Week 2 Discussion: Atomic Structure
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
- Textbook: Chapter 3, 7, and 8
- Unit 2 Lesson
EBOOK: Bauer, R. C., Birk, J. P., & Marks, P. (2019). Introduction to chemistry. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Initial Post Instructions
Option 1:
Your initial post in the discussion this week consists of two parts. First, choose a molecule used in healthcare, industry, or found in a natural source and discuss the importance of this molecule. Be sure to include at least one outside source and make sure to follow APA citation guidelines.
In the second part of your initial post, we will be practicing naming ionic and covalent compounds as well as polyatomic ions. To begin, give the chemical formula for each of the following: A covalent compound containing no more than two types of elements, an ionic compound no more than two types of elements, and an ionic compound containing a polyatomic. Be sure that these compounds are valid (for example, the charges balance out in the ionic compound) and that the subscripts do not exceed 10.
Option 2:
Your initial post in the discussion this week consists of two parts. First, choose a molecule used in healthcare, industry, or found in a natural source and discuss the importance of this molecule. Be sure to include at least one outside source and make sure to follow APA citation guidelines.
The electron configuration of an atom determines the number of electrons available to participate in bonding with another atom. One method of depicting the valence electrons that an atom has is through the Lewis structure. For the second part of your initial post, pick an element from the periodic table of elements. Identify the valence electrons and the orbitals in which they reside.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification. Here are some suggestions for how you can add to the discussion and explore the Week 1 content in more detail:
1. Respond to a peer’s option 1 post and research/discuss one of their chemical compounds. Using the naming rules we learned in class, walk us through each step.
2. Pick a peer’s option 2 post and answer each of the following questions:
- How many unpaired electrons are present?
- How many covalent bonds could this element make?
- Could this element participate in a double or triple bond? Why or why not?
Writing Requirements
- APA format for in-text citations and list of references
Criteria
Initial Post Content: Addresses all aspects of the initial discussion question(s), applying experiences, knowledge, and understanding regarding all weekly concepts.
Evidence & Sources: Integrates evidence to support discussion from assigned readings** OR online lessons, AND at least one outside scholarly source.*** Sources are credited.*
Professional Communication: Presents information using clear and concise language in an organized manner (minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation).
Notes
*Credited means stating where the information came from (specific article, text, or lesson). Examples: our text discusses…., The information from our lesson states…, Smith (2010) claimed that…, Mary Manners (personal communication, November 2017)…
**Assigned readings are those listed on the syllabus or assignments page as required reading. This may include text readings, required articles, or required websites.
***Scholarly source – per APA Guidelines, only scholarly sources should be used in assignments. These include peer-reviewed publications, government reports, or sources written by a professional or scholar in the field. Wikipedia, Wikis, .com websites or blogs should not be used as anyone can add information to these sites. For the discussions, reputable internet sources such as websites by government agencies (.gov) and respected organizations (.org) can be counted as scholarly sources. Outside sources do not include assigned required readings.
