Overview of High School Chemistry Topics

Overview of High School Chemistry Topics Are you confused by all the topics in high school chem class? Here is an overview of what is studied in high school chem, with links to essential chem resources and worked chem problems. Introduction to Chemistry To study high school chem, its a good idea to know what chem is.What Is Chem?What Is the Scientific Method? Math Basics Math is used in all the sciences, including high school chem class. To learn chem, you need to understand algebra, geometry, and some trig, as well as be able to work in scientific notation and perform unit conversions.Accuracy and  PrecisionSignificant FiguresScientific NotationPhysical ConstantsMetric Base UnitsDerived Metric UnitsMetric PrefixesHow to Cancel UnitsTemperature ConversionsCalculate Experimental Error Atoms and Molecules Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. Atoms join together to form compounds and molecules.Atom BasicsAtomic Mass and  Atomic Mass NumberTypes of Chemical BondsIonic and Covalent BondsOxidation NumbersLewis Structures or  Electron Dot ModelsMolecular GeometryWhat Is a Mole?More About Molecules and  MolesLaw of Multiple Proportions Stoichiometry Stoichiometry describes the proportions between atoms in molecules and reactants/products in chemical reactions. You can use this information to balance chemical equations.Types of Chemical ReactionsBalance EquationsBalance Redox ReactionsGram to Mole ConversionsLimiting Reactant  and Theoretical YieldMole Relations in Balanced EquationsMass Relations in Balanced Equations States of Matter The states of matter are defined by the structure of matter as well as whether it has a fixed shape and volume. Learn about the different states and how matter transforms itself from one state to another.States of MatterPhase Diagrams Chemical Reactions There are several types of chemical reactions that can occur.Reactions in WaterTypes of Inorganic Chemical Reactions Periodic Trends The properties of the elements exhibit trends based on the structure of their electrons. The trends or periodicity can be used to make predictions about elements.Periodic Properties and  TrendsElement Groups Solutions Its important to understand how mixtures behave.Solutions, Suspensions, Colloids, DispersionsCalculating Concentration Gases Gases exhibit special properties.Ideal GasesIdeal Gas Law ProblemsBoyles LawCharles LawDaltons Law of Partial Pressures Acids and Bases Acids and bases are concerned with the actions of hydrogen ions or protons in aqueous solutions.Acid and  Base DefinitionsCommon Acids and BasesStrength of Acids and  BasesCalculating pHBuffersSalt FormationHenderson-Hasselbalch EquationTitration BasicsTitration Curves Thermochemistry and  Physical Chem Learn about the relationships between matter and energy.Laws of ThermochemistryStandard State ConditionsCalorimetry, Heat Flow, and EnthalphyBond Energy and  Enthalpy ChangeEndothermic and  Exothermic ReactionsWhat Is Absolute Zero? Kinetics Matter is always in motion.  Learn about the motion of atoms and molecules, or kinetics.Factors That Affect Reaction RateChemical Reaction Order Atomic and  Electronic Structure Much of the chem that you learn is associated with electronic structure, since electrons can move around much more easily than protons or neutrons.Valences of the ElementsAufbau Principle and Electronic StructureElectron Configuration of the ElementsQuantum Numbers and  Electron OrbitalsHow Magnets Work Nuclear Chem Nuclear chemistry is concerned with the behavior of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus.Radiation  and  RadioactivityIsotopes and  Nuclear SymbolsRate of Radioactive DecayAtomic Mass and Atomic AbundanceCarbon-14 Dating Chem Practice Problems Index of Worked Chem ProblemsPrintable Chem Worksheets Chem Quizzes How to Take a Chem TestAtom Basics QuizAtomic Structure QuizAcids and  Bases QuizChemical Bonds QuizChanges in State QuizCompound Naming QuizElement Number QuizElement Picture QuizUnits of Measurement Quiz General Chem Tools Periodic Table.  Use the periodic table to make predictions about element properties. Click on any element symbol to get facts about the element.Chem Glossary.  Look up the definitions of unfamiliar chem terms.Chemical Structures.  Find the structures for molecules, compounds, and functional groups.

