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Chemistry Basics Overview

Aug 21, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the foundational concepts of chemistry, including classification of matter, laws of chemical combination, atomic and molecular theory, mole concept, concentration terms, empirical/molecular formulas, stoichiometry, and limiting reagent.

Introduction to Chemistry

  • Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the composition, structure, properties, and changes of matter.
  • Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.

Classification of Matter

  • Matter can be classified physically as solid, liquid, or gas; these states are interconvertible by changing temperature or pressure.
  • Chemically, matter is divided into pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures (homogeneous and heterogeneous).

Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

  • Elements contain only one type of atom; classified as metals, non-metals, or metalloids.
  • Compounds are pure substances made from two or more elements in a fixed ratio.
  • Mixtures are physical combinations of substances without a fixed proportion; can be homogeneous (uniform) or heterogeneous (non-uniform).

Properties of Matter

  • Physical properties: measurable without changing the substance (e.g., density, melting point).
  • Chemical properties: observed during a chemical change (e.g., reactivity, flammability).

Measurement and SI Units

  • Important physical quantities include length (meter), mass (kilogram), time (second), temperature (kelvin), amount of substance (mole), electric current (ampere), and luminous intensity (candela).
  • Derived units include area (m²), volume (m³), density (kg/m³), etc.
  • SI prefixes (e.g., kilo-, centi-, milli-, nano-) are used to express multiples/fractions of units.

Laws of Chemical Combination

  • Law of Conservation of Mass: mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
  • Law of Definite Proportions: a chemical compound always contains the same elements in a fixed ratio by mass.
  • Law of Multiple Proportions: elements can combine in different ratios to form different compounds.
  • Law of Reciprocal Proportion, Law of Combining Volumes, Avogadro's Law: explain relationships between reacting volumes, masses, and numbers of particles.

Dalton’s Atomic Theory and Limitations

  • Matter is made of tiny indivisible atoms, which combine in simple ratios to form compounds.
  • Isotopes, isobars, divisibility, and complex ratios are limitations of Dalton’s theory.

Atomic and Molecular Mass

  • Atomic mass = sum of protons and neutrons; measured in atomic mass units (u).
  • Molecular mass = sum of atomic masses in a molecule.
  • Average atomic mass is weighted by isotopic abundance.
  • Formula mass is used for ionic compounds.

The Mole Concept

  • 1 mole = 6.022 × 10²³ entities (Avogadro’s number).
  • Moles relate mass to number of particles and volume (for gases at STP, 1 mol = 22.4 L).
  • Number of moles = given mass / molar mass.

Empirical and Molecular Formula

  • Empirical formula shows simplest whole number ratio of elements in a compound.
  • Molecular formula = (Empirical formula) × n, where n = (Molar mass / Empirical formula mass).
  • Calculate empirical formula from percent composition.

Concentration Terms

  • Mass percent: (mass of solute / mass of solution) × 100.
  • Molarity (M): moles of solute / liters of solution.
  • Molality (m): moles of solute / kg of solvent.
  • Mole fraction: moles of component / total moles in solution.

Stoichiometry and Limiting Reagent

  • Stoichiometry calculates mass/volume relationships in reactions using balanced equations.
  • The limiting reagent is the reactant that finishes first, limiting product formation.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Element — A pure substance of one type of atom.
  • Compound — Pure substance of elements in a fixed ratio.
  • Mixture — Physical combination of substances, variable composition.
  • Empirical Formula — Simplest ratio of atoms in a compound.
  • Mole — 6.022 × 10²³ entities of a substance (Avogadro’s number).
  • Limiting Reagent — Reactant consumed first, limits product amount.
  • Molarity (M) — Moles of solute per liter of solution.
  • Molality (m) — Moles of solute per kg of solvent.
  • Mole Fraction — Ratio of moles of one component to total moles.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Revise all laws of chemical combination and practice example problems.
  • Practice empirical and molecular formula calculations.
  • Complete assigned homework on mole concept, concentration terms, and stoichiometry.
  • Prepare for questions involving limiting reagent identification and calculations.