HSP 124-02
Albion College
Fall 02021

Discussion Questions for TC, Chapter 5

1. Why does chemistry have such a negative connotation associated with it by the general public?

2. How effective is the metaphor about marriage on pages 126-127 in explaining chemical bonds?

3. Is it a problem that many chemists don't fully understand the periodic table or other aspects of chemistry? Why? (pg 124-125)

4. What do we gain from the understanding of things as small as atoms and molecules?

5. How is the complexity of chemical reactions related to chemical bonds?

6. Page 138 quotes Rich Danheiser, stating, "Chemistry is the science of change, the study of transformation." How true is this statement? Does it accurately portray Chemistry as a science?

7. In what ways do we interact with chemistry on a daily basis?

8. Do you think chemistry would be the same on other life-bearing planets?

9. Is there any other molecule as important to our daily life as water?

10. Can the negative perceptions of chemistry be improved? If so, how?

11. How would the world respond if there was a major disruption in the carbon cycle, i.e., loss of fossil fuels?

12. How would chemistry be different if there was no true meaning or understanding of time?