Chapter 19: Acids and Bases
In this chapter, you’ll explore how electrons are transferred during chemical reactions. We’ll break down oxidation and reduction (a.k.a. redox), learn how to assign oxidation numbers, and identify what’s gaining or losing electrons in a reaction. These processes are behind everything from rust to batteries—and understanding them is key to mastering the flow of chemical energy.
Chapter 20: Redox Reactions
This chapter takes redox to the next level by applying it to real-world systems like electrochemical cells. You’ll explore how chemical energy can be converted into electrical energy through voltaic cells—and how batteries work. You’ll also learn how electrolysis reverses the process. Whether it’s powering a phone or plating jewelry, these redox reactions are behind the scenes.
Chapter 24: Chemistry of Life
This chapter dives into the powerful world of nuclear reactions. You’ll learn the difference between fission and fusion, explore radioactive decay, and understand how unstable nuclei release massive amounts of energy. We’ll also look at half-life, nuclear equations, and how nuclear processes are used in medicine, energy, and beyond. It’s chemistry at its most energetic—and sometimes explosive.
Chapter 25: Nuclear Chemistry
In this chapter, we go deeper into nuclear stability and the forces that hold the nucleus together. You’ll explore how nuclear decay changes elements, how to calculate half-life, and the difference between natural and artificial transmutations. We’ll also look at how nuclear fission and fusion release energy—and how that energy is harnessed in reactors, weapons, and even stars. It’s powerful stuff—literally.
Chapter 26: Chemistry in the Environment
This chapter introduces the chemistry of carbon—the backbone of life and a huge part of modern science. You’ll explore hydrocarbons, functional groups, and how to name and draw organic molecules. From fuels to plastics to the chemistry of your own body, organic chemistry helps explain a huge part of the world around us. It’s the final chapter—and it’s packed with carbon-based fun.
Mrs. Ederington 