STEM & Exam Prep
Course · 18 lessons · 17 min
Honors General Chemistry: Thermo, Gases, and Bonding
After this course you can solve problems in thermodynamics, gas laws, equilibrium, quantum atomic structure, and chemical bonding.
By the end, you'll be able to
- Electric Forces, Potential Energy, and Ionization Trends (PLA 2)
- Total Energy and Thermodynamic Systems (PLA 4)
- Heat and Work: Partners in Thermodynamic Change (PLA 5)
- How Calorimetry Really Works (PLA 7)
Curriculum
18 lessons- 01Electric Forces, Potential Energy, and Ionization Trends (PLA 2)This episode introduces fundamental concepts of electric potential, Coulomb's law, and ionization energies, connecting atomic structure to chemical trends. Perfect for students prepping for class, we'll move from the basics of electric forces and energy, to how ionization energies reveal the shell model, and finally to how these concepts shape chemical reactivity and trends across the periodic table.
- 02Total Energy and Thermodynamic Systems (PLA 4)Dive into the foundations of thermodynamics as Ben and Morgan explain how to break the universe into systems and surroundings, and how changes in total energy reveal shifts in kinetic or potential energy. Listen for clear examples, relatable analogies, and practical insights that equip you to analyze any thermodynamic process.
- 03Heat and Work: Partners in Thermodynamic Change (PLA 5)Explore how heat and work interact within thermodynamic systems, guided by the First Law of Thermodynamics. Ben and Morgan break down the principles that govern energy transfer, pressure-volume work, and the concept of state functions, connecting equations to real-life examples.
- 04How Calorimetry Really Works (PLA 7)We unpack the foundational ideas behind calorimetry—what it is, how it works, and why it's useful—without getting lost in confusing math. Ben and Morgan break down what students need to know to conceptually solve calorimetry problems, share approachable examples, and connect the lab to real life.
- 05Atmospheric Pressure and Force on Surfaces (PLA 8)Dive into the concept of pressure—how it's defined, measured, and experienced in everyday life. Learn how barometric pressure, units, and simple equations connect the molecular world to what we observe, and practice calculating the total force on objects under atmospheric pressure. This episode forms the foundation for next week’s focus on barometers and deeper applications of pressure, all grounded in real-life relevance and problem-solving.
- 06The Postulates and Power of Kinetic Molecular Theory (PLA 10)This episode of The Honors Element breaks down the key postulates of Kinetic Molecular Theory and how they connect the world of molecules to the macroscopic laws of gases. Ben and Morgan explore the origins of equations like KE = 3/2 RT, uncover the meaning of temperature, and show how the theory explains real observations with engaging examples.
- 07Mixing It Up: Understanding Partial Pressures and Dalton's Law (PLA 12)Ben and Morgan break down the fundamentals of partial pressures and Dalton’s law, showing how gases mix, behave, and apply to real-life scenarios. From simple gas mixtures to bubbly sodas and laboratory techniques, this episode makes key chemistry concepts accessible and practical.
- 08When Ideal Gases Fail (PLA 13)We all know PV = nRT, the trusty ideal gas law, but when does it stop working? In this episode of The Honors Element, Ben and Morgan explore what happens when real gases break the “perfect” rules. From bending Boyle’s law to the compressibility factor z, you’ll hear how attractions and repulsions between molecules reveal themselves in the lab and in the real world. Along the way, we’ll compare gases like methane and hydrogen, unpack why engineers and climate scientists can’t always trust the ideal gas law, and set the stage for how chemists learned to fix it.
- 09Vapor Pressure and the Clausius-Clapeyron Equation (PLA 15)Dive deep into vapor pressure, how temperature changes affect it, and how the Clausius-Clapeyron equation models these relationships. Ben and Morgan tie in real-life examples and applications, outlined for Honors General Chemistry students. We'll wrap by previewing how this links to phase transitions and phase diagrams next.
- 10The Dynamics of Equilibrium (PLA 17)Dive into the world of dynamic equilibrium in chemistry—what it really means, how it's visualized, and why understanding equilibrium is crucial for practical and theoretical chemistry. With hands-on examples, real-world connections, and insightful discussion, this episode breaks down the essentials for mastering this core concept.
- 11What Makes Acids and Bases Strong or Weak? (PLA 23)Ben and Morgan break down what acids and bases really are, how chemists define and compare their strengths, and why equilibrium matters for their behavior in water. Through everyday examples and practical chemistry insights, this episode prepares you for understanding acid-base phenomena in labs and life.
- 12Light as Waves and Particles (PLA 26)Dive into the conceptual foundations of light: what it is, how we describe it, and why its dual wave-particle nature is central to understanding the atomic world. Ben Lear and Morgan Vincent break down frequency, wavelength, and energy, exploring experiments that shaped quantum theory.
- 13Unveiling the Photoelectric Effect (PLA 27)Join Ben and Morgan as they break down the photoelectric effect: its historical experiments, quantum explanation, and chemical implications. From Hertz’s sparks to Einstein’s theory and practical calculations, this episode connects light’s dual nature to real chemical phenomena.
- 14Understanding the Bohr Model (PLA 29)Dive into the origins, mechanics, and impact of the Bohr model of the atom. Ben and Morgan discuss its revolutionary ideas, the quantization of energy, and where the model falls short. Specific experiments and calculations showcase how the Bohr model shaped our understanding of atomic structure.
- 15Introducing the Schrödinger Equation and Particle in a Box (PLA 30)In this episode, Ben and Morgan introduce the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics through the Schrödinger equation and the classic particle-in-a-box problem. They discuss the de Broglie relationship, wave-particle duality, and the physical implications of quantized energy levels, connecting these ideas to chemical systems and real experiments. With approachable analogies and examples, they make sense of the wave nature of matter and why it matters for chemistry.
- 16Diving into s Orbitals and Quantum Numbers (PLA 32)In this episode, Ben and Morgan explore the nature of s orbitals in atoms, breaking down how quantum numbers define their structure and the science behind electron distributions. With a focus on hydrogen-like atoms, they discuss the mathematics and visualization of s orbitals, emphasizing why these orbitals are foundational in chemistry. Expect accessible examples and insights linked to real chemical systems.
- 17Mastering the Rules: Aufbau, Pauli, and Shielding with Slater's Rules (PLA 35)Dive into the fundamental rules that shape electron configurations: the aufbau principle, the Pauli exclusion principle, and electron shielding via Slater's rules. Ben and Morgan break down the concepts and show why electrons fill the way they do, how spins matter, and how core and valence electrons influence atomic behavior.9 min
- 18Covalent Bonding (PLA 40)This episode dives into the fundamentals of covalent bonding, exploring how atoms share electrons, the quantum mechanical picture of bonding, and the difference between pure and polar covalent bonds. We introduce the key ideas you’ll need for understanding molecular orbital theory—setting the stage for next time.8 min
Your instructor
The Honors Element
The Honors Element is a podcast created for Penn State Honors General Chemistry students, exploring the fundamental ideas that shape how we understand the chemical world. Each episode connects core concepts to real-life applications while preparing students for upcoming lectures.
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18 lessons · 17 min. Free, no signup.
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