Atomic Structure

Leaving Certificate Chemistry

[Higher level]

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Atomic Structure is one of the most difficult areas in Leaving Certificate Chemistry to understand because so much of it depends on using our immaginations. The following three presentations will help with some of these areas.  Each of the first two presentations has notes, photographs and a commentary.  The third presentation is a video clip showing the Mandatory experiment dealing with flame tests. There are also links to other web sites which are useful.

Click on the presentation of your choice.

mass spectrometerThis PowerPoint presentation describes the history and development of the Mass Spectrometer by F W Aston at the beginning of the last century. It gives a detailed description of how it works using clear animations. It also explains how the results are interpreted and the uses to which the spectrometer is put in modern science.

 

 

 

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emission spectrumEmission spectra have been known for hundreds of years but it was only early in the last century that their real significance became apparent .  They were linked bu Bohr to the structure of the atom.  The relationship between atomic structure and the spectra are explained in this animated powerpoint presentation

 

 

 

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flame test videoOne of the mandatory experiments is the use of flame tests to identify what metal ions are present in salts.  There are six cations whose flame colours need to be known.  This video clip shows the colours being produced by spraying solutions of the salts in alcohol into a non-luminous bunsen flame.

 

 

 

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links buttonClick on this button to find other useful sites to help explain some of the other areas that students find difficult on the Leaving Certificate course.