• ES Español
• EN English

3.13. General Chemistry (GCH)

This knowledge area covers the introductory fundamentals of chemistry: the nature of matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and the states of matter. It forms the conceptual foundation on which the other chemistry areas and their applications in engineering and computer science (materials science, nanotechnology, industrial processes) are built.

Knowledge Area (KA)	CS Core	KA Core
3.13.1 Atomic Structure	Elective
3.13.2 Chemical Bonding	Elective
3.13.3 Matter and Energy	Elective
3.13.4 States of Matter	Elective
3.13.5 Stoichiometry	Elective

3.13.1. GCH/Atomic Structure ↑ Back to top

Evolution of the atomic model, subatomic particles, electron configuration, and the organization of the periodic table, along with the periodic trends that derive from it.
Topics:
Core

• Historical evolution of the atomic model: Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bohr
• Subatomic particles, atomic number, mass number, and isotopes
• Electron configuration, quantum numbers, and the Aufbau principle
• Organization of the periodic table: groups, periods, and blocks
• Periodic trends: atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, and electronegativity

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Describe the historical evolution of the atomic model and each model's contribution to the current understanding of the atom [Familiarity]
2. Determine the electron configuration of an atom or ion from its position in the periodic table [Usage]
3. Predict periodic trends (atomic radius, ionization energy) to compare two or more elements [Assessment]

3.13.2. GCH/Chemical Bonding ↑ Back to top

Types of chemical bonding, Lewis structures, molecular geometry via VSEPR theory, and the intermolecular forces that determine the physical properties of substances.
Topics:
Core

• Ionic bonding: formation, lattice energy, and properties of ionic compounds
• Covalent bonding, Lewis structures, and the concept of resonance
• Molecular geometry via Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory
• Electronegativity, bond polarity, and molecular polarity
• Intermolecular forces: dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding, and London dispersion forces

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Draw correct Lewis structures, including resonance cases, for molecules and polyatomic ions [Usage]
2. Predict the molecular geometry and polarity of a molecule by applying VSEPR theory [Usage]
3. Relate the type of intermolecular force present in a substance to its observed physical properties (boiling point, solubility) [Assessment]

3.13.3. GCH/Matter and Energy ↑ Back to top

Classification of matter, its properties and changes, the system of units and significant figures, and the forms of energy involved in physical and chemical processes.
Topics:
Core

• Classification of matter: elements, compounds, homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures
• Physical and chemical properties, and physical and chemical changes of matter
• International System of units, significant figures, and dimensional analysis
• Forms of energy, heat and temperature; the law of conservation of mass and energy
• The scientific method applied to chemistry: observation, hypothesis, and experimentation

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Classify a sample of matter as an element, compound, or mixture, and distinguish homogeneous from heterogeneous mixtures [Familiarity]
2. Apply dimensional analysis and significant-figure rules in calculations involving chemical measurements [Usage]
3. Relate observed energy changes to specific physical and chemical processes, applying the law of conservation of energy [Assessment]

3.13.4. GCH/States of Matter ↑ Back to top

The gas laws and kinetic-molecular theory, the properties of liquids and solids, phase changes, and the colligative properties of solutions.
Topics:
Core

• Gas laws: Boyle's, Charles's, Avogadro's, and the ideal gas equation
• Kinetic-molecular theory of gases and its applications
• Phase changes, heating curves, and phase diagrams
• Crystalline and amorphous solids; types of crystalline solids
• Colligative properties of solutions: vapor pressure lowering, boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, and osmotic pressure

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Apply the ideal gas equation and the gas laws to solve problems involving pressure, volume, and temperature [Usage]
2. Interpret a phase diagram to identify the states and transitions of a substance under different conditions [Familiarity]
3. Calculate the colligative properties of a solution (vapor pressure, boiling point, freezing point) from its concentration [Assessment]

3.13.5. GCH/Stoichiometry ↑ Back to top

The mole concept, balancing chemical equations, and stoichiometric calculations, including limiting reagent, percent yield, and solution stoichiometry.
Topics:
Core

• Chemical formulas, molar mass, and the mole concept
• Balancing chemical equations and their quantitative interpretation
• Mole-to-mole, mass-to-mass, and mass-to-mole stoichiometric calculations
• Limiting reagent, excess reagent, and percent yield
• Molarity, solution preparation, and solution stoichiometry

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Balance chemical equations by inspection, verifying conservation of mass [Familiarity]
2. Calculate the amounts of reactants and products in a chemical reaction using mole ratios [Usage]
3. Determine the limiting reagent and percent yield of a reaction from experimental data [Assessment]