Top 10 Chemistry tutors near Riverside, CA

The Student and Tutor worked through a general chemistry assignment, practicing how to calculate the concentration of a weak acid and its acid dissociation constant (Ka) from titration data. They also reviewed the conceptual basis for each step, including identifying the equivalence and half-equivalence points. The Student will send a PDF on acids and bases from their lecture for discussion in the next session.

The Student and Tutor reviewed key concepts in chemical nomenclature, including mass percentage calculations and the naming conventions for ionic and covalent compounds. They practiced identifying cations, anions, polyatomic ions, and determining the correct prefixes or Roman numerals for naming based on compound type. The session also covered predicting the oxidation states of transition metals in both neutral and ionic compounds using algebraic methods. They planned to work on mole concept questions and a summary of Unit 3 in the next session.

Student and Tutor covered the definition, types, stability, and preparation of dienes. They then delved into the electrophilic addition reactions of conjugated dienes, contrasting kinetic and thermodynamic control, and concluded with an introduction to the Diels-Alder reaction and its stereochemistry. They practiced related problems from a worksheet, and plan to continue with more questions in the next session.

The tutor and student reviewed balancing chemical equations and then introduced four main types of chemical reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, and double displacement. They practiced identifying these reaction types and began predicting reaction products, with plans to continue this practice in the next session.

The class began by reviewing the Student's homework on quantum numbers, which the Student completed successfully. The main academic focus was on SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 reactions, where the Student practiced identifying reaction types and products, leading to a deeper understanding of Zaitsev and Hoffman elimination rules. Additionally, the class introduced and explained the rules for drawing resonance structures, with practical drawing exercises. For follow-up, the Student was assigned homework on drawing resonance structures and further practice questions for SN1/SN2/E1/E2 reactions, and a new Open Stacks textbook was discussed as a resource for future learning.

The Student and Tutor reviewed key chemistry concepts including periodic trends, quantum numbers, and extensive chemical bonding principles using quizzes and problem-solving. They also practiced various gas law calculations. The next session is planned to cover thermochemistry and other remaining topics before the Student's exam.