Comprehending Chemistry VCE Units 1&2 (print + digital)

Components

Hardcopy book

eBook access code
The eBook version of the student text provides 27-months access from date of activation. It is accessed online through FS Portal using a unique 14-character code found in the hardcopy book. A free FS Portal account is required.

Comprehending Chemistry Year VCE Units 1&2 follows the VCE Study Design for Chemistry Units 1 & 2: 2023–2027. Each Area of Study is composed of clearly identified topics which are further broken down into focus areas which address the key learning points and the chemistry underpinning these key aspects. Dr Meredith Wilkes understands that many students are more visual learners, so she has included links to many videos and resources for each topic in the LOOK and LEARN section. Meredith also subscribes to the education theory of learn by doing – hence the name of the experimental sections, LEARN by DOING. The experiments have been designed to illustrate and complement the theory and many can also be performed at home – just remember to take all the necessary precautions!

Features

• Key Learning Points for each focus area
• LOOK and LEARN - links to videos and other resources
• LEARN by DOING - experiments designed to illustrate and complement the theory
• Calculations - worked examples of how to use important formulas
• Exercises - plenty of exercises for students to consolidate their learning
• Topic reviews - check that students understand the key learning points and inquiry questions before moving onto the next topic
• Review test - each Area of Study finishes with a review test
• Answers to all exercises and review tests included

Contents

• Becoming a chemist
• Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained?
  • Area of Study 1: How do the chemical structures of materials explain their properties and reactions?
    • Topic One: Elements and the periodic table
    • Topic Two: Covalent substances
    • Topic Three: Reactions of metals
    • Topic Four: Reactions of ionic compounds
    • Topic Five: Separation and identification of the components of mixtures
    • Area of Study 1 Review test
    • Area of Study 1 Answers
  • Area of Study 2: How are materials quantified and classified?
    • Topic One: Quantifying atoms and compounds
    • Topic Two: Families of organic compounds
    • Topic Three: Polymers and society
    • Area of Study 2 Review test
    • Area of Study 2 Answers
  • Area of Study 3: How can chemical principles be applied to create a more sustainable future?
    • Topic One: What is a research investigation?
• Unit 2: How do chemical reactions shape the natural world?
  • Area of Study 1: How do chemicals interact with water?
    • Topic One: Water as a unique chemical
    • Topic Two: Acid-base (proton transfer) reactions
    • Topic Three: Redox (electron transfer) reactions
    • Area of Study 1 Review test
    • Area of Study 1 Answers
  • Area of Study 2: How are chemicals measured and analysed?
    • Topic One: Measuring solubility and concentration
    • Topic Two: Analysis for acids and bases
    • Topic Three: Measuring gases
    • Topic Four: Analysis for salts
    • Area of Study 2 Review test
    • Area of Study 2 Answers
  • Area of Study 3: How do quantitative scientific investigations develop our understanding of chemical reactions?
    • Topic One: Investigation design
    • Topic Two: Scientific evidence
    • Topic Three: Science communication
• Appendices
  • Chemistry data book
  • Index
  • Acknowledgements