course material

1. Elements of Chemistry
< pstyle=" font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-
bottom: 10px;"> Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use
correct English spelling and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response
should be a minimum of one (1) single-spaced page to a maximum of two (2) pages in
length; refer to the Assignment Format page for specific format requirements.< pstyle="
font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom:
10px;"> This project offers a hands on approach to understanding the acidity of a solution
and basic compounds in relation to pH. You may review this topic by reviewing Chapter 6 in
Chemistry in Context. By completing this project, you will increase your knowledge of the
properties of an acid or base and explain how acid base reactions are important in
environmental chemistry.< pstyle=" font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica,
Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px;"> Acids are classified as strong or weak by their
ionization behavior in water. Basic compounds are referred to as alkaline substances and
the watery solutions exhibit a slippery feel. The addition of acids or bases is often quantified
in terms of pH and different levels of pH are found within common foods and chemicals in
our households.< pstyle=" font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-
serif; margin-bottom: 10px;"> After successfully completing this project you will be able
to: • Identify acids and bases in your household, • Identify an acid-base reaction and its
application.< pstyle=" font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
margin-bottom: 10px;"> Instructions for the Experiment Part I For Part I of this project, you
will need to purchase a package of litmus paper. You may find this at shops specializing in
school supplies, gardening or health foods. The cost should be minimal. If you are really
adventurous – and the season is right – you can make your own litmus paper by crushing
blackberries until they are liquid, pouring the liquid onto construction paper and allowing it
to dry. 1. Use your litmus paper, which turns red in acidic solution and blue in basic
solution, to determine the acidity of at least 3 various foods, liquids and moist surfaces
around your home. 2. Test the pH of your tap water. 3. Obtain soil from a nearby garden or
lawn, shake it with a small amount of water, let it settle and then test the acidity of the
water above the solids. 4. Make notes regarding each of your findings.< pstyle=" font-family:
'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px;"> Part II
1. Dissolve some baking soda in a large glass of warm water. 2. Add a couple drops of liquid
dish soap and stir. 3. Pour vinegar into this solution. 4. Make notes describing the chemical
reaction involved.< pstyle=" font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-

2. serif; margin-bottom: 10px;"> Instructions for the Answer (This is the only item you will
submit to the grader.) Write a one-page paper reporting your findings for Part I and Part II
of this assignment. Include descriptions of the reactions that occurred with each experiment
you conducted. This paper will be worth 12.5% of your grade for this course. Your
assignment will be graded on the following:< pstyle=" font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica
Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px;"> ? Correct grammar and spelling
are demonstrated throughout your essay. (10%) ? Directions were completely and correctly
followed throughout the project. (10%) ? Content: • you have covered all of the points
listed above; • you demonstrate that you understand the process. (Part I 60%, Part II 20%)