⟵ 01 Building Blocks (Engineering Notes) · Contents · 01 Building Blocks (Answer Key) ⟶
Building Blocks: Problem Set
“These are only provided to reinforce understanding. The Engineering Notes contain some of the information that will be required. Make sure to employ dimensional analysis for all unit conversions.”
Level 1: Conceptual Mastery
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Why do atoms form bonds? Your answer should reference energy, not attraction.
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What distinguishes an ionic bond from a covalent bond? Describe each in terms of what happens to the electrons.
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Both water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) contain polar covalent bonds, yet only water is a polar molecule. Why?
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What is the Hydrogen-Bond Network? Is it made of true chemical bonds? Why does it matter that each water molecule can participate in up to four hydrogen bonds?
Level 2: Applied Thinking
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Using dimensional analysis, convert 10 gallons of water to (a) pounds and (b) grams. Show units cancelling at each step.
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Calculate the molar mass of CaCO₃ using the periodic table. How many moles are in 50 grams?
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A cooling tower basin holds 5,000 gallons of water. How many moles of water is that? Show the full conversion chain.
Level 3: System Integration
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Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) contains both ionic and covalent bonds within the same compound. Identify which bonds are ionic and which are covalent, and explain why this combination produces a crystal lattice that is difficult to pull apart.
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Using the periodic table, explain why sodium (Group 1) and calcium (Group 2) both form positive ions, but calcium’s ion carries a +2 charge while sodium’s carries +1. Connect your answer to valence electrons.
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The chapter describes the water molecule as “asymmetric, polar, and carrying stored electrical tension.” In 2–3 sentences, explain how each of these properties traces back to oxygen’s lone electron pairs and the resulting molecular geometry.
Problem notes
Each problem as its own linked note.
1.1 · 1.2 · 1.3 · 1.4 · 1.5 · 1.6 · 1.7 · 1.8 · 1.9 · 1.10
⟵ 01 Building Blocks (Engineering Notes) · Contents · 01 Building Blocks (Answer Key) ⟶