Common Misconceptions
Atoms or molecules of a solid are not moving
Most students have covered the three main states of matter since they were in middle school. Yet, according to AAAS.org, approximately 40% of grade 9-12 students still were under the assumption that particles in solids are not moving. However, a major portion of this course covers how electrons are in a state of constant movement. Electrons are constantly orbiting and spinning, so this misconception will be addressed throughout the lessons.
All substances are made of densely packed atoms, with minimal space between the nucleus and electrons.
This false view can be corrected by showing countless videos about scale diagrams of a typical atom. Students will learn that the majority of the space in an atom is actually just empty space (approximately 99% empty space).
The octahedral molecular arrangement according to Valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory involves a total of 8 atoms.
An octahedron shaped molecule derives the name from its 8 faces, not 8 atoms. It involves 6 atoms around a central atom. Have students work with ball and stick models so they can visualize the structure, or work with paper origami.