<p>We just took our chapter 13 solutions test. Next up is kinetics and then equilibrium.</p>
<p>We’ve just got done chapter 8 and we’re doing chapter 9 after break…</p>
<p>On colligative properties. We use Zumdahl’s 5th edition.</p>
<p>We use Chemistry the Central Science: 10th edition. Currently on chapter 13, solution properties. We’ve done all the basics, thermochemistry, molecular geometry, bonding and attractive forces, gas laws, and some other stuff I’m probably forgetting. Seems like we’re farther ahead then most people posting here but I think we’re a little behind honestly.</p>
<p>We do Zumdahl 7th ed. but we scatter around. We’ve done Stoichiometry, Periodicity, Gasses, Redox, Precip, Thermo, Bonding, Electro, and just got done with Equilibrium. We are starting Kinetics.</p>
<p>We are in kinetics</p>
<p>I am using Zumdahl’s Seventh Edition. We have learned stoichiometry, gases, periodicity, hybridization, lewis dot diagram, bonding, gas laws, nuclear chemistry, electrochemistry, and right now we are learning properties of solutions. Still haven’t done organic, equilibrium, acid/bases, and thermochem.</p>
<p>We use Chang as well and we have skipped around initially, but now we are going chapter by chapter. Currently on Chapter 16</p>
<p>We’ve now finished the book and for the next month we’re taking exams and going over topics we don’t feel comfortable on.</p>
<p>We’re using Chemistry: The Central Science and we finished chapter 17 (buffered solutions) just before spring break started. Over the break, we’re doing nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry by ourselves. When we get back, we’re doing ∆G and ∆S and voltaic cells, and then it’s straight exam prep.</p>
<p>we use zumdahl 7th edition chemistry, my teacher covered everything except nuclear and organic chemistry.</p>
<p>We’ve done nuclear, organic, thermodynamics/free energy, and self-taught galvanic cells. I liked galvanic cells since my physics class had just learned electricity at the time.</p>
<p>Well, we officially finished all the learning. We are now into test prep mode. </p>
<p>Question: There was a question on one of my tests from 2 months ago that is still bothering me. So basically, the conjugate base of a weak acid should be strong right? And that the conjugate base of a strong acid is weak. </p>
<p>However, the part about the conjugate base of a weak acid should be strong is not always true, meaning that the conjugate base of a weak acid is weak. Take acetic acid, CH3COOH for example, CH3COO- is NOT a strong base. </p>
<p>I’m guessing both definitions are right. But how do I know which “definition” to use?</p>
<p>The following is true:
“So basically, the conjugate base of a weak acid should be strong right? And that the conjugate base of a strong acid is weak.”</p>
<p>But it’s not necessarily “strong” strong. It’s relatively strong. If that makes sense. Acetic acid is not entirely weak and it’s definitely not strong so the conjugate base is not going to be as strong as say a conjugate base of a weaker acid. The Ka of acetic acid is 1.8 x 10^5. Compare this to the other weak acid Kas that we’re used to seeing (10^8, 10^10, 10^12), acetic acid is a stronger weak acid.</p>
<p>So it’s “strong” in the sense that it’s strongER than most weak acids. </p>
<p>But testing wise, if it asks “the conjugate base of a weak acid is…” strong or weak?</p>
<p>Correct. My teacher tells us that a good number to determine if its weak is anything under 10^-4. </p>
<p>If you get a question that asks you, “The conjugate base of a weak acid is…”
You’d say a strong base.</p>
<p>You guys are so lucky to be done learning. We just started electro. Haven’t done ANY nuclear or organic. Those are going to be self study. Test prep is next week only, if we finish electro.</p>