AP Chemistry Summer Assignment

                                                                                                                        June  2004

You should enjoy a well-deserved break from school this summer.  But I also know some of you have a full summer planned.  So I want to give you the summer assignment for AP Chemistry up front so that you can fit this work in between your fun, jobs, relaxation and/or summer school.  As I look at the list of your names, I am very excited about our further exploration of Chemistry together next year.  Your work this summer will give us a solid, common basis from which to begin.

You should pick up from the bookstore the textbook, Chemistry, 6th edition, by Zumdahl and the novel, Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sacks.   The novel will be available within the week, but can also be purchased at any book store.  Our textbook is currently back ordered and is scheduled to arrive by mid-June.  You may pick up the textbook when it arrives or come at the beginning of summer school.  You may also purchase your own copy from Amazon.com or at a bookstore.  Unfortunately, last year’s text is the 5th edition and is no longer in print.  So used copies are not available.

Please read the novel and reinforce your understanding of some basic Chemistry concepts with the textbook.  Specifically, as you read Uncle Tungsten note three things:

  1. Discussion of the development of the atomic theory.  Learn about the research and contributions of the various scientists to our understanding of the atom.  You can find the names of these key players in the development of atomic theory from Chapters 2 and 7 from the Zumdahl textbook.
  2. Choose a favorite scientist from the ones you read about and prepare to make a 5-minute presentation on the scientist sometime in the middle of September.
  3. Select some demonstrations or experiments (about 3) from the book that you would like to do in class during the year.

With regard to reinforcing your basic Chemistry skills, I suggest the following exercises from the textbook:

  1. Review the development on the atomic theory from Chapter 2 and 7.1-7.6.
  2. Practice stoichiometry concepts and problems from Chapters 3 and 4.  I suggest that you practice as many problems as you need on the following topics from Chapter 3, pp. 124ff: Percent Composition (problems 53-58), Empirical and Molecular Formulas (problems 59-74), Reaction Stoichiometry (probs. 85-92), Limiting Reactants and % Yield (probs. 93-102)  [Note: Answers to the problems with blue numbers can be found in the back.]
  3. From Chapter 4 practice solution stoichiometry using molarity and types of reactions.  Choose from problems among 69-83 on pp. 184-185.
  4. Test yourself with the Marathon Problem #126 p. 129.

AP Chemistry is a challenging and rewarding course.  It is a good measure of your readiness for college level studies.  One of the challenges to you will be to assess your own understanding of any given topic.  You will need to become your own tutor, discerning what you understand and don’t and then supplementing the classroom learning with your own study.  Your summer work should help you take important steps in this process.   I will be around this summer in June and July.  If you have questions e-mail me at bause@smes.org.  See you in September.

Sincerely,

Mr. Ause