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basic chemistry facts

by Dr. Pearlie Turner IV Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

  1. Chemistry, like physics, is a physical science that explores the structure of matter and energy and the way the two interact with each other.
  2. Chemists and other scientists ask and answer questions about the world in a very specific way: the scientific method.
  3. Think of chemistry as a tree with many branches.
  4. It's hard to disagree with this because any awesome biology or physics experiment could be expressed as a chemistry experiment!
  5. If you take a chemistry class, you can expect there to be a lab component to the course. ...
  6. When you picture a chemist, you may envision a person wearing a lab coat and safety goggles, holding a flask of liquid in a laboratory setting.
  7. Everything you can touch, taste, or smell is made of matter. You could say matter makes up everything.
  8. You need to know the basics of chemistry, even if you aren't a chemist. No matter who you are or what you do, you work with chemicals.
  9. Chemistry is a good course to take to fulfill a general science requirement because it exposes you to math, biology, and physics along with principles of chemistry.
  10. Chemistry is a practical science as well as a theoretical science. It is often used to design products real people use and to solve real-world problems.

The chemical elements are organized in order of increasing atomic number into the periodic table. The first element in the periodic table is hydrogen. At room temperature, there are only two liquid elements. These are bromine and mercury.16-Sept-2019

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What are some interesting facts about chemistry?

  • The only elements that are liquid at room temperature are bromine and mercury. ...
  • Unlike many substances, water expands as it freezes. ...
  • If you pour a handful of salt into a full glass of water, the water level will actually go down rather than overflowing the glass.
  • There is about 1/2 lb or 250 g of salt (NaCl) in the average adult human body.

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What are bad things about chemistry?

Why Is Chemistry So Hard?

  • Chemistry Uses Math. You have to be comfortable with math up through algebra to understand and work chemistry problems. ...
  • Chemistry Isn't Just in the Classroom. ...
  • Its Own Language. ...
  • It's Hard Because of the Scale. ...
  • It's Hard Because You Think It's Hard. ...
  • Easy Isn't Always Better. ...

What is so interesting about chemistry?

  • Everything you see around you is chemistry....I MEAN EVERY SINGLE THING!
  • It is colorful and bright! ...
  • There is plenty of room in the bottom-nanochemistry
  • It saves your life (medicinal drugs) and keeps you alive and determines who you are (enzymes,hormones,cofactors,prosthetic groups...etc)

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What are the biggest misconceptions about chemistry?

  • Every reaction is incredibly explosive. ...
  • “Chemistry’s boring! ...
  • “Chemistry is impossibly hard” - While some areas of chemistry (cough cough Organic Chemistry…) are more complex, remember that everything in this science boils do

What are 5 facts about chemistry?

17 Amazing Chemistry Facts that will Blow Your MindLightning strikes produce Ozone, hence the characteristic smell after lightning storms. ... The only two non-silvery metals are gold and copper. ... Water expands when freezes, unlike other substances. ... Glass is actually a liquid, it just flows very, very slowly.More items...•29-Jan-2021

What are the basic things in chemistry?

Basic Concepts in ChemistryChemical Nomenclature(this unit required for credit)Atomic Structure.Periodic Table.Lewis Structure.Chemical Reactions.Stoichiometry.Acid-Base Chemistry.

What is a fact about chemistry?

Some of the most fun and most interesting chemistry facts include: The only solid elements that assume liquid form ​at room temperature are bromine and mercury. However, you can melt gallium by holding a lump in the warmth of your hand. Unlike many substances, water expands as it freezes.10-Feb-2020

What is chemistry facts for kids?

Quick Facts: – Bromine and Mercury are the only elements that are liquid at room temperature. Gold and copper are the only two non-silvery metals. Water expands in its solid state unlike other substances that shrink when they freeze. In an adult human body, 250 grams of salt is present.

Is basic chemistry easy?

Chemistry is considered very hard. In fact, Chemistry is considered one of the most difficult subjects in College. Some of the more advanced chemistry courses (like Physical Chemistry) have been determined to be the hardest classes in College.

What are the 6 types of chemistry?

Explore these six main areas of chemistry to learn what chemistry professionals do in each area and what kinds of jobs are available.Analytical Chemistry. ... Biological/Biochemistry. ... Inorganic Chemistry. ... Organic Chemistry. ... Physical Chemistry.

