Concise notes on Atoms, Molecules, and Stoichiometry
Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (Class 11):
1. Atoms and Atomic Structure
Subatomic Particles:
Protons: Positively charged (+1), mass = 1 amu.
Neutrons: Neutral, mass = 1 amu.
Electrons: Negatively charged (-1), negligible mass (~1/1836 of proton).
Atomic Number (Z): Number of protons in the nucleus.
Mass Number (A): Total number of protons + neutrons.
Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with the same atomic number but
different mass numbers (e.g., and ).
2. Molecules
Molecule: A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest
unit of a compound.
Diatomic Molecules: H2, O2, N2
Polyatomic Molecules:H2O, CO2
Molecular Formula: Shows the exact number of each type of atom
(e.g.C2H6)
Empirical Formula: Simplest whole-number ratio of atoms (e.g.CH3 for
ethane).
3. The Mole Concept
Avogadro's Number (N): number of particles per mole. 6.02 x 10 -23
particles/mol
Molar Mass: Mass of 1 mole of a substance in grams (equal to the relative
atomic/molecular mass in amu).
Key Formulae:
1. Number of Moles (n):
Moles = Mass (g)/ Molar Mass (g/mol)
Number of particles = moles x Avogadro’s Number
Chemical Equations and Stoichiometry
Balancing Equations: Ensure conservation of mass and atoms.
Mole Ratios or stoichiometry ratio: Derived from the coefficients in a
balanced equation.
Calculations:
1. Reacting Masses: Use mole ratios to calculate mass of
products/reactants.
2. Limiting Reagent: The reactant that runs out first, limiting the amount
of product.
3. Percentage Yield:
Yield = Actual Yield / Theoretical Yield x 100
5. Concentration and Solutions
Molarity (M): Moles of solute per liter of solution.
Molarity = moles / Volume of soltion in literes
M1V1 = M2V2
7. Ideal Gas Equation
Equation: PV = nRT
Pressure (Pa), : Volume (m³),n : Moles, : Gas constant (R), : Temperature
(K).
STP Conditions: , molar volume = .
Common Definitions
Relative Atomic Mass (Ar): Weighted average mass of an atom relative
to the mass of carbon-12.
Relative Molecularelative (M): Sum of values of atoms in a molecule.