Chemistry - Semester 1

Chemistry is the study of how a set of substances with particular physical properties—like solid paper and the oxygen in the air—can react with each other to form different substances with entirely different properties—like gaseous water and carbon dioxide. In most cases, these chemical changes result in an energy change as well, either giving off energy or absorbing energy. Chemistry is considered one of the core scientific disciplines because it is so practical and widely useful in the modern world. The development of new types of materials, new methods of producing or storing energy, or new methods of interacting with genetic material all depend upon a knowledge of chemistry. In Chemistry A, you will learn some of the “basics” of chemistry: the atomic and molecular structures that result in different chemical properties and the concepts and tools that will enable you to predict chemical properties and chemical reactions.

Prerequisites: Physical Science or Biology; Algebra 1 (recommended)