Who created chemistry?

Robert Boyle: The Founder of Modern Chemistry.01-Feb-2009

What is the old name of chemistry?

The word chemistry derives from the word alchemy, which is found in various forms in European languages. Alchemy derives from the Arabic word kimiya (كيمياء) or al-kīmiyāʾ (الكيمياء).

What are 3 facts about elements?

Fun Facts about ElementsElements found on Earth and Mars are exactly the same.Hydrogen is the most common element found in the universe. ... Isotopes are atoms of the same element, with different numbers of neutrons.In ancient times the elements referred to fire, earth, water, and air.More items...

How do I learn basic chemistry?

How To Study for ChemistryReview and Study Material Before Going to Class. ... Seek Understanding. ... Take Good Notes. ... Practice Daily. ... Take Advantage of Lab Time. ... Use Flashcards. ... Use Study Groups. ... Break Large Tasks Into Smaller Ones.More items...

What are the five branches of chemistry?

The way that chemists study matter and change and the types of systems that are studied varies dramatically. Traditionally, chemistry has been broken into five main subdisciplines: Organic, Analytical, Physical, Inorganic and Biochemistry.

How do you explain chemistry to a child?

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the properties of matter and how matter interacts with energy. Chemistry is considered a physical science and is closely related to physics.

What are the basic units of chemistry?

The basic units in chemistry will be defined: atoms, molecules, subatomic particles. Then, we will discuss them from a beginner point of view, and formulate them in the format of questions. Therefore, we aim this article to people that are unfamiliar with chemistry or with science in general.

Why is chemistry important?

Also, chemistry, as the central science, will be responsible to helping technology and interdisciplinary science in general to develop smoothly. Chemistry, the central science, holds interdisciplinary technologic advances together.

What are the subatomic particles in atoms?

Obviously we now know that atoms are made of smaller particles, called subatomic particles: protons (positively charged by convention), electrons (negatively charged by convention) and neutrons (neutral particles).

What are the two parts of an atom that make up the nucleus?

In simple terms: Protons and neutrons make up the inner part of the atom, or nucleus, and account for most of the mass of the atoms. Electrons make up a cloud (orbitals, or areas in which the probability of finding an electron is high) around the nucleus. Bohr model of an atom, via universetoday.com.

What is a molecule?

A molecule is a group of atoms bound together. It’s the next level of chemical complexity. Molecules represent the basic unit of a chemical compound, and this another of those essential basic chemistry concepts. That’s basically it.

How many types of chemical compounds are there?

There are three basic types of chemical compounds, and should be briefly introduced in this post about basic chemistry concepts. All of them are the result of bonding atoms together. The difference is in the nature of the forces that hold together those atoms.

What is the branch of science that studies matter and change?

As an introduction to chemistry , it is the branch of science that studies matter and change. First, chemistry deals with the study of the composition and the properties of matter (which is basically any macroscopic substance that we can observe). Then, chemistry deals with change, or how these substances evolve when submitted to certain conditions, or how one substance changes or reacts while interacting with a different substance. The definition of chemistry can’t be made shorter, since it covers basically everything!

Why is chemistry important?

Chemistry is a practical science as well as a theoretical science. It is often used to design products real people use and to solve real-world problems. Chemistry research may be pure science, which helps us to understand how things work, contributes to our knowledge, and help us make predictions about what will happen.

What method do chemists use?

Chemists Use the Scientific Method. Portra Images/DigitalVision / Getty Images. Chemists and other scientists ask and answer questions about the world in a very specific way: the scientific method. This system helps scientists design experiments, analyze data, and arrive at objective conclusions. 03.

Why do you need a lab in chemistry?

This is because chemistry is as much about chemical reactions and experiments as it is about theories and models. In order to understand how chemists explore the world, you'll need to understand how to take measurements, use glassware, use chemicals safely, and record and analyze experimental data.

What is the study of matter and energy?

Chemistry Is the Study of Matter and Energy. Chemistry, like physics, is a physical science that explores the structure of matter and energy and the way the two interact with each other. The basic building blocks of matter are atoms, which join together to form molecules.

