Term 1 Reflection

Reflecting back, Term 1 was an easy term for me, even when chemistry is among one of my worst subjects. I had trouble with chemical bonding, but however, the other topics that we learnt were simple enough for me to understand. The first thing we learnt was atomic structure, followed by periodic table, chemical bonding, equation writing and finally about acids, bases and salts.

Atomic structure was simple to understand, all the protons, neutrons and electrons, and how to write the electronic configuration of the elements. Next was the periodic table. where we learnt the various periods and groups of elements, and the the "lines" that separated metals, transition metals, non metals and inert elements. We also learnt about the proton and mass numbers.

Chemical bonding was a little harder to understand, but it was still doable. The two types of bonding that we were taught was ionic and covalent bonding. Ionic bonding is when elements transfer electrons over to other elements, and in the process becoming electrically neutral. Covalent bonding is the sharing of electrons between elements, with the final result being that the bonded elements turn electrically neutral as well.

The last topic we learnt about was acids, bases and salts, as well as compounds and mixtures. These were taught through lab lessons, where we saw how compounds were formed, and the differences between compounds and mixtures. We tasted mild acids which were sour, as well as felt the soapy texture of weak alkalis. In class, we learned how to form equations and what the results would be if a certain element mixes with an acid or alkali.

I did well in my term 1 test despite my lack of understanding in forming and balancing equations, as they were coincidentally the topics which were not tested. Now, I have a better understanding of writing equations. I achieved a B3, which was rather good considering that science is one of my weakest subjects.