Contents:
• General Information
• Consider This 3.17 through 3.20 - CO₂ Emissions: Uncertainty and Implications for Policy
• Skeptical Chemist 3.23 - Critically evaluating the numbers
• Journal Entry - Developing Countries and "global warming"
• Documentation

• General Information: There are not as many assignments associated with this chapter as there were for the first two; however, you will find it worth your while to pay close attention to the schedule.  From the "pure chemistry" perspective, Chapter 3 introduces us to the shape and structure of molecules and some quantitative concepts: molecular mass, Avogadro's number and  the mole.   The context for this chapter is Climate Change or Global Warming.  You can find a lot of information about greenhouse gases, climate change, the Kyoto Conference and other related issues on the WWW.  This page was prepared to serve as a launch point as you prepare for the group discussion questions and the group assignment.  You will find helpful material on the Chemistry in Context Site.  Other useful sites are included as direct links below.  Note that there are due dates for the assignments.  Good luck! If you have questions ....

• Journal Entry -- CO₂ Emissions: Uncertainty and Implications for Policy - In chapter 2, we saw how ozone in the atmosphere recycles through a dynamic, steady state system illustrated by the Chapman cycle. The carbon cycle (section 3.5, pp 118 - 121) is also a dynamic, steady state system through which carbon is recycled.  How do we as human beings perturb the cycle by our activity? How do our activities impact the "Global Carbon Budget"?  How much certainty is there in the numbers?  To what extent should CO₂ emissions impact environmental policy?  As a journal entry for the week of September 24, 2008, do the activities described in
  • Consider This 3.15 Understanding the Carbon Cycle
  • Consider This 3.16 Earth's Small Atmospheric Resources 
  • Your Turn 3.17 Comparing Sector Emissions
   
• Skeptical Chemist 3.23 - Critically evaluating the numbers - In this chapter we are learning how to "manipulate moles with math".  If we know how to apply these ideas, we have the ability to critically evaluate media reports about releases of pollutants, greenhouse gases, CFCs and other substances.  On Wednesday, October 1, we will look closely at the statements about the total quantity of carbon released as carbon dioxide (How much carbon is there in 3.1 GT of CO₂?) and decide if this is a reasonable value.  Here is how you can prepare:
  • Read sections 3.6 - 3.7 (pp 121 - 126) for Monday, September 29, 2008.
  • Pay very close attention to the examples presented in class on Monday, September 29, 2008.
  • Work Your Turn 3.18, 3.20 and 3.23 on pp 122 - 126 in the text -- try to work them before class on the 29th.
  • Do problems 22 - 26, 40, 41 and 45 at the end of the chapter for homework due Wednesday, October 1, 2008. This is an individual assignment and is worth 20 points.
  • Also be prepared to contribute to a class discussion of Skeptical Chemist 3.24 for Wednesday, October 1, 2008.

• Journal Entry - Developing Countries and "global warming" --  The Montréal Protocol (on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer) was signed in 1989. International response was overall favorable.  The Kyoto Protocol (to the Framework Convention on Climate Change) has not been accepted as readily.  The United States has yet to sign the document.  As you read chapter 3 -- especially the later sections (3.18 through 3.12) -- you will see that economic issues add to the controversy.  How do you feel about controlling emissions of carbon dioxide?  What if you lived in a developing country, rather than the United States.  Would you feel differently?  In your journal entry for the week of October 6, you will have a chance to consider this point of view.  Prepare EoC # 57. The activity has links on the Chemistry in Context (5th Edition) web site.  Record the  information you collect and your impressions in your journal. 

Journals will be collected starting Friday, October 10, 2008.

Other Useful Links

• How to reach Dr. Bell-Loncella
• Links to interesting chemistry sites
• Chem 0080 Home Page
  • BlackBoard site for Chemistry 0080
  • Chem 0080 Course Outline
  • Chem 0080 Syllabus
  • List of links for Chem80 (Chemistry, Man & Society)
  • The Chemistry in Context web page
• Starting point for Prep Chem
• Center Point for General Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry (Chem 1131) Home Page
• The Academic Support Center