My Coursework
In correlation to my project and research, I also did coursework through PLATO and studied chemistry. With this, I was able to learn about the chemistry behind some of the building materials. I studied six chapters and each contributed to my decisions on what building materials I should use. Each chapter contributed to my existing knowledge of chemistry. Without learning parts of the coursework, I would not fully understand the components of building materials. I will present to you the information I used for my project as well as the information I learned.
Unit 1: Matter and Atomic Structure
In this unit, I learned several things. The first unit is merely the building blocks of all chemistry. It described isotopes, chemical changes, states of matter, and different types of matter such as compounds, atoms, solutions, and mixtures. This gave me an introduction to what I was about to learn. In this, I used the knowledge given to me on chemical changes as well as physical changes to determine what rotting wood was and why it's bad. I also used this to determine the types of treatment for lumber. Any type of formula involved in my project, I couldn't have read without this unit.
Unit 2: The Periodic Table
In this unit, I learned about all aspects of the periodic table. I learned about electronegativity, electron configurations, spectral lines, and periodic trends such as mass and sizes of atoms. In the process, I gained knowledge on the history of the periodic table as well as it's father, Dimitri Mendeleev. In this unit, I applied the processes of radiation and used it to choose my roof. The metal roof has UV resistant paint, which will help the house stay a constant temperature. It reflects and refracts harmful UV rays, and will also preserve the life of the roof. I also used this to determine the chemical makeup of materials and determine it's sustainability as well as it's properties. Without this unit, I would not have been able to make decisions on what type of roofing to use as well as what type of lumber I would use.
Unit 3: Bonding
This unit was one of the most important units along with units 5 and 6. Without this knowledge of bonding, I would not have discovered why cement is used in concrete. I would also not have discovered why stone-basements are less efficient. In this unit, I learned several things. The first topic I covered was the types of bonds. I applied this information to analyze the strength of concrete. I discovered it was a covalent bond, which is weak; however, in numbers and in network solids, it is very strong. This is what gives concrete it's immense qualities in strength. This is why your slab is 4 or 6 inches and the footings are 8-12 inches thick. The next topic I covered was compound names. I can name every type of treatment by looking at the chemical formula and identifying the bond. The next thing that I covered was the Lewis structures and electronegativity. In these sections, I could draw a Lewis structure of an atom as well as identify it's ability to bond based on its electronegativity. This helped me the most by looking at the components of cement. I then learned about molecular polarity and intermolecular forces. By this, I could discover polar molecules as well as it's ability to form a strong bond.
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Unit 4: The Mole Concept
In this unit, I learned about Avogadro's number and moles. This helped me to realize all of these chemical reactions occur on a very small and minute molecular level. This proved to me that there are billions and billions of bonds in a wood glue or cement slab. I learned about the percent composition of a product and it's formula. It must be followed to a T, or else you won't have the same substance. One atom out of 1 billion can make a difference. I also identified empirical and molecular formulas, which allowed me to tell the difference when looking at chemical properties charts, such as the treatment one on this website. (See Evolution of Building Materials then go to Walls and Framing) Without this unit, I would not have been able to comprehend some of the information that I have studied.
Unit 5: Chemical Reactions
In this unit, I learned several key points that contributed to my existing knowledge of building materials and chemistry. The first thing that I covered was the types of reactions. This was cool to discover because I could identify what types of reactions occur in building materials, such as hydration and galvanizing. The next thing that I learned was the Kenitic theory and states of matter. I learned in all chemical reactions as well as phase changes, matter cannot be created or destroyed thanks to the Law of Conservation of Mass. I learned about mole ratios and stoichiometry as well. This taught me how to calculate mole ratios in a reaction. I learned about the efficiency of a reaction as well. This applied to me the most. I learned about how much of the chemicals in treatment are actually used and absorbed. I also learned that you may have to re-configure the formulas in order to produce a more efficient reaction. ​
Unit 6: Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gas Laws
In unit 6, the final unit, I learned about Kinetic Theory and the Gas Laws. I was first introduced to Kinetic Theory. By learning about this, I was able to identify every basic building material and its elements. I was then able to identify all of its possible changes as well as it's sustainability. The next thing that I learned was about the correlation of temperature, states of matter, and the types of reactions they undergo. This helped me to identify things to consider such as condensation and moisture problems. After that, I learned about heating curves and phase changes. This showed me that when a phase change occurs, it occurs at a constant temperature before it can change temperature. I then learned about the Gas laws and the scientists that discovered them. Thanks to the gas laws, I was able to identify how wood becomes treated and how the treatment pushes the air out of the wood. Thanks to this chapter, I fully understand how absorption takes place in steins and varnishes. Without any of this coursework, I would not have been able to comprehend some principles of my project.
A summation of the Gas Laws that I used to apply the knowledge I learned. Courtesy of pinterest and thier affialiates for this immage. 1/4/18