Overview of Chemistry Terms
Chemistry Formulas
The smallest component that makes up an element is called an atom. Atoms that are neutral or ionised make up every solid, liquid, gas, and form of plasma. Atoms are incredibly tiny, measuring typically 100 picometers across. Due to the quantum effects, they are so small that it is impossible to predict their behaviour with sufficient accuracy using Classical Physics, as would be the case, for example, if they were tennis balls. Thus, it is the smallest unit of an element.
Each atom is made up of a nucleus and one or more electrons that are linked to it. One or more protons and a significant number of neutrons make up the nucleus.
Atom
Proton
Proton was discovered by Ernest Rutherford and it is a subatomic particle which has an elementary unit positive charge. It is the fundamental constituent of the atomic nucleus.
Neutron
Neutrons are subatomic particles bearing no charge and it is a constituents of the atomic nucleus. Chadwick discovered the presence of these particles when a thin sheet of beryllium was bombarded with alpha particles.
Electron
An electron is a subatomic particle that bears an elementary unit negative charge. It is also known as the primary charge carrier.
Atomic Number and Mass Number
Atomic Number
Given below are some important points about atomic numbers.
The atomic number of an atom is determined by counting all the protons in its nucleus.
It is symbolised by the letter "Z."
A specific element's atoms all have the same atomic number since all of its protons are the same.
Atomic numbers vary among atoms belonging to various elements.
For instance, all carbon atoms have an atomic number of 6, whereas all oxygen atoms have an atomic nucleus with eight protons.
Mass Number
Given below are some important points about mass numbers.
The mass of an atom is determined by the sum of the protons and neutrons.
It is symbolised by the letter "A."
Since protons and neutrons coexist in the atom's nucleus, they are collectively referred to as nucleons.
For instance, a carbon atom contains 6 protons and 6 neutrons. Its mass number is 12.
All atoms of an element have the same amount of protons, although they can have different numbers of neutrons. As a result, various isotopes of the same element can have different mass values.
An electron weighs practically nothing. As a result, an atom's atomic mass and mass number are practically equal.
Isotopes and Isobars
Atoms having the same atomic number and distinct mass number are termed isotopes. For example, protium, deuterium, and tritium are isotopes of hydrogen.
Isotopes
Atoms bearing the same mass number and distinct atomic number are termed isobars.
Isobars
Pure Substances, Compounds and Mixtures
Pure Substance
The matter with invariant chemical composition and distinct properties is termed a pure substance. For example, glucose, gold and water. It is classified into two forms: elements and compounds.
Compound
When two or more two atoms of different elements are combined together by chemical bonds in a definite proportion, a chemical compound is formed. For example, NaCl and baking soda.
Mixture
When a material is made up of two or more different pure substances, which may be present in it in any ratio in the form of suspension, solution or colloid is known as a mixture. For example, tea and sugar solution.
Summary
In this article about basic Chemistry terms, we have discussed some important Chemistry terms including atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic number, mass number, pure substance, compound and mixture. The study of matter and the substances that make it up is the focus of the scientific subdiscipline of Chemistry. The characteristics of these substances and the reactions they go through to produce new substances are also covered.
Atoms, ions, and molecules, which in turn make up elements and compounds, are the main subjects of Chemistry. Through chemical bonding, these chemical species frequently communicate with one another. With this, we would bring this article about basic terms of Chemistry to closure and hope it was fun to learn.
FAQs on Basic Chemistry Terms
1. Why is it important to learn about basic Chemistry terms?
It is important to learn about basic Chemistry terms because learning proper chemistry words will help you fully understand the presence of different materials surrounding you and the risk levels of hazardous chemicals around your home.
2. Who is the father of Chemistry?
Antonie Laviosier is popularly known as the father of Chemistry
3. Who discovered the atom?
A chemist, John Dalton, is credited with the discovery of the atom.
4. What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of matter, including its composition, characteristics, and processes of change.
It is the branch of science that examines the characteristics, make-up, and structure of substances (described as elements and compounds), as well as the changes they go through and the energy that is expended or consumed. Chemicals are present in everything and everywhere. Chemicals can be found in anything you touch, smell, or see. While most happen naturally, some are man-made.
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5. Why is it important to study chemistry?
Because it unites the fields of physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and the earth and environmental sciences, chemistry is frequently referred to as the central science. Reading and comprehending product labels is made easier with a basic understanding of chemistry. Chemicals are present in everything you can touch, taste, or smell. So studying chemistry is essential if you want to comprehend the world around you.
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6. What is organic chemistry?
The area of chemistry known as "organic chemistry" is dedicated to the investigation of organic substances (compounds that contain covalently bonded carbon atoms). Another way to view organic chemistry would be to think of it as the study of molecules with the carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond and their reactions because not all carbon reactions are organic.
7. What is inorganic chemistry?
Inorganic chemistry is the area of chemistry that deals with the study of substances that don't contain carbon-hydrogen atoms. Life cannot exist without inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, oxygen, minerals, and water. In a nutshell, organic chemistry is the reverse of inorganic chemistry. Numerous sectors of the chemical industry use inorganic chemistry, including catalysis, materials science, pigments, surfactants, coatings, pharmaceuticals, fuels, and agriculture.
8. What is physical chemistry?
The area of chemistry known as physical chemistry is focused on the investigation of how matter behaves at the atomic or molecular level. It attempts to quantify, correlate, and explain the quantitative features of reactions by focusing, in contrast to other branches, on the physics principles that underlie all chemical interactions (such as the gas laws). It serves as a stepping stone between basic forces and sophisticated life.
