"Introduction to Contextual Maths in Chemistry" by Fiona Dickinson and Andrew McKinley utilizes a "chemistry-first" approach, linking essential mathematical techniques directly to practical chemical applications. The resource, developed with student input, covers topics from data handling to calculus while providing worked examples to build quantitative skills. For more details and access options, visit Royal Society of Chemistry
Introduction to Contextual Maths in Chemistry - Google Books
Context: A sample has 25% of original C-14 (( t_1/2 = 5730 ) yr). Find age.
Maths: ( N/N_0 = e^-kt ), ( k = \ln 2 / t_1/2 = 1.21\times10^-4 ) yr⁻¹.
( 0.25 = e^-kt ) → ( \ln(0.25) = -kt ) → ( t = \ln(4)/k \approx 11460 ) yr.
Contextual note: Two half-lives exactly – direct check. Introduction to Contextual Maths in Chemistry .pdf
Separating variables and integrating gives integrated rate laws.
Example: For a first-order reaction:
[
\fracd[A]dt = -k[A] \quad \Rightarrow \quad \int_[A]_0^[A]_t \fracd[A][A] = -k \int_0^t dt \quad \Rightarrow \quad \ln\frac[A]_t[A]_0 = -kt
] "Introduction to Contextual Maths in Chemistry" by Fiona
Balancing redox reactions, solving equilibrium expressions, and rearranging the ideal gas law are fundamental.
Example: The ideal gas law ( PV = nRT ). Solve for molar mass ( M ): Find age
[ n = \fracmM \quad \Rightarrow \quad PV = \fracmMRT \quad \Rightarrow \quad M = \fracmRTPV ]
