Multiple Representations Analysis of Chemical Bonding Concepts in General Chemistry Books
Dian Hasanah (a*), Wiji (b), Sri Mulyani (b), Tuszie Widhiyanti (b)

a) Chemistry Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudi 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
*dianhasanahdian[at]gmail.com
b) Department of Chemistry Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung 40154, Indonesia

Abstract

This research is qualitative with an evaluative descriptive design that aims to analyze the use of three levels of chemical representation in eight general chemistry books. The concepts analyzed include the concepts of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds. The analysis focused on two main criteria, namely the use of macroscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic levels of representation and the relationship between the three levels. The results of the analysis show that in the concept of ionic bonding there are pictures of some salts or reactions for the formation of ionic compounds from their elements at the macroscopic level, explanations at the sub-microscopic level, and models of the arrangement of ions in the ionic crystal lattice for the symbolic level. In the concept of covalent bonds- images of gases or covalent compounds at the macroscopic level, explanation at the sub-microscopic level, and models of electron density shifts at the symbolic level. While in the concept of metallic bonds- pictures of some metals at the macroscopic level, explanation at the sub-microscopic level, and electron cloud models at the symbolic level. The relationship between the levels of representation was found in five of the eight general chemistry books analyzed. General chemistry books present the relationship between the three levels of representation in images that include energy level diagrams, atomic or ionic arrangement models, reaction equations, and explanation of the molecular level.

Keywords: general chemistry book, chemical bonding, multiple representation

Topic: Chemistry Education