Chemical Principles: Particles and Forces

This unit is expiring
The expiry date of this unit is 31/07/2026.

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
QU025703
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

Grade Descriptors

  • GD2-Application of knowledge
  • GD3-Application of skills
  • GD7-Quality

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand the structure of atoms, molecules and ions.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Explain the structure of the atom in terms of position, mass and charge of the particles using appropriate symbols to represent them.

  • 1.2

    Explain atomic and mass number, using them to determine the structure of the atom.

  • 1.3
    Describe the formation of ions.
  • 1.4
    Explain the existence of isotopes.
2

Understand the arrangement of electron in an atom and the distribution of elements in the Periodic Table.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Describe the electronic configuration of atoms in terms of s, p and d orbitals.

  • 2.2
    Describe the structure of the periodic table in terms of the properties of the elements and their electronic arrangements.
3

Understand the nature of elements, compounds and mixtures.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1
    Explain the nature of elements, compounds and mixtures.
4

Understand mass spectrometry.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1
    Describe the structure and functions of main parts of a mass spectrometer.
  • 4.2
    Explain why atomic mass values may not be whole numbers.
  • 4.3
    Calculate relative atomic mass from mass spectra.
5

Understand bonding and intermolecular forces.

Assessment Criteria

  • 5.1
    Explain ionic, covalent and metallic bonding.
  • 5.2
    Deduce shapes of simple molecules.
  • 5.3

    Describe van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding.

  • 5.4
    Describe the effects of hydrogen bonding.
  • 5.5
    Explain physical properties in terms of structure and bonding.
6

Understand the mole concept and its application.

Assessment Criteria

  • 6.1

    Convert masses in grams to moles using R.M.M.

  • 6.2

    Calculate reacting masses and volumes using the mole concept.

  • 6.3

    Use the mole concept to calculate empirical and molecular formulae.

  • 6.4

    Determine the formula of a compound by experiment.