Tag: Potions

Q: Will students need to understand that the 3rd shell can hold up to 18 electrons when there are additional outer shells in the atom or should they just understand that it holds 8 electrons for the 8 elements in the 3rd period/row? I just noticed that the study guide lists 18 electrons but the basic bohr model uses only 8 electrons if we are only drawing up to the third row.

A: Students should know that the Bohr model only covers atoms with up to eight electrons in the outer shell, but that there are elements that may contain more. I hope that answers the question!

Q: If students are asked to draw a bohr model of an atom, should they be drawing out protons and neutrons inside of the nucleus or will they just need to draw the electron shells and a single circle to represent the nucleus?

A: Students will only need to draw the electrons in shells around the atom.

Q:  For identifying powders do students need to understand solubility (or reaction) with liquids such as dilute hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, or other chemical reagents? We have been experimenting with common household liquids such as water, vinegar, and iodine tincture.

A:  No – students will be expected to describe reactions but not forced to identify powders from the reactions.

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Q:  Do students need to learn to measure the relative viscosity of liquids?  If yes, do you have any suggestions on how to do this with the equipment provided?

A:  No,  students will not be expected to measure relative viscosity 

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Q: For fingerprint identification, do the participants need to know (a) how to powder and lift the fingerprints from objects during the competition (b) fume invisible prints with iodine solution, etc. This has been a lot of fun but seems very tricky to do in the short period of 40 minutes.

A:  No, students  just need to be able to identify fingerprint types.

Q: The weighing scale we have from WESO/school equipment is not consistent in readings, has variable readings with errors. How much error is acceptable and how will this be graded? I am concerned with the conservation of mass experiments if the ingredients are in small quantities, and the measurements don’t line up well.

A:  The experiment will be designed to work with some variability in measurement readings.

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Q: For chromatography will pencils and clips be provided to clip the filter paper and suspend it?

A: We will provide all materials needed for the experiments and chromatography.

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Q: For chromatography will there be any other chemical solvents used other than water? Would students need to identify things other than ink? For example: a leaf/flowers crushed create a pigment and chromatography, or lipsticks.

A: Only ink and water chromatography will be tested on the exam, as per the study guide and linked examples.

Q: Will students need to use a Bunsen burner or have any experience with heating?  Will there be any chemical reactions involving heat?

A:  No Bunsen burners will be used. Some chemical reactions may produce mild heat as a byproduct.

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Q: Do any experiments need warm water, and how do students get that?

A:  Any materials needed for the experiment will be provided at the student’s workstation.