The Kingdom of Mali and the Splendor of Medieval Africa

The Kingdom of Mali and the Splendor of Medieval Africa Because the world has another faceOpen your eyesAngelique Kidjo1 As an amateur medievalist, I have become keenly aware of how the history of Europe in the middle ages is often misunderstood or dismissed by otherwise intelligent, educated individuals. The medieval era of those nations outside of Europe is doubly ignored, first for its disreputable time frame (the dark ages), and then for its apparent lack of direct impact on modern western society. Africa in the Middle Ages Such is the case with Africa in the middle ages, a fascinating field of study that suffers from the further insult of racism. With the unavoidable exception of Egypt, the history of Africa before the incursion of Europeans has in the past been dismissed, erroneously and at times deliberately, as inconsequential to the development of modern society. Fortunately, some scholars are working to correct this grave error. The study of medieval African societies has value, not only because we can learn from all civilizations in all time frames, but because these societies reflected and influenced a myriad of cultures that, due to the Diaspora that began in the 16th century, have spread throughout the modern world. The Kingdom of Mali One of these fascinating and near-forgotten societies is the medieval Kingdom of Mali, which thrived as a dominant power in west Africa from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century. Founded by the Mande-speaking Mandinka2 people, early Mali  was governed by a council of caste-leaders who chose a ​mansa to rule. In time, the position of mansa evolved into a more powerful role similar to a king or emperor. According to tradition, Mali was suffering from a fearful drought when a visitor told the king, Mansa Barmandana, that the drought would break if he converted to Islam. This he did, and as predicted the drought did end. Other Mandinkans followed the kings lead and converted as well, but the mansa did not force a conversion, and many retained their Mandinkan beliefs. This religious freedom would remain throughout the centuries to come as Mali emerged as a powerful state. The man primarily responsible for Malis rise to prominence is Sundiata Keita. Although his life and deeds have taken on legendary proportions, Sundiata was no myth but a talented military leader. He led a successful rebellion against the oppressive rule of Sumanguru, the Susu leader who had taken control of the Ghanaian  Empire. After the Susu downfall, Sundiata laid claim to the lucrative gold and salt trade that had been so significant to Ghanaian prosperity. As Mansa, he established a cultural exchange system whereby the sons and daughters of prominent leaders would spend time in foreign courts, thus promoting understanding and a better chance of peace among nations. Upon Sundiatas death in 1255 his son, Wali, not only continued his work but made great strides in agricultural development. Under Mansa Walis rule, competition was encouraged among trading centers such as Timbuktu and Jenne, strengthening their economic positions and allowing them to develop into important centers of culture. Mansa Musa Next to Sundiata, the most well-known and possibly the greatest ruler of Mali was Mansa Musa. During his 25-year reign, Musa doubled the territory of the Malian Empire and tripled its trade. Because he was a devout Muslim, Musa made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, astonishing the peoples he visited with his wealth and generosity. So much gold did Musa introduce into circulation in the middle east that it took about a dozen years for the economy to recover. Gold was not the only form of Malian riches. Early Mandinka society venerated creative arts, and this did not change as Islamic influences helped to shape Mali. Education was also highly valued; Timbuktu was a significant center of learning with several prestigious schools. This intriguing blend of economic wealth, cultural diversity, artistic endeavors and higher learning resulted in a splendid society to rival any contemporary European nation. Malian society had its drawbacks, yet it is important to view these aspects in their historical setting. Slavery  was an integral part of the economy at a time when the institution had declined (yet still existed) in Europe; but the European serf was rarely better off than a slave, bound by law to the land. By todays standards, justice could be harsh in Africa, but no harsher than European medieval punishments. Women had very few rights, but such was certainly true in Europe as well, and Malian women, just like European women, were at times able to participate in business (a fact that disturbed and surprised Muslim chroniclers). War was not unknown on either continent just as today. After the death of Mansa Musa, the Kingdom of Mali went into a slow decline. For another century its civilization held sway in West Africa until Songhay established itself as a dominant force in the 1400s. Traces of medieval Malis greatness still remain, but those traces are fast disappearing as the unscrupulous plunder the archaeological remains of the regions wealth. Mali is just one of many African societies whose past deserves a closer look. We hope to see more scholars explore this long-ignored field of study, and more of us open our eyes to the splendor of Medieval Africa. Notes 1 Angelique Kidjo is a singer and songwriter from Bà ©nin who mixes African rhythms with western sounds. Her song Open Your Eyes can be heard on the 1998 release, Oremi. 2 A variety of spellings exist for many African names. The Mandinka are also known as the Mandingo; Timbuktu is also spelled Tombouctou; Songhay may appear as Songhai. In each case I have chosen one spelling and stuck with it. Guides Note: This feature was originally posted in February of 1999, and was updated in January of 2007. The links below will take you to a site where you can compare prices at booksellers across the web. More in-depth info about the book may be found by clicking on to the books page at one of the online merchants. by Patricia and Fredrick McKissackA good introduction for younger readers that offers enough detail to interest older students. Edited by Said Hamdun and Noel Quinton KingWritings by Ibn Battuta that detail his journeys south of the Sahara have been selected by the editors and presented in this volume, which provides a fascinating firsthand look at Medieval Africa. by Basil DavidsonExcellent general introduction to African history that breaks free of the Eurocentric viewpoint. by Joseph E. HarrisConcise, detailed, and reliable overview of the complex history of Africa from prehistoric times to the present.