Is everything made of matter?

Everything you can touch, taste, or smell is made of matter. You could say matter makes up everything. Alternatively, you could say everything is made of chemicals. Chemists study matter, therefore chemistry is the study of everything, from the smallest particles to the largest structures.

Is chemistry a good science?

Chemistry is a good course to take to fulfill a general science requirement because it exposes you to math, biology, and physics along with principles of chemistry. In college, a chemistry degree can act as a springboard to numerous exciting careers, not just as a chemist.

Do you need to know chemistry?

Everyone Uses Chemistry. You need to know the basics of chemistry, even if you aren't a chemist. No matter who you are or what you do, you work with chemicals. You eat them, you wear them, the drugs you take are chemicals, and the products you use in daily life all consists of chemicals.

How to define acids and bases?

Acids & Bases: There are several ways to define acids and bases. One way is to look at hydrogen ion concentration. No matter which method you choose, these categories of chemicals participate in some very important reactions. Learn about acids, bases, and pH.

What are liquids and gases?

Liquids & Gases: Liquids and gases are phases of matter with properties distinctly different from the solid form. Collectively, liquids and gases are termed fluids. The study of fluids and how they interact is important for understanding the properties of matter and predicting the ways in which that matter can react.

What are atoms and ions?

Atoms and Ions: Atoms are single units of an element. Ions can be made up of one or more types of elements and carry an electrical charge. Learn about the parts of an atom and how to identify the different types of ions. Molecules, Compounds, & Moles: Atoms can be joined together to make molecules and compounds.

What is a mole in math?

A mole is a useful way of measuring an amount of atoms or larger components of matter. Define these terms and learn how to perform calculations to express quantities. Chemical Formulas: Atoms and ions don't bond together randomly. Find out how to predict how many of one type of atom or ion will combine with others.

What is the study of matter and energy?

Thermochemistry: Chemistry is the study of both matter and energy. Once you learn to balance the atoms and charge in a chemical reaction, you can examine the energy of the reaction as well.

Why should chemistry be studied in a logical order?

Chemistry concepts should be studied in a logical order because concepts build upon each other. Jumping into the middle of the science can lead to confusion. While it's fine to learn chemistry principles online, be aware that the lab component is an important part of the science.

What is the theory of Molecular Structure?

Molecular Structure: Once you understand the types of bonds that can be formed between components in a substance, you can begin to predict and understand how molecules are formed and the shapes they take. Valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory helps chemists understand molecular structure.

Which elemental compound is liquid at room temperature?

The only pure elemental compounds (which are, compounds made of atoms of only one element) that are liquid at room temperature are Br 2 (fuming orange liquid), and mercury (a metal).

What were the ingredients used in cooking?

Two thousand years ago, a cook mixed three ingredients very common in any kitchen: potassium nitrate (food preservative), sulphur and charcoal. Mixed and and heated, they go off exploding on a huge bang. This is basically gunpowder.

How are new elements discovered?

In fact, this is the way new elements are discovered, by using magnetic and electrical fields to accelerate particles, which then impact a starting nucleus. This impact can remove protons or neutrons from the nucleus, giving rise to new elements, or isotopes, respectively.

Why is water not blue?

Water is blue on its own. Any object shows a given color because it is absorbing visible light from some other wavelength preferentially . Water has a weak absorption band in the red part of the visible spectra (close to the infrared zone). For this reason, water shows a blue color. Since this red absorption band is so weak, we can only observe the blue color if we have a massive volume of water. That is why water in a glass appears to be colorless, but bigger volumes such as oceans, lakes, or swimming pools, are blue.

Which element has the highest atomic number?

The natural element with the largest atomic number is uranium (with an atomic number of 92).

Who discovered the periodic table?

The first disclosure of a periodic table as we know it today, which celebrates its 150 anniversary in 2019, was made by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869. He published an arrangement of the known elements by the time ordered by atomic mass. This allowed, not only prediction and understanding of properties, but also to predict the discovery of empty blank spaces in his original periodic table!

Is DNA a flame retardant?

A fun chemistry fact that I’ve seen circling around the internet ever since it went viral, after being published in 2013, is that apparently DNA is a flame retardant. What are the implications or the reasons behind this are still unclear, but still, something interesting to keep in mind.

