CSEC - Section A - Study Note - 1 - 3
CSEC - Section A - Study Note - 1 - 3
1. States of Matter
Definitions:
• Matter: Anything that has mass and occupies space.
• Atom: An atom is the basic unit of matter and the smallest particle of an element that retains
its chemical properties.
• Molecule: A molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together chemically.
• Particle Theory: A scientific model used to explain the properties and behaviour of matter by
describing it as being composed of tiny, moving particles.
• Solid: A state of matter characterized by particles that are tightly packed in a fixed
arrangement, with low energy and strong intermolecular forces.
• Liquid: A state of matter where particles are close together but can move past one another,
with moderate energy and intermolecular forces.
• Gas: A state of matter where particles are far apart and move randomly at high speeds, with
high energy and weak intermolecular forces.
• Melting: The process by which a solid changes into a liquid due to the absorption of energy.
• Freezing: The process by which a liquid turns into a solid due to the release of energy.
• Boiling: The rapid vaporization of a liquid into a gas due to the absorption of energy.
• Condensation: The process by which a gas turns into a liquid due to the release of energy.
• Sublimation: The direct transition of a solid into a gas without passing through the liquid
state, or vice versa.
• Diffusion: The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low
concentration, without the need for an external force.
• Osmosis: The movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from a
region of high-water potential to a region of low water potential.
Physical Properties:
▪ Fixed shape and volume.
▪ High density.
▪ Incompressible.
▪ Does not flow.
Key Physical Properties: Solids have definite volume and shape due to the strong bonds between
particles, making them useful in construction (e.g., metals, bricks).
Diagram: Solid particles closely packed in an orderly arrangement.
Liquids:
• Arrangement of Particles: Particles are closely packed but not in a fixed arrangement. They
can move past each other.
• Energy of Particles: Moderate; particles have enough energy to overcome some
intermolecular forces, allowing flow.
• Forces of Interaction: Moderate; intermolecular forces are weaker than in solids but stronger
than in gases.
Physical Properties:
Key Physical Properties: Liquids are essential for biological processes (e.g., water in cells), cooling
systems (e.g., coolant liquids), and as solvents in chemical reactions.
Diagram: Liquid particles closely packed but with space to move freely.
Gases:
• Arrangement of Particles: Particles are far apart and move randomly at high speeds.
• Energy of Particles: High; particles have enough energy to overcome almost all
intermolecular forces.
• Forces of Interaction: Very weak or negligible.
Physical Properties:
Key Physical Properties: Gases like oxygen are vital for respiration, while others like carbon dioxide
are used in carbonated beverages and fire extinguishers.
Diagram: Gas particles widely spaced and moving randomly.
Comparative Table:
Mixtures consists of two or more different substances (elements, compounds, or both) that are
physically combined, not chemically bonded. The components of a mixture can vary in proportions.
Types of Mixtures:
o Homogeneous Mixtures (Solutions): These have a uniform composition throughout,
and the individual components are not visible. For example, salt dissolved in water or
air.
o Heterogeneous Mixtures: These have a non-uniform composition, and the different
components are visible or can be easily distinguished. For example, a salad, sand and
water, or oil and water
• Properties:
o Mixtures do not have fixed composition or properties. The physical properties (such
as density, boiling point) can vary depending on the proportions of the substances in
the mixture.
o The components can usually be separated by physical methods such as filtration,
distillation, or centrifugation.
• Examples:
o Air (a mixture of gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and others).
o Concrete (a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water).
o Salad (a mixture of various vegetables and dressings).
Summary of Key Differences:
PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES
The boiling point of pure water and a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution differ due to a phenomenon
known as boiling point elevation, which occurs when a non-volatile solute (like NaCl) is dissolved in
a solvent (like water).
Objective:
To compare the boiling points of pure water and a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution.
Materials Needed:
• Distilled water (for pure water) • Weighing balance (for measuring NaCl)
• Stirring rod
Procedure:
Step 1: Prepare the Sodium Chloride Solution
1. Measure a known mass of sodium chloride (NaCl) using the weighing balance.
2. Dissolve the sodium chloride in a specific volume of distilled water. For example, dissolve 10
grams of NaCl in 100 mL of water to prepare a moderately concentrated solution.
3. Stir the solution thoroughly to ensure all the NaCl dissolves completely.
5. Insert a thermometer into each beaker, ensuring it doesn't touch the sides or bottom of the beaker
(so it measures the temperature of the liquid).
6. Begin heating both beakers at the same time, starting with low heat and gradually increasing.
8. For NaCl Solution: Similarly, heat the sodium chloride solution in the other beaker. Observe the
temperature at which it begins to boil and record the temperature.
Medium-sized particles (1 nm to 1
Particle Size Extremely small (<1 nm) Large particles (>1 µm)
µm)
Settling Particles do not settle Particles settle over time Particles do not settle
Cannot be separated by
Separation Can be separated by filtration Can be separated by ultrafiltration
filtration
Light Scattering No Tyndall effect Tyndall effect (scatters light) Tyndall effect (scatters light)
In summary:
• Solutions are homogeneous mixtures where the solute is completely dissolved in the solvent.
• Suspensions have larger particles that can be seen and settled over time.
• Colloids have intermediate-sized particles that remain suspended and scatter light, exhibiting
the Tyndall effect
2.3 Identify different types of solutions.
Solutions can be classified based on the physical states of the solute and the solvent, as well as the
concentration of the solute. Here are the different types of solutions:
Based on Physical State of Solute and Solvent:
• Solid in Liquid Solutions:
o Example: Salt or sugar dissolved in water.
o The solute (salt or sugar) is a solid, and the solvent is a liquid (water).