Manaement Consulting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Manaement Consulting - Essay Example This differentiating technique is a substantial tool that could transform the nature of products, processes, companies, industries, and even competition itself. Until recently, most managers treated differentiating principals as a support service. Now, however, every company and especially consulting firms must understand the broad effects and implications of the new differentiating principals and how it can create substantial and sustainable competitive advantages. (Wood, W., Lundgren, S., Oullette, J. A., Busceme, S., & Blackstone, T., 341) The principals of differentiating itself from the rest of the industry are in the process of a silent revolution and this revolution is sweeping through our economy. No company can escape its effects. Dramatic reductions in the cost of obtaining, processing, and transmitting information are changing the way we do business. (Williams, J. R. 1) Most general managers know that the revolution is under way, and few dispute its importance. As more and more of their time and investment capital are absorbed in market evaluation and their effect, executives have a growing awareness that the differentiating principals can no longer be the exclusive territory of the elite panels and theoretical niche departments. As they see their rivals use differentiating principals for competitive advantage, these executives recognize the need to become directly involved in the management of the new theories and principals. In the face of rapid change, however, they dont know how. The goal is now to analyse how the framework of differentiating principals can be combined with behavioural evidence on comparative advantage to understand the differential performance of organizations. First, we describe the emerging role of knowledge as a basis for the competitive advantage of organizations. Then we apply our framework

Evaluate and develop an argument for or against the following Essay

Evaluate and develop an argument for or against the following statement the people process is more important than either the strategy or operations processes - Essay Example It is therefore just right to expect that nowadays, when we talk of systems and strategies, it should define a good, reliable, and flexible process. But it should be understood that we can say that most systems are just ideal when it comes to design but not in the implementation. Who makes the design work for a company Who makes the non-living ideas move for the company Isn't the answer human processes Perhaps the reason is because no matter how we try to improve the system or the strategy design, it will forever fail to recognize the maker of the design. When we talk of human processes, what comes into our mind Human processes in simple terms refer to that process in one company or group that does not take for granted the significant factors like the individuals as the main mover in a company. This process involves human's knowledge, skills and intellectual ability to be the fuel of the running company. And if the operations process is considered as the forefront of a business, human processes can be considered as the root and trunk of an organization where the lifeblood of the company flows and grows (Peoplecube 2007). Now what is being argued in this paper is the advantage of human processes over the strategy and or operations processes. ... Humans at that time took control of technology in the form of design engineers. Companies considered human factor as an indispensable thing to be considered because that was the area that can either make or break a product's use. Through the design for example, a product can either benefit or pose a threat to the user. When an engineer designer makes a wrong move in his masterpiece, that product can annihilate group of individuals in just a snap of one's fingers. That was also the time when usability testing became part of certain processes. Usability testing enables the first hand users to test what is working and what is not to a certain product. This whole idea of human factor causing a glitch to the company's process maybe blamed for giving birth to the concept of processes becoming more significant than the processor. This can then lead us to thinking that perhaps, that's also the same reason why software was invented by scientists, perhaps to avoid the human factor defects (Use rnomics 2005-2007). But then again, since we are talking about human processes as a thing of significance than that of operations processes, it is good for us to look at proper managing of human's knowledge and abilities to better see the benefits it could bring to an organization if it is trying to optimize its personnel's capabilities. Knowledge of the people is the house of new ideas and the bank of solutions to the different problems being encountered by the company. This is the reason why modern companies invest in trainings for their employees while others back or support their workers in finishing graduate degrees especially if the

