Big Picture Podcast

This episode features a review of the second half of Chapter 4 of Conceptual Chemistry. It begins with the nature of light followed by the idea that energy itself is quantized, which means it occurs in packets. We then explore the wave nature of electrons and how this explains an element's spectral fingerprint as well as the organization of the periodic table. Duration: 42:25.

For this "Back Story" segment for our nuclear chapter, we visit the site of the former Rocky Flats plutonium facility where from 1952 to 1989 plutonium triggers were produced for the hydrogen bombs in the USA nuclear arsenal. Major anti-nuclear protests were held at this site in the 1980s leading, in part, to its closure. Through decades of operation, much plutonium and other toxic chemicals were released into the local area, which is now a dedicated wild life refuge. Duration: 27:15.

For this "Do the Review" episode we review the first half of the nuclear chapter from your textbook and Conceptual Academy. Topics include the nature of radioactivity, the behavior of the atomic nucleus, transmutation, radioactive half-life, and radioactive dating. Duration: 37:45.

For this "Do the Review" episode we review the second half of the nuclear chapter from your textbook and Conceptual Academy. This includes a focus on the concepts of nuclear fission and fusion. See our show notes for an image of the "most important graph in the universe", which we describe starting at minute 32. Total duration: Duration: 47:50.

For this backstory episode, we interview Mike Lucas, rocket engineer, on the nature of his work environment while also collecting his expert study tips for the aspiring college student. Through our conversations, we stumble upon "Step 3 Learning", which involves synthesizing new information and solutions based upon a foundation of understanding laid down by Step 1 Learning (input) and Step 2 Learning (output) presented in earlier episodes. We explore how the college experience tends to focus on these first two steps. This can be grueling, but it sets the stage for a much more enjoyable career where Step 3 is the primary focus. Duration:30:19.

For this "Do the Review" episode, we explore the nature of the ionic bond, which is what forms when an atom that easily loses electrons is placed beside an atom that likes to gain electrons. Topics include the shell model, electron-dot structures, and effective nuclear charge. We also spend a bit of time answering off-topic questions from guest co-host JW. With this foundation, the discussion is extended to include the nature of the metallic bond. Duration: 49:47.

A detailed review of the covalent bond, one-on-one with your textbook author featuring you as our special co-host. Topics include: covalent bond formation, molecules, multiple bonds, VSEPR, substituents, molecular shape, polar bonds, and molecular polarity. The duration is relatively long because the pace is slow but methodical and guaranteed to improve your understanding and appreciation of this foundational chemistry. Duration: 1:08:13.

Co-hosts Stephanie Blake and John Suchocki interview online learning experts Amy Schneider and Jacque Harris of Ozarks Technical College. Many tips for succeeding in an online course are presented. But we first delve into the many challenges specific to this format. These are challenges that instructors and students should understand before launching into this still developing method of teaching and learning. Duration: 34:16.

In this "Do-The-Review" episode, co-hosts John and Tracy Suchocki review the four main types of molecular interactions. This includes the dipole-dipole interaction as well as the ion-dipole, dipole-induced dipole, and induced dipole-induced dipole interactions. This is followed by a discussion of the many terms associated with solutions, such as solute, solvent, solubility, concentration, and the mole. The episode concludes with a discussion of reverse osmosis. Duration: 1:01.

Co-hosts John Suchocki, John Wright and Carolyn Wright interview Anoop Sondhi, D.D.S., inventor of the Sondhi Rapid-Set Indirect Bonding System, which has revolutionized the practice of orthodontics. If you've worn braces recently, then you've likely benefited from Dr. Sondhi's efforts. We begin with an overview of the chemistry behind his indirect bonding system. This is followed by a discussion of the challenges of developing and then promoting his invention. Duration: 19:47.