Key Concepts in Chemistry

Atomic Structure

Atomic Structure

Refers to the organization and composition of atoms, including the nucleus with protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in energy levels, defining properties and reactivity.

Chemical Bonding

The process of atoms combining to form molecules through covalent, ionic, or metallic bonds, influencing molecular shapes, properties, and reactivity.

Periodic Table

Systematic arrangement of elements based on atomic number and properties, providing insights into atomic structure, reactivity, and physical properties.

Chemical Reactions

Fundamental processes where reactants transform into products through bond breaking and forming, governed by principles like conservation of mass and energy.

Stoichiometry

Branch dealing with quantitative relationships in reactions, involving mole concept, molar ratios, and calculations for reactants and products.

Thermodynamics

Study of energy transformations in reactions, including laws like conservation of energy and spontaneity, applied in designing processes and systems.

Acids and Bases

Substances influencing pH and reactions by donating or accepting protons, characterized by pH values and involved in neutralization reactions.

Kinetics

Study of reaction rates and factors affecting them, such as temperature, concentration, and catalysts, focusing on mechanisms and rate laws.

Electrochemistry

Explores the relationship between electricity and chemical reactions, involving redox reactions, electrochemical cells, and cell potential measurements.

Organic Chemistry

Focuses on carbon-containing compounds, essential for life and industry, covering classification, properties, reactions, and applications in various fields.

Atoms

It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons.

Protons

It is a particle that carries positive charges.

Neutrons

It is a particle that carries neutral charges.

Electrons

It is a particle that carries negative charges.

Ionic Bonds

This results from the transfer of electrons from one atom to another atom, leading to the formation of ions that attract each other due to their opposite charges,

First Law of Thermodynamics

It states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another, emphasizing the principle of conservation of energy.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

It describes the direction of spontaneous processes, indicating that natural processes tend to increase the disorder or entropy of the universe.

Acids

They are characterized by their ability to increase the concentration of H+ ions when dissolved in water, leading to a decrease in pH.

Bases

They are substances that increase the concentration of OH- ions (hydroxide ions) in water or accept protons, resulting in an increase in pH.

Galvanic cells

It generates electrical energy through spontaneous redox reactions, such as those found in batteries.

Electrolytic Cells

It uses electrical energy to drive non-spontaneous redox reactions, such as electroplating.