Music and Racial Formation in Leroi Jones’ Essay Example for Free

Music and Racial Formation in Leroi Jones’ Essay In many ways, music is inseparable from culture. In the context of those cultures that have been dominated and marginalized by others, music takes on a special significance. Leroi Jones’ Blues People fit into the framework of trying to understand the role that music plays in the cultural lives of people who belong to displaced communities. In his book, he identifies the ways in which genres in music culture develop, which may be linked to Omi and Winant’s (1994) conception of racial formation. As Omi and Winant (1994) observed in their seminal theory on racial formation, â€Å"We define racial formation as the sociohistorical process by which racial categories are created, inhabited, transformed, and destroyed† (p. 55). The authors debunk the accepted notions that race is either biological or an illusion, suggesting instead that it is a distinctly sociological phenomenon. Race is also identified as based on a power hierarchy, definable in terms of â€Å"the pattern of conflict and accommodation which takes place over time between racially based social movements and the policies and programs of the state† (p.78). This model of racial formation may be applied to Jones’ text, particularly in terms of their assertion that â€Å"racial formation is a process of historically situated projects in which human bodies and social structures are represented and organized† (pp. 55-56). In Blues People, the author examines how the process of being enslaved affects the people of Africa, situating the racial conflict in terms of geographical as well as historical contexts. Jones’ thesis rests on the concept of difference. He outlines the manner in which the slavery of Africans in America was different from other kinds of slavery. An important point that Jones raises is that slavery was prevalent in Africa as well, long before the whites arrived. He likens the process to the way in which the Greeks treated their slaves, showing us that in every other system of slavery, the enslaved people were allowed to retain their sense of cultural identity, but not so in the case of African slaves on the American plantations: Melville Herskovits points out, â€Å"Slavery [had] long existed in the entire region [of West Africa], and in at least one of its kingdoms, Dahomey, a kind of plantation system was found under which an absentee ownership, with the ruler as principal, demanded the utmost return from the estates, and thus created conditions of labor resembling the regime the slaves were to encounter in the New World. † But to be brought to a country, a culture, a society, that was, and is, in terms of purely philosophical correlatives, the complete antithesis of ones own version of mans life on earth that is the cruelest aspect of this particular enslavement. (p. 1) As Jones points out, it was extremely difficult for Africans, who later became â€Å"African-Americans,† to retain a sense of cultural identity in a foreign culture that refused to give any validity to something it did not understand. According to Omi and Winant, racial formation may also be linked to the â€Å"the evolution of hegemony, the way in which society is organized and ruled† (p. 56). In such a hegemonic society driven by concepts of hierarchy and social superiority, the identity of a marginalized class may become problematic. Jones opines that music such as jazz and blues was in some ways the only medium through which Africans could try and retain a sense of who they were. In this context, the integration of music into their existence as slaves allowed Africans to retain a sense of the past, and also come to terms with the effect that the process of being enslaved had had on their psyches. Cultural domination was an insidious process of identity-negation, and music culture was one of the prominent ways through which the enslaved people could enable themselves to survive within a hostile foreign culture. In Blues People, an interesting aspect of performance is brought in when the author shows us a ‘typical’ American reaction to the African native in the form of an excerpt from the actress Frances Anne Kemble’s Journal of a Residence on a Georgia Plantation: The only exception that I have met with yet among our boat voices to the high tenor which they seem all to possess is in the person of an individual named Isaac, a basso profundo of the deepest dye, who nevertheless never attempts to produce with his different register any different effects in the chorus by venturing a second, but sings like the rest in unison, perfect unison, of both time and tune. By-the-by, this individual does speak, and therefore I presume he is not an ape, orangoutang, chimpanzee, or gorilla; but I could not, I confess, have conceived it possible that the presence of articulate sounds, and the absense of an articulate tail, should make, externally at least, so completely the only appreciable difference between a man and a monkey, as they appear to do in this individual ‘black brother. ’ (pp. 2-3). The actress’ biased and judgmental perception of the natives places them in such a position as not to be considered human at all. Interestingly, she examines their tones of voices as indicative of the degree to which they are ‘human,’ or not; they all have voices of a high tenor. She says this is the manner that one might say that all dogs bark, or all lions roar. Language is almost completely redundant in this context. Unable to understand the languages of Africa, Kemble contents herself with ruminating on the tones in which the foreigners speak. The ‘exception’ to the other slaves is determined by Kemble on the basis of the fact that he has a bass voice, while the others use higher tones of voice. Even in this exception she says that it is only the absence of a tail that reluctantly, albeit wonderingly, forces her to accept that he is a human being and not an animal. Even under this extreme racial perspective, it is the musical tones of voice that the actress and performer relies upon to make her judgments.