What are some interesting facts about chemistry?

Some of the most fun and most interesting chemistry facts include: The only solid elements that assume liquid form ​ at room temperature are bromine and mercury. However, you can melt gallium by holding a lump in the warmth of your hand . Unlike many substances, water expands as it freezes.

How many pencils does the human body have?

The human body contains enough carbon to provide "lead" (which is really graphite) for 9,000 pencils. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, while oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth's atmosphere, crust, and oceans (about 49.5%). 4 .

What is the name of the element that glows in the dark?

Many radioactive elements actually glow in the dark. The chemical name for water (H 2 O) is dihydrogen monoxide. The only letter not appearing on the periodic table is J. Lightning strikes produce O 3, which is ozone, and strengthen the ozone layer of the atmosphere. The only two non-silvery metals are gold and copper.

What was the first element in the universe?

At ground zero, during the Universe’s singularity, the very first chemical element was hydrogen. All the other followed by fusing hydrogen into helium, which then fused into carbon and so on. Approximately 73% of the mass of the visible universe is in the form of hydrogen. Helium makes up about 25% of the mass, and everything else represents only 2%. By mass, hydrogen and helium combined make up less than 1% of the Earth.

How old is every hydrogen atom in the human body?

5. Every hydrogen atom in your body is likely 13.5 billion years old because they were created at the birth of the universe.

What temperature does helium transition?

A remarkable transition occurs in the properties of liquid helium at the temperature 2.17K (very close to absolute zero), called the “lambda point” for helium. Part of the liquid becomes a “superfluid”, a zero-viscosity fluid which will move rapidly through any pore in the apparatus. 7.

What does the water molecule look like?

If you remember your Chemistry 101, the water molecule looks like Mickey Mouse, the oxygen atom sitting at the center (the face) and two hydrogen atoms each at an angle (Mickey’s ears).

What is the most beautiful molecule?

The football-shaped carbon cluster C 60 has been called ‘the most beautiful molecule’, and if you have an eye for symmetry it’s easy to understand why. But if you ever liked chemistry in school, or actually have a career working in chemistry, you know chemistry goes beyond ‘beauty’.

Which metals absorb light?

Most metals’ electrons reflect colors equally, so the sun’s light is reflected as white. Gold and copper, however, happen to absorb blue and violet light, leaving yellow light. It’s worth noting here that copper is also the only metal that is naturally antibacterial. 3.

Is glass a liquid or solid?

In a glass, molecules still flow, but at a very low rate that it’s barely perceptible. As such, it’s not enough to class glasses as a liquid, but neither as a solid. Instead, chemists classify glasses as amorphous solids— a state somewhere between those two states of matter.

What are some interesting facts about acids and bases?

Here are 10 facts about acids and bases to help you learn about acids, bases, and pH along with a chart for comparison. Any aqueous (water-based) liquid can be classified as an acid, base, or neutral. Oils and other non-aqueous liquids are not acids or bases. There are different definitions of acids and bases, but acids can accept an electron pair ...

How to tell if a solution is acid or base?

While you can't tell whether a solution is an acid or a base by looking at it, taste and touch may be used to tell them apart. However, since both acids and bases can be corrosive, you shouldn't test chemicals by tasting or touching them! You can get a chemical burn from both acids and bases.

How corrosive is an acid?

How corrosive an acid or a base is does not relate to its strength. The pH scale is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity (basicity) or a solution. The scale runs from 0 to 14, with acids having a pH less than 7, 7 being neutral, and bases having a pH higher than 7. Acids and bases react with each other in what is called a neutralization reaction.

What happens when a base reacts with a metal?

Sometimes hydrogen gas is released when a base reacts with a metal, such as reacting sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and zinc. Another typical reaction between a base and a metal is a double displacement reaction, which may produce a precipitate metal hydroxide. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "10 Facts About Acids and Bases.".

How do acids and bases react?

Acids and bases react with each other in what is called a neutralization reaction. The reaction produces salt and water and leaves the solution closer to a neutral pH than before. One common test of whether an unknown is an acid or a base is to wet litmus paper with it.

What are some examples of household acids and bases?

