Chemistry – Basic Notes
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, composition, and changes it undergoes.
Matter
● Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
● States of matter:
○ Solid – fixed shape and volume
○ Liquid – fixed volume, no fixed shape
○ Gas – no fixed shape or volume
Particles of Matter
● Matter is made of tiny particles.
● Particles are in constant motion.
● There are spaces between particles.
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
● Element – pure substance made of one type of atom
● Compound – substance made of two or more elements chemically combined
● Mixture – two or more substances physically mixed
Atom
● An atom is the smallest particle of an element.
● Parts of an atom:
○ Proton – positive charge
○ Neutron – no charge
○ Electron – negative charge
Periodic Table
● Elements are arranged in the periodic table.
● Groups – vertical columns
● Periods – horizontal rows
● Elements in the same group have similar properties.
Chemical Reactions
● A chemical reaction forms new substances.
● Reactants – substances that react
● Products – substances formed
Signs of a Chemical Reaction
● Colour change
● Gas produced
● Temperature change
● Formation of a precipitate
Acids, Bases, and Salts
● Acids produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water
● Bases produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in water
● Salts are formed when acids react with bases
pH Scale
● pH measures acidity or alkalinity.
● pH < 7 – acidic
● pH = 7 – neutral
● pH > 7 – alkaline
Metals and Non-metals
● Metals – good conductors, malleable, shiny
● Non-metals – poor conductors, brittle (if solid)
Separation Techniques
● Filtration
● Evaporation
● Distillation
● Chromatography
Rusting
● Rusting is the corrosion of iron.
● Conditions needed:
○ Oxygen
○ Water
Fuels
● Fuels release energy when burned.
● Examples: coal, petrol, natural gas