John Donne :: essays research papers

John Donne John Donne was a writer with exceptional talent and had an intense feeling about all that he wrote. In the beginning of his life he was a charming man who , was accepted by royalty because of his personality and writing ability. Having been employed by one of the queen’s highly regarded men , he worked and associated with the high class royalty. Donne’s life and job lead him to meet and eventually marry his employer’s daughter. This couple caused scandal due to the classifications of the two people. Having lost his job because of this and also not being able to obtain steady employment the family lived in poverty for years. Donne held low class secretary jobs and wrote during this time , but lack of financial security kept them where they where in life. He , by writing with the motivation from the love of his wife , became one of the most widely read writers of the time. As time went on Anne passed away and Donne was left with the children. He soon was elect ed dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral , became a famous speaker , he used the motivation of God and the church to fuel his writing. Much of Donne’s poetry was written for his wife and was very intense due to the love he felt for her. In "The Canonization" Donne tries to fight why he cannot love Anne and asks what is the matter with his love , for he sees it as true. He writes in a civil manner asking if his love has hurt anyone , if the intensity that he loves her has ever injured anyone. Never fearing what others say or do to the couple he bases the security of his life on their love. He ponders why people are worrying about their love when awful people are committing horrible acts throughout the world. He says that they are one and nothing could break them apart. Not wanting to be bothered anymore and yearning to live free with his love he wonders if people will approve and , though his love will not die , fears that the impact of the world will destroy their bond. During his years without his wife Donne wrote about the love of the church and the Lord. Much like the prior years in intensity and feeling , but with a different object of affection.

Mens Warehouse

David walks into the Men's Warehouse store. He is getting married. No big fan fare here; no entourage to assist him as his fiance had experienced. David explains his purpose for shopping to Joe, the store sales rep. Joe begin to ask questions as he pull a few looks together that he believes David would like. Joe and David talk and laugh as they find the perfect look David wanted for his big day; Joe was proud – another customer satisfied. David walked out about an hour later knowing he would kook good for his wedding.He felt good George Simmer is known for his classic line, Your goanna like the way you look, I guarantee it†. This is the Men's Warehouse creed. Their emphasis on quality clothes and customer service in their stores has provided them a steady stream of success. However, they don't measure their success by earning growth, geographic expansion or consistent return for investors, although they could have. They measure their success in levels of excellence In cu stomer service, employee enthusiasm and customer loyalty In Dalton to the other uncial measures that are required by successful businesses (Denominator, 2006).The backbone of the Men's Warehouse organizational and financial success falls on their desire to uphold a culture that is based on customer loyalty and employee satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the cultural metaphor that the Men's Warehouse has embraced. An organization's culture Like any other culture can be defined by the pattern of development reflected in an organizations system of knowledge, Ideology, values. Laws and day-to-day rituals (Morgan, 2006). However it is more than Just a list of rules required as well. It's a symbolic significance commonality that is shared amongst a group.Culture is not something that can be measured but it is a formed of lived experience created by all within it. Creating a positive organization culture takes work from the top down as Men's Warehouse has su ccessfully demonstrated. Organizations such as the Men's Warehouse benefit from operating from a Cultural Metaphor for many reasons. The cultural metaphor directs attention to the symbolic significance of almost every aspect of organizational life (Morgan, 2006). The activities have more meaning for the employees. For example, suiting someone for their wedding is not a normal shopping trip.It is exciting and stressful. Customers will want to get advice from a tuxedo expert who can help them look their absolute best. Also, if fashion is your passion as an employee you are excited to assist In such a wonderful occasion and Knowingly accept ten responsibility Tort ten customers experience as well. It also holds individuals accountable because it makes them own their impact on the way things are and shows that it is their responsibility to change when appropriate (Morgan, 2006). This is demonstrated at the Men's Warehouse from their top down approach to satisfying customers.Simmer state d in his company overview that â€Å"we are not content to merely satisfy them. We win them over completely. This is not so much the results of rigorous training as it is the result of the unique Mess Warehouse culture that runs from the top down through all our operation†. (Denominator, 2006). Having the authority to do what is necessary to make sure a customer leaves happy allows employees to feel empowered. It is not mistake that in 2006, Men's Warehouse was ranked in Fortune's Magazine list as one of the â€Å"100 Best Companies to Work For† (Denominator, 2006).This was based on the policies and culture of the company and satisfaction and opinions of the employees. The Men's Warehouse prides itself on its culture of collegiality, and repeatable consistent customer service, and knows that one will create the other; both require employees to be authentic and pleasant. Men's Warehouse believes that when a workforce is treated with respect and encouragement, there's no limit to where it can take the company (Denominator, 2006). Happy employees' are more authentic and allows for customer to have an experience that they can feel.Customers who experience the Men's Warehouse culture of excellent customer service, empowered happy employees that creates an environment that is service oriented and authentic which fosters repeatable business. Are always going to come back.. In turn, great service almost always fosters repeatable business. This type of interaction creates a cultural enactment that allows for a positive shared reality for both, employees and customers. The Men's Warehouse embracement of the cultural metaphor is a great example of how culture can create loyalty within organizations. The backbone of the Men's