Chemistry Syllabus Question

phish

Wasn't sure where to put this so mods feel free to move it.

I just have a quick question for the chemistry/science teachers on here.

For LC chemistry do students need to use Rf values and do the calculations for the chromatography section.

I'm currently doing science ed. and have been given the topic for a poster presentation and I know that I did it in school but can't find reference to it on the syllabus - unless I'm possibly misinterpreting it.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Inspector Coptoor

Short answer - yes, Rf value calculations are required for HL

phish

Thank you for your reply, much appreciated.

Peter Flynt

Er. . . No - as a highly experienced Chemistry teacher. . . Rf values are not required.

No where in the syllabus is the term "Rf value" mentioned and in the 12 examinations examined since the syllabus has been examined (2002-2013) the term "Rf value" has never appeared on a Leaving Certificate Examination.

in actual fact Rf values never appeared on the examinations of old syllabus either (1985-2001)

rainbowtrout

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

Short answer - yes, Rf value calculations are required for HL

Since when?


There is no mention of it on the syllabus and it's not in any textbook I've ever used or on any exam paper. Students only need to know the theory of the different types of chromatography HPLC, TLC, GC etc and there is a mandatory experiment on the separation of a mixture of indicators using paper chromatography / thin-layer chromatography / column chromatography. No calculations required whatsoever.

solerina

They are definitely not required..just to back up what Peter Flynt and Rainbow trout have already said !!!

phish

Oh ok thank you guys very much.

Pwpane

I mention them to give some sort of depth to a very bland section, but no - not required.

Inspector Coptoor

I cover Rf values and do the simple calculation.
I know it has never been examined but if you dont do the Rf value calculation it's just a repeat of what they did in first year science.
I think you have to bring it on a little bit.

rainbowtrout

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

I cover Rf values and do the simple calculation.
I know it has never been examined but if you dont do the Rf value calculation it's just a repeat of what they did in first year science.
I think you have to bring it on a little bit.

But the question was if it is on the syllabus and it isn't, regardless of what you teach in your lessons. To be fair they don't do HPLC, GC etc in junior cert.

Peter Flynt

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

I cover Rf values and do the simple calculation.
I know it has never been examined but if you dont do the Rf value calculation it's just a repeat of what they did in first year science.
I think you have to bring it on a little bit.

You're wasting class time doing that.