In-Depth Notes on Chemistry Concepts

Atoms

  • Definition: Smallest part of an element that can exist independently.

Bond

  • Description: Attraction between atoms or molecules that forms chemical compounds.

Chemical Formula

  • Purpose: Represents the number of each element in a compound using chemical symbols.

Chemical Reaction

  • Definition: A process that results in the formation of new substances.

Chemical Symbol

  • Content: A letter or combination of letters representing an element. Examples:
    • C for Carbon
    • Found on the periodic table.

Combustion

  • Nature: A reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen.
Complete Combustion
  • Condition: Occurs in a plentiful supply of oxygen.
  • Products: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
Incomplete Combustion
  • Condition: Occurs with limited oxygen supply.
  • Potential Products: Carbon monoxide (CO), carbon (C), and water (H₂O).

Compound

  • Definition: A substance formed from two or more elements chemically bonded together.

Conserved

  • Concept: Refers to properties or quantities maintained throughout a reaction.

Displacement Reaction

  • Description: A reaction where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal in a compound.

Electron

  • Definition: Negatively charged subatomic particle; found in atom shells; mass is approximately 0.

Element

  • Definition: A pure substance made up of only one type of atom.

Fuel

  • Function: A substance that stores chemical energy, which can be released as heat when combusted.

Group

  • Description: A column in the periodic table containing elements with similar properties.

Halogen

  • Definition: An element in Group 7 of the periodic table; known for high reactivity.

Oxidation

  • Definition: A reaction that involves a substance combining with oxygen.

Period

  • Definition: A horizontal row on the periodic table.

Periodic Table

  • Content: A comprehensive table listing all known chemical elements.

Physical Change

  • Definition: A change affecting physical properties of a substance without forming a new substance.

Products

  • Definition: Substances formed in a chemical reaction; located on the right side of the equation after the arrow.

Property

  • Definition: A characteristic or quality that defines a substance.

Proton

  • Definition: Positively charged subatomic particle located in an atom's nucleus; mass is 1.

Neutron

  • Definition: Subatomic particle with no charge found in the nucleus; mass is also 1.

Reactants

  • Definition: Substances that participate in a chemical reaction; positioned on the left side of the equation before the arrow.

Thermal Decomposition

  • Definition: A process that breaks down a substance into simpler substances using heat.