Spectroscopic Anaylsis of Cobalt and Copper Ion

Today we used a spectrophotometer to determine each ions transmittance and incident of light. It was an extremely monotonous and time consuming lab. Every time we changes the wavelength on the machine we had to reset it with a water test tube. It seemed almost pointless to do this lab, but we are going to use the information to analyze it on a graph. Hopefully that helps me understand the purpose behind the lab.
Explanation of how to use the machine

Electron Configuration

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This lecture was confusing at first, but got easier as we went along. We first had to color in the s,p,d, and f sub levels on our periodic table. Then we used the periodic table to classify the elements based on the number of electrons they had. In addition, we had to write the electron configuration of elements by using the valence electrons, and using the classifications on the periodic table. We also used the elements that accept electrons from lower levels in order to write their configurations correctly. During this lesson, we also looked at the 6 transition elements (Cr, Cu, Mo, Ag, W, Au) that do not always follow the rules that the other elements do.

Video Explanation Bozeman Science

Flame Test Lab

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I was unfortunately not present today for this lab, but I was able to find this video on the internet that explains what they did in class today. It looks like it was a very interesting lab! I wish I could have been there for it. In simple terms, they took different metals and placed them in the flame of a bunson burner to see what color they produced. They then compared the color to an unknown metal and used the data they collected to figure out each lights wavelength. Then we calculated energy in jewels/mole.

Energy, Wavelength, Speed

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Today's lecture wasn't that complicated at all. All we needed to do is memorize the two formulas in order to find wavelength, frequency, and energy of transverse waves. We had to pay close attention to the units each number was in. If it was in a different unit, then we had to convert it back into the correct measurement before finishing the problem. Along with memorizing the formulas, we had to memories two constants (speed of light and Planck's constant) in order to solve the problems. Once you memorize the formulas and constants the rest is really easy since it is just plug and chug!

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First Day of Electronic Structure Unit

Today in class we got to read about fireworks and how they function. We learned about the chemistry behind them, what makes them explode, and why they give off different colors. Some interesting facts we learned:

1.  The explosion of a firework happens in two steps: The aerial shell is shot into the air, and then it explodes into the air. 
• To propel the shell into the air, the shell is placed sinside a tube called a mortar, whcih is oftben partially buried in sand or dirt. A lifting charge of gunpowder is present blelwo the chell with a fuse attached to it. When ignited, the gunpowder exploded, creating lots of heat and gas that casue a buildup of pressure beneath the shell. When the pressure is great enough, the sheel shoots up into the sky.
• After a few seconds, another fuse inside the aerial shell, ignites causing the bursting charge to explode. This in turn ignites the black powder and the stars which rapidly produce lots of gas and heat which causes the shells to fly in every direction then burst open sending light into the dark sky.
2. Colors are formed in two ways: luminescence and incandescence
3. Colors come from the metal cation which absorb energy from the heat, causing them to become excited. 
4. Consumer fireworks can have no more than 50 milligrams of gunpowder.
5. Pyrotechnic chemists work to create different fireworks and increase firework safety.

Very Brief Explanation of Fireworks
A more in depth explanation

Finding the Mass of the Unknown Acid Lab

Today we finished writing our note card for the unknown acid lab! My partner and I were able to finish a day early because we used our standard from the last lab. Using our data, we did the math to find the molar mass of the substance, which between the two trials averaged about 177 g. I really enjoyed these labs due to the competition to get the best percent error. We were really focused on getting the exact amount of NaOH used. Below is our calculations for the lab and our results. We got around a 1.7 percent error!
Explanation of Lab

First day of Unknown Acid lab

Today we began our Unknown Acid lab! In order to complete this lab, we completed a titration of an unknown substance to find its molar mass. To start, we measured the amount of the acid and dissolved it in 100 mL of water and added 2-3 drop of phem. (an indicator). In order to get it to dissolve, we had to heat the solution on a hot plate, as well as add a stir bar to better mix the substance because it was partially soluable. Once the solution was completely dissolved, we let it cool then titrated the substance with NaOH until the substance turned pink. We took the measurement of the amount of NaOH used to titrate the solution and the amount of unknown acid we used to dissolve into the mixture. We will use this data tomorrow to calculate the molar mass of the unknown acid.
Reminder on how to titrate

2nd day of Titration lab

Today we got to run our experiment! We had to move pretty fast because we had to get four trials done total (2 KHP, 2 Vinegar) in one class period. Below are our steps we followed for the day:

1. Put on googles
2. Drain burette
3. Fill with small amount of NaOH and coat the sides of burette
4. Dump excess NaOH into waste beaker
5. Fill burette to 0 mL
6. Measure .4-.6 grams of KHP and record mass
7. Dump KHP into E. Flask and fill with 100 mL of water and ensure all KHP makes it into the flask
8. Mix the solution until all the KHP dissolves
9. Add 2-3 drops of phem.
10. Tritate solution until it turns light pink. Record the mass of NaOH used
11. Dump out contents of E. Flask 
12. Fill flask with 10 mL of vinegar
13. Add 100 mL of water and 2-3 drops of phem. 
14. Titrate until pink and Record.
15. Repeat

We also did our calculations today and explanation on how to do this can be found below.
Unknown Acid Lab video
How to Calculate Molarity in lab

First day of Titration: Getting used to the techniques

Today my partner wasn't here, so I did the practice lab with Ben. We learned how to do the steps for the lab so we would be ready for tomorrow. We went really slow at first because we were nervous, but then Mrs. Frankenberg came by and just poured the NaOH into our Erlenmeyer flask and it turned dark pink. I feel like we are ready tomorrow because we did two trials and we got it on the second try. Hopefully we are as ready as I think we are because this lab our grade is based on our percent error.

Overview of the Quiz

I felt okay about the quiz this week. I studied all weekend, especially on Sunday. During the quiz, I felt good about it until I started to go back and check my answers. I totally blanks on what was hydroponic and what was hydroxide and I started to panic. I think this is a great example of my exhausting that I felt during the quiz. After reviewing what answers I missed, I am very frustrated because they were all stupid mistakes. On one I got the right answer but picked the wrong answer on the test. Oh well... I just hope I don't make these stupid mistakes on the test.