Edward C . Fuller
Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin 5351I
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Chemistry and the Human Environment A college course for the nonscience major
If today's college student is to deal constructively with tomorrow's social problems he must understand how contemporary technology is transforming the quality of our lives. If he is to comprehend the inherent character of technology he must be familiar with the nature of the science from which it springs. The course described here is designed to deepen the scientific understanding of a student who has had no chemistry in secondary school and who intends to take only one or two science courses in college. Since principles endure and problems change, the overall objective of the course is to teach the student the fundamentals of chemistry which will enable him to understand some of the chemical phenomena involved in environmental problems. The emphasis is on chemistry; environmental problems are utilized to make the principles come alive. The course meets for 3 hr of lecture-discussion and 2 hr of laboratory work per week for fourteen weeks. Brief Summary of Course Content Port I.
Atoms, Molecules, and Heat
Topics discussed: Science and technology, the nature of chemistry, the interrelations of the sciences; meaning of chemical change, Dalton's atomic theory, symbols, formulas, equations, the mole; three phases of matter, kinetic-molecular theory, changes of phase and the nature of heat; thermachemical equationsfor combustion. Laboratory work: Properties of simple mixtures and compounds; properties of solids, liquids, gsjes; simple calorimetry. Environmental considerations: Comoosition and characteristics of the atmosphere; weather and-the water cycle; 0.-C02 balance and the oxveen cvcle. " , the ereenhouse effect: , air oollution by power plants anr%utos;smog formation; processes for abating sir pollution.
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Port 11.
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Electricity, Light, and the Structure of Afoms
Topics discussed: Simple electrostatics, discovery of the electron and proton, radioactivity, the nuclear atom, the neutron; the nature of lieht waves and the visible soeetmm: ultraviolet.
quantum numbers; the Aufhau principle for polyelectron atoms; the periodic table and electron configurations for the elements; the wave-mechanical concept of electron orbitals.
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Journal of Chemical Education
Laboratory work: Observations of electric discharges in gases, atomic spectre from diffraction gratings; Wilson cloud chamber tracks of radioactive oarticles: Millikrtn's aooaratus for charge on .. electron; flame tests for some metals, demonstration of atomic absorption analysis for trace metal pollutants; use of models for showing electrons in orbitals. Enuironmenlal considerations: Evolution of the universe and nuclear reactions for the synthesis of the elements; gross structure of the earth and the distribution of the elements; comparison of chemical and thermal pollution prohlerns with energy generation by fossil or nuclear fuels; conservation of mineral resources by recycling metals, glass, plastics. Port 111.
Chemical Bonding
Topics discussed: Ionic bonding of elements in Groups IA, IIA with those in Groups VIA, VIIA; covalent bonding of H, C, N, P, 0, S, and hdogens; ele~tronegativit~ and bond polarity, hydrogen bonding; properties of water and other simple molecules interpreted in terms of their structures. Laboratory work: Observation of electrical conductance of various molten solids; use of models for showing structures of simple molecules; deflection of streams of polar liquids by electric fields; identifica.tion of compounds fmm infrared spectra. Environmental considerations: The peculiar properties of water and its role in the environment. Port IV.
Chemical Systems
Topies discussed: Suspensions, colloidal systems, solutions; colligative properties of non-electrolytes; electrolytes, acids, bases, salts; chemicd equilibrium in aqueous systems; carbohydrates, fats, proteins and human nutrition; carbon cycle and the biosphere; nitrogen, phosphorus and the biosphere; chemical evolution from the elements t o the precursors of life. Laboratory work: Freezing points of solutions; electrical conductivities of solutions; quditstive study of aqueous equilihria; determining K , for a system; analysis of water for oxygen and pollutants. Enoironmntal considerations: Disposal of human and industrial wastes; processes for abating air, water, and land pollution; man in e c o l o g d equilibrium wiLh his environment.
The course concludes with an attempt to assess the human benefits and costs of a highly technological culture. We try to view the quality of life in the matrix of population gr'owth, urbanization, ever-increasing consumption, and rising gross national product. Presented a t the meeting of the Divison of Chemical Education in Washington, 1). C., September, 1971.
