C672: General Chemistry I with Lab

C672 General Chemistry I with Lab is a Western Governors University course that introduces chemistry to licensed teachers seeking an additional license or endorsement in secondary chemistry.

WGU describes the course as examining the electronic structure of atoms, studying periodic trends, naming chemical compounds, writing chemical formulas, determining the structure of molecules, balancing chemical reactions and exploring changing states of matter.

Laboratory experiences support the study of matter and the application of lab safety and maintenance procedures.

It sits in the M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry). Students often find the pace of new vocabulary and rules demanding, especially naming and electron configurations.

What C672 Covers

Key Concepts with Worked Examples

Electron Configuration

Electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d and so on.

Periodic Trends

Across a period, atomic radius decreases and electronegativity increases as nuclear charge grows. Down a group, radius increases as new shells are added. Explaining trends from atomic structure is better than memorizing them.

Balancing Equations

Adjust coefficients, never subscripts, until each element has the same number of atoms on both sides.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

WGU assesses competency through performance assessments or objective assessments. Check your course page for the current format. Work in this course typically includes:

Lab Safety and Maintenance

WGU's description names lab safety and maintenance procedures directly, and they matter for a future teacher responsible for a classroom lab:

• Read safety data sheets before using any chemical.
• Wear eye protection and appropriate clothing every time.
• Label all containers and store incompatible chemicals apart.
• Dispose of waste according to instructions and regulations.
• Keep equipment clean, calibrated and in good repair.

A Quick Guide to Naming Compounds

Nomenclature is one of the first hurdles in C672. The key is deciding which system applies:

To write a formula from an ionic name, balance the charges so the total is zero: calcium (2+) and chloride (1-) give CaCl₂. Practice both directions, name to formula and formula to name, until it is quick.

States of Matter and Phase Changes

Changing states of matter close the topic list. Particles in solids vibrate in fixed positions, liquids flow while staying close, and gases move freely. During a phase change, added energy breaks attractions between particles rather than raising temperature, which is why a heating curve has flat sections at melting and boiling points.

Intermolecular forces explain differences in boiling points: water boils at a much higher temperature than similar-sized molecules because of hydrogen bonding. Connecting molecular structure to physical properties links this topic to the rest of the course.

Where Students Get Stuck

• Naming rules. Ionic and covalent compounds use different systems.
• Lewis structures. Miscounting valence electrons causes most errors.
• Changing subscripts when balancing. That changes the substance.
• Thin lab analysis. Explain results and sources of error.

Study Tips for C672

• Make flashcards of common polyatomic ions.
• Practice electron configurations for the first 36 elements.
• Draw Lewis structures for a few molecules every day.
• Check your course page for lab kit and assessment requirements.

How We Help with C672

Send the task instructions, lab sheets, your data and any evaluator comments. A chemistry tutor prepares worked solutions, explains concepts, models lab analysis or reviews your lab report for accuracy and clarity.

GradeEssays is independent of Western Governors University. Our work is tutoring and reference material: you carry out your own labs and submit your own work under WGU's academic integrity rules. We never invent lab data, never take exams and never log in to student portals. Revisions are free within the original scope.