Assignment #3 - Bonding

Assignments for Week Three - Bonding

1) Transition Element of the Week:
Au Gold
Atomic #: 79 Atomic Mass: 196 Neutrons: 118
An element of the D-Block
Electron Configuration: 6s1, 4f14,5d10
Discovered in circa 3000B.C.
1st metal used for ornamentation
obtained from the crust of the earth and copper ores
melts at 1064.43 celsius
boils at 2807.0 celsius
soft, yellow metal
highest ductility and malleability of any element


2) What is Molecular Modeling?
I had a difficult time understanding this site. Although I was amazed how technology has aided sciences by allowing scientist to play with the visual images created by mathematical formulas to view spacial orientations of the structure of molecules. I was unable to understand when the "dihedral angles are formed by the intersection of two planes in space" is 90 degrees then why/how is it that the dihedral angle for the hexane molecule 59.4 degrees. What happened?
The rest of the examples/discussion was at a level much higher for my understanding.

3)Classmates Blog on Zinc
I enjoy chemistry most when i'm able to relate to it and especially when it relates to health. I enjoy reading and being reminded of the effects of mineral on the body. Zinc is an essential mineral that aids in important functions and without it we certainly would be effected. It is an essential mineral that we need throughout our lives for good health. It makes me wonder what it would be like if our soils were not depleted and what might food really taste like as well as well as what might our health be like.