Examples of household acids and bases you can test are vinegar (weak acetic acid) and baking soda solution (diluted sodium bicarbonate -- a base). Acids and bases are important in the human body. For example, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid, HCl, to digest food.

Is a strong acid a weak base?

A strong acid or strong base completely dissociates into its ions in water. If the compound does not completely dissociate, it's a weak acid or base. How corrosive an acid or a base is does not relate to its strength. The pH scale is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity (basicity) or a solution.

What Does Chemistry Mean?

Image
As an introduction to chemistry, it is the branch of science that studies matter and change. First, chemistry deals with the study of the composition and the properties of matter (which is basically any macroscopic substance that we can observe). Then, chemistry deals with change, or how these substances evolve when submitted to certain conditions,...
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When Was Chemistry “Discovered”?

  • Very simple chemical processes were performed even during ancient history, at 1000 BC, much before any basic chemistry concepts or laws were actually established. Extraction of metals from ore or getting compounds out of natural sources such as plants, are examples of chemistry that was first performed thousands of years ago and are still a thing today. Alchemy is what we call the “protoscience” of chemistry. Alchemytried to explain the natur…
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Why Is Chemistry Important?

  • Everythingis chemistry. Everything that you can observe macroscopically is made ofchemicals. You are made of chemicals, your food is chemicals, you breathechemicals, we live out of and thanks to chemicals, everything you see under thesun is a mixture of chemicals. Everything you see or do is based on chemical concepts and processes. Fireworks going off takes place thanks to our understanding and application of chemistry. A medicin…
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Why Is Chemistry called Central Science?

  • A all sciences are glued together by basic chemistry concepts, thats why it is called the central science. Without chemistry, physical sciences (which include chemistry itself), would find a gap and not be bound to life sciences (such as biology) and applied sciences (such as engineering). This is important to note in any introduction to chemistry text.
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What Is The Future of Chemistry?

  • Chemistryis the science that studies and manipulates matter. We human beings are gettingpretty good at it, (although it is not easy to beatNature), but we arefar from an ideal position in which we can easily make any molecule or compoundat will in a matter of minutes. That isprobably the future of chemical synthesis, being able to shape any compound atwill in a matter of minutes, without relying on long term challenging synthesis projects…
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What Is An atom?

  • An atomis defined as the basic unit of a chemical element. A fundamental piece of matter. Plain simple and basic chemistry concept. Obviouslywe now know that atoms are made of smaller particles, called subatomicparticles: protons (positively charged by convention), electrons (negativelycharged by convention) and neutrons (neutral particles). In simpleterms: Protons and neutrons make up the inner part of the atom, or nucleus, andaccount for …
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What Is A molecule?

  • A moleculeis a group of atoms bound together. It’s the next level of chemical complexity. Molecules represent the basic unit of a chemical compound, and this another of those essential basic chemistry concepts. That’sbasically it. An example is a water molecule, which is made from two atoms ofhydrogen (H) and one atom of oxygen (O), held together viacovalent bonds. Furtherdefinitions include, that they are the simplest fundamental unit that can …
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What Types of Chemical Compounds Are there?

  • There are three basic types of chemical compounds, and should be briefly introduced in this post about basic chemistry concepts. All of them are the result of bonding atoms together. The difference is in the nature of the forces that hold together those atoms. 1. In molecules (such as water, or H2O, see above), which are neutral compounds of “individual” nature, atoms are glued together by covalent bonds. Covalent bonds generally occur b…
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What Is The Periodic table?

  • The periodic table is a list or arrangement of all known chemical elements. These are organized in a way that it allows grouping elements with similar atomic structure, and therefore, similar properties. The main criteria for this order is the arrangement by increasing atomic number, which is the number of particles of that element’s nucleus (protons and neutrons). It’s invention is attributed to the Russian chemist Dimitri Mendeleev, and in 2019 we cele…
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Why Do Two Chemical Compounds React?

  • Chemistrystudies changes in matter. A chemicalreactionis a process in which one set of chemical compounds aretransformed into another. Reaction occur when there is an interaction betweenthe compounds in which some initial bonds are broken and some new bonds areformed. Why does this happen? In simple terms, because the energy holding the new bonds together is higher than the energy that held the initial bonds. This is the definition …
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