Grade 7 ↓
Introduction to Chemistry
What is chemistry?
Chemistry is a branch of science that studies matter, its properties, the way it interacts, combines, and changes. Chemistry helps us understand the world around us and is often referred to as the "central science" because it connects the physical sciences with the life sciences and applied sciences.
What is the matter?
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Everything around you is made of matter. You can hold it in your hands, see it with your eyes, or even smell it with your nose.
Imagine a wooden chair. The chair is made of matter. It has mass, so it feels heavy when you try to pick it up. It takes up space because you can't walk over it.
States of matter
Matter can exist in different states. The three most common states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Each state has its own distinct properties.
Solid
Solids have definite shape and volume. The particles in solids are tightly bound to each other and move very little.
Liquid
Liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. The particles in a liquid are close to each other but can move freely.
Gas
Gases have no definite shape or volume. Gas particles are far away from each other and move very fast.
Elements, compounds, and mixtures
All substances are made up of elements, compounds, or mixtures. Let's learn about each one.
Elements
An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Elements are made up of only one type of atom.
H
is the chemical symbol for hydrogen, and O
is the chemical symbol for oxygen.
Compounds
A compound is a pure substance made from two or more different elements that are chemically combined. Compounds contain a fixed ratio of elements.
For example, water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen. Its chemical formula is:
H 2 O
Mixture
A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically combined. Mixtures can be separated by physical means.
Sand and salt when mixed together form a mixture, as they can be easily separated by adding water and filtering.
Atoms and molecules
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. They are the smallest units of an element that retain the properties of that element.
Molecules are groups of two or more atoms that are linked together. They can be made of the same type of atom or different types of atoms. For example, the air we breathe contains oxygen in the form of molecules.
O 2
This represents two oxygen atoms bonded together.
Chemical reactions
Chemical reactions occur when substances interact to form new substances. In a chemical reaction, the atoms in the reactants rearrange to form different molecules in the products.
An example of a simple chemical reaction is the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to form water:
2H 2 + O 2 → 2H 2 O
In this reaction, two molecules of hydrogen gas react with one molecule of oxygen gas to form two molecules of water.
Periodic table
The periodic table is a chart that arranges all known elements based on their properties. It is structured in such a way that it predicts the properties of the elements and their compounds.
Each box on the periodic table represents an element with its symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass. Elements are arranged in rows called periods and columns called groups based on similar properties.
Acids and bases
Acids and bases are two special types of chemicals. Nearly all liquids are acids or bases to some degree. Acidic substances taste sour and can be corrosive. Basic substances, also called alkalis, taste bitter and feel slippery.
A common acid is hydrochloric acid, HCl
, and a common base is sodium hydroxide, NaOH
.
Conclusion
Chemistry is a fascinating and amazing field that touches every part of our lives. It helps us understand how different substances come together, react and change to form new substances. By studying chemistry, we gain a better understanding of the world around us and how matter behaves.