Conclusion:
This experiment will allow you to determine how temperature affects the solubility of potassium
nitrate in water. The solubility is expected to increase as the temperature rises, and you should observe
a steep increase in the amount of solute that can dissolve at higher temperatures. You can use the
solubility curve to predict how much potassium nitrate will dissolve in water at any given temperature
within the range you have tested.
3. Distillation
• Property Used: Difference in boiling points.
• Mixture Example: Ethanol and water.
• Method:
o Heat the mixture; the component with the lower boiling point (ethanol) vaporizes
first.
o Condense the vapor back to a liquid in a condenser and collect it in a separate
container.
4. Fractional Distillation
• Property Used: Close boiling points of liquids.
• Mixture Example: Crude oil or alcohol-water mixture.
• Method:
o Heat the mixture in a fractionating column.
o Components vaporize and condense at different levels of the column according to
their boiling points.
5. Decantation
• Property Used: Density difference between immiscible liquids or solid-liquid mixtures.
• Mixture Example: Oil and water.
• Method:
o Allow the mixture to settle.
o Pour off the top layer (oil) without disturbing the bottom layer (water).
6. Centrifugation
• Property Used: Density (solid-liquid mixtures where solids are very fine).
• Mixture Example: Blood (separating plasma and red blood cells).
• Method:
o Spin the mixture at high speed in a centrifuge.
o Denser components (e.g., red blood cells) settle at the bottom, while less dense
components (e.g., plasma) remain on top.
7. Chromatography
• Property Used: Solubility and affinity for a stationary phase.
• Mixture Example: Ink or dye mixtures.
• Method:
o Apply a drop of the mixture on chromatography paper.
o Allow a solvent to flow through the paper.
o Components travel different distances based on their solubility and interaction with
the paper.
8. Crystallization
• Property Used: Solubility and temperature.
• Mixture Example: Salt and water (pure salt crystals).
• Method:
o Heat the solution to evaporate some water until it becomes saturated.
o Cool the solution to form crystals of the solute.
9. Sublimation
• Property Used: Ability to sublimate (solid to gas without melting).
• Mixture Example: Ammonium chloride and sand.
• Method:
o Heat the mixture.
o Ammonium chloride sublimates into gas and condenses back as a solid, leaving the
sand behind.
Summary:
The extraction of sucrose from sugarcane involves crushing the cane, extracting and clarifying the
juice, concentrating it into syrup, crystallizing the sucrose, separating it from molasses, and drying the
crystals. The process ensures maximum sugar yield while generating useful byproducts like molasses
and bagasse.
Discuss the purification of water for domestic use.
• Overview: Water purification involves removing impurities and harmful microorganisms to
make water safe for drinking and domestic use.
• Stages of Water Purification:
1. Screening:
▪ Removes large debris such as leaves, twigs, and other solids.
2. Coagulation and Flocculation:
▪ Chemicals like alum are added to cause small particles to clump together
(floc formation).
3. Sedimentation:
▪ Flocs settle at the bottom of the tank, leaving clearer water at the top.
4. Filtration:
▪ Water is passed through layers of sand and gravel to remove smaller particles
and microorganisms.
5. Chlorination:
▪ Chlorine is added to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
6. Storage and Distribution:
▪ Purified water is stored in reservoirs and distributed through pipes for
domestic use.
• Alternative Methods:
o Boiling: Kills microorganisms but does not remove chemical impurities.
o Activated Carbon Filters: Removes odors and some chemical contaminants.
o Reverse Osmosis: Removes dissolved salts and impurities through a semi-permeable
membrane.
Objective 3. Atomic Structure
Key Definitions
1. Atom: The smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element. It consists of
a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons arranged in shells.
2. Proton: A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
3. Neutron: A subatomic particle with no charge (neutral) found in the nucleus of an atom.
4. Electron: A negatively charged subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus in energy levels or
shells.
5. Atomic Number (Z): The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the
element's identity.
6. Mass Number (A): The sum of the protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
7. Relative Atomic Mass: The weighted average mass of the isotopes of an element relative to
1/12th of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.
8. Isotope: Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting
in different mass numbers.
9. Radioactive Isotopes: Isotopes that are unstable and emit radiation as they decay into more
stable forms.
Overview:
Atomic structure is the fundamental concept in chemistry that describes how atoms, the basic units of
matter, are organized. Each atom consists of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and
electrons. The arrangement and properties of these particles determine the atom's identity, behavior,
and interactions with other atoms.
Atoms with atomic numbers ranging from 1 to 20 illustrate increasing complexity in their structure,
from the single proton and electron of hydrogen to the multi-layered shells of calcium. These
structures form the basis of the periodic table, chemical bonding, and the variety of substances we
observe in the physical world. Additionally, the study of isotopes and their applications highlights the
versatility of atomic structures in scientific and industrial contexts.
3.1 Describe with illustrations, the structure of atoms of atomic number 1 to 20.
• The atom consists of three basic particles:
o Protons: Positively charged particles located in the nucleus.
o Neutrons: Neutral particles located in the nucleus.
o Electrons: Negatively charged particles arranged in energy levels (shells) around the
nucleus.
• The number of protons in an atom equals the number of electrons, making the atom
electrically neutral.
• Atoms with atomic numbers 1 to 20:
o Hydrogen (Z=1): One proton and one electron, no neutrons.
o Helium (Z=2): Two protons, two neutrons, and two electrons.
o Larger atoms like Carbon (Z=6) and Calcium (Z=20) have more protons, neutrons,
and electrons distributed in increasing shells.
Proton 1 +1
Neutron 1 0 (neutral)