Basic chemistry is concerned with the most elementary concepts of chemistry. In order to understand the processes of chemistry, as well as many processes within biology, these basic concepts have to be learned and understood.
The elementary concepts of basic chemistry consist of:
Chemical elements are substances that can not be divided into subsequent, simpler substances. So far, 92 different natural elements have been identified by chemists, with another 13 having been created in laboratories.
Elements consist of atoms, the smallest unit of matter still able to display the characteristic properties of an element. Each atom is made up of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and electrons, which occupy so-called orbitals around the nucleus and provide a kind of energy shell around the nucleus.
Molecules are formed by two or more of the same type of atom, while compounds are formed by the linking of dissimilar atoms. Both molecules and compounds will display properties not found within the original elements from which they were formed.
Chemical bonds are formed when the nuclei of two atoms attract each other's electrons. In time, the two electron orbitals, or clouds, begin to overlap and form a single molecular orbital. This acts as a bond between the atoms.
Every atom can form as many bonds as there are unpaired electrons within its outer orbital. As molecules are bonded and electrons are paired, they become more stable than single atoms. The molecule H2, for instance, is more stable than two H, or Hydrogen, atoms.
The elementary concepts of basic chemistry consist of:
- Chemical Elements
- Atoms & Atomic Structures
- Protons, Neutrons, Electrons and Isotopes
- Atomic Orbitals & Energy Levels
- Molecules and Compounds
- Chemical Bonds
Chemical elements are substances that can not be divided into subsequent, simpler substances. So far, 92 different natural elements have been identified by chemists, with another 13 having been created in laboratories.
Elements consist of atoms, the smallest unit of matter still able to display the characteristic properties of an element. Each atom is made up of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and electrons, which occupy so-called orbitals around the nucleus and provide a kind of energy shell around the nucleus.
Molecules are formed by two or more of the same type of atom, while compounds are formed by the linking of dissimilar atoms. Both molecules and compounds will display properties not found within the original elements from which they were formed.
Chemical bonds are formed when the nuclei of two atoms attract each other's electrons. In time, the two electron orbitals, or clouds, begin to overlap and form a single molecular orbital. This acts as a bond between the atoms.
Every atom can form as many bonds as there are unpaired electrons within its outer orbital. As molecules are bonded and electrons are paired, they become more stable than single atoms. The molecule H2, for instance, is more stable than two H, or Hydrogen, atoms.
