Contextualization

Chemistry is a science that is present in our daily lives, constantly interacting with various areas of knowledge. Among its various fields, Inorganic Chemistry deals with the study of chemical elements and their bonds, resulting in the formation of inorganic substances, among which salts stand out. Unraveling the universe of the nomenclature of these substances is essential to understand the structure of matter and the chemical processes that occur around us.

The nomenclature of salts, our object of study, is one of the fundamental topics of Inorganic Chemistry. Through it, we can identify the cation and anion present in a salt, as well as their proportions. In addition, the nomenclature allows us to glimpse the ionic character of these substances, which helps us predict their physical and chemical properties, such as solubility and electrical conductivity.

Learning to name salts correctly is more than just an academic requirement, it is an essential skill for anyone intending to pursue a career in the sciences, medicine, or engineering. In addition to academic and professional interest, the nomenclature of salts also has practical applications in our daily lives.

Salts are present in the most varied contexts of daily life, from cooking to the pharmaceutical industry. Being able to identify a salt by its name means understanding its chemical composition and, consequently, its properties. For example, knowing that sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) can be used both in food preparation as a fermentation agent and as a cleaning product, but should be avoided in the diet of hypertensive individuals due to the presence of sodium.

We can also mention Epsom salt (heptahydrated magnesium sulfate - MgSO₄.7H₂O), used for relieving muscle aches, or sodium chloride (NaCl), our familiar table salt, essential in the human diet, but should be consumed in moderation to avoid health problems.

The recommended resources to delve into the subject are:

1. How to - Nomenclature of Salts
2. Chemistry Manual - Salts
3. Khan Academy - Salts

Practical Activity: The World of Salts

Project Objective:

The main objective of the project is to improve or consolidate knowledge about salt nomenclature, as well as develop teamwork, communication, research, and scientific writing skills.

Detailed Project Description:

Students should be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members, and each group will receive a set of different salt chemical formulas. The challenge is to conduct a detailed research on each salt, identifying names, practical applications, and graphical representations of the ionic structure. Then, each group will make an oral presentation about their findings to the class in a seminar format and will write a final report.

Necessary Materials:

• Salt chemical formulas
• Computer with internet access
• Software or online resources for text editing and presentation (Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Prezi, etc.).

Project Step by Step:

1. Formation of groups and distribution of salt chemical formulas.
2. Research on nomenclature and practical applications of each salt.
3. Preparation of the oral presentation and final report.
4. Seminar presentation to the class and report submission.

Project Deliverables:

Final Report

Each group must submit a final report with the following sections:

1. Introduction: In this section, the group must contextualize the theme, describing the importance of salt nomenclature in Chemistry and the relevance of the study for the learning of the group members.

2. Development: Here, students must present the theory on salt nomenclature and explain the step-by-step process carried out for the research and preparation of the presentation. It is important to detail the strategies used, the difficulties encountered, and how they overcame them. They should also describe and discuss the results of the research conducted.

3. Conclusion: Finally, the group must summarize the main points of the report, explaining the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn from the project.

4. Bibliography: List the books, websites, and videos used for the research.

Oral Presentation

Each group will be responsible for an oral presentation of up to 15 minutes, where they must present their findings and share their learning process with their peers.