D870: Physical Chemistry I

Physical Chemistry I sits at the intersection of physics and chemistry — atomic structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics explained through real-world problem-solving.

What D870 covers

The course explores the intersection of physics and chemistry to understand fundamental principles governing chemical reactions and matter, covering atomic and molecular structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics, emphasizing real-world applications and practical problem-solving.

Through virtual labs and interactive activities, learners develop a deep understanding of energy changes, reaction mechanisms, and the behavior of matter in various states.

The D870 performance assessment

Expect a performance assessment requiring you to explain an energy change or reaction mechanism using thermodynamic or kinetic principles.

Key topics in D870

• Atomic and molecular structure
• Thermodynamics
• Reaction kinetics
• Behavior of matter across states

Writing tips for D870

Follow the task instructions and rubric line by line

WGU performance assessments for D870 are graded against a fixed rubric — every rubric line has to be visibly addressed, usually with a labeled heading that mirrors the rubric language. Skipping a rubric point because it seems minor is the single most common reason a competent submission comes back "Not Yet Competent" for revision.

Connect content mastery to the classroom you'll eventually teach

Even content-heavy science courses like D870 in a Science Education degree ultimately serve teaching goals. Where the task allows, connecting content mastery to how you'd explain it to secondary students strengthens a response beyond content accuracy alone.

Because WGU is self-paced, don't let "no deadline pressure" become no submission

There's no weekly due date forcing progress, which means procrastination costs more at WGU than at a traditional term-based school — a stalled task can quietly eat weeks of a term. Treat your own target date for each D870 assessment as a real deadline.

Why students seek help with D870

Candidates sometimes describe a reaction's outcome without the underlying thermodynamic or kinetic mechanism the course specifically requires — the rubric typically wants that mechanistic explanation, not outcome description alone.

How GradeEssays helps with D870

Share your topic and rubric, and your writer will build an explanation genuinely grounded in the thermodynamic/kinetic mechanism, not outcome description alone.

Prerequisites and program context

D870 has no listed additional prerequisites beyond the general chemistry sequence.

• Bachelor of Science, Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)
• Bachelor of Science, Science Education (Secondary Physics)

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