Matter, Elements, and Chemical Compounds

Flashcards covering matter classification, periodic table groups, bonding, and chemical nomenclature based on IUPAC rules.

What is the definition of an element according to the lecture notes?

A fundamental substance that cannot be broken down chemically into any simpler substance.

Which columns of the periodic table constitute the Main Groups?

Columns $1A$-$2A$ ($2$ groups) and columns $3A$-$8A$ ($6$ groups).

What is the range of columns and groups for the Transition Metals?

Columns $3B$-$2B$ ($8$ groups, $10$ columns).

Why are the alkali metals called by that name?

Because they react rapidly with water to form products that are highly alkaline, or basic.

What is the meaning and origin of the term 'halogen'?

It is taken from the Greek word $hals$, meaning 'salt.'

What are the common physical properties of metals mentioned in the notes?

Metals are typically solids with high melting points and high densities, have a bright metallic luster, are good conductors of heat and electricity, and are ductile and malleable.

How do nonmetals behave when hammered?

They are not malleable or ductile and crush into a powder when hammered.

Which element is provided as an example of a semimetal acting as a semiconductor?

Silicon ($Si$).

What is the primary difference between pure substances and mixtures regarding separation?

Pure substances cannot be separated by physical methods, whereas mixtures can be separated into two or more substances by physical or mechanical means.

Define a chemical compound.

A substance that consists of atoms of two or more different elements bound together and can be decomposed by chemical means.

What is the definition of a mixture?

A blend of two or more substances in some arbitrary proportion.

Match the following separation techniques to their underlying physical property: Distillation and Filtration.

Distillation is based on boiling point (volatility), and Filtration is based on the state of matter and particle size.

What is an alloy?

A homogeneous mixture of elements that has the characteristic of a metal, where at least one of the elements mixed is a metal (e.g., steel made from iron and carbon).

In a suspension, what happens to the solid particles over time if left alone?

The solid particles will settle and separate.

What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

A cation is a positively charged ion formed by taking away an electron; an anion is a negatively charged ion formed by adding an electron.

Which types of elements tend to form cations and which tend to form anions?

Metals tend to form cations, and nonmetals tend to form anions.

How is the charge of a main-group nonmetal anion typically predicted?

The charge is usually equal to the group number minus $8$.

What characterizes a covalent bond?

It results when two atoms share several (usually two) electrons, typically between a nonmetal and a nonmetal.

Define an ionic bond.

The transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another, creating a strong electrical attraction between charged particles, typically between a metal and a nonmetal.

What is the specific term used for the chemical formula of an ionic compound?

Formula unit (which shows the lowest whole number ratio of the ions).

What is the difference between a structural formula and a molecular formula?

A molecular formula lists the number and kinds of elements ($C_2H_4O_2$), while a structural formula gives the connectivity between individual atoms.

State the Principle of Electrical Neutrality for ionic compounds.

The total number of positive charges must equal the total number of negative charges ($\Sigma \text{cation charges} = \Sigma \text{anion charges}$).

What is the systematic IUPAC name for $Fe_2O_3$?

Iron(III) oxide.

How is the suffix changed in an oxoanion series when there are fewer oxygens versus more oxygens?

The ion with fewer oxygens ends in $-ite$ and the ion with more oxygens ends in $-ate$ (e.g., nitrite $NO_2^-$ and nitrate $NO_3^-$).

What prefixes are used for oxoanions with the 'fewest' and 'most' oxygens in a series of more than two?

The prefix $hypo-$ is used for the fewest, and $per-$ is used for the most (e.g., $ClO^-$ is hypochlorite, $ClO_4^-$ is perchlorate).

When naming a binary acid from an anion ending in '-ide' (like chloride), what formatting is used?

The name becomes $hydro-$ + stem + $-ic$ acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid).

How do the suffixes change when turning an oxoanion into an oxoacid?

Anion $-ate$ suffix becomes $-ic$ acid, and anion $-ite$ suffix becomes $-ous$ acid.