution of known concentrate. The HCI titrant is used to titrate the ammonia. Data is collected and calculations completed to determine the concentration of the ammonia.