Core Chemistry Concepts
Atomic Structure
Atoms are the building blocks of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The atomic number defines the element.
Key Point: The nucleus contains protons (+) and neutrons (neutral), while electrons (-) orbit around it.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
Stoichiometry
Stoichiometry involves the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions.
Key Point: The mole concept (6.022×10²³ particles) is fundamental to stoichiometric calculations.
Use balanced equations to determine mass, volume, and particle relationships.
Chemical Reactions
Chemical reactions involve the breaking and forming of bonds to create new substances with different properties.
Key Point: The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Recognize reaction types: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion.