The Language of

Chemistry
Chemistry has its own language that allows scientists to communicate ideas
and observations. This presentation will explore the symbols, formulas, and
terminology used in chemistry.

by divya raghav
Chemical Symbols and
Terminology
1 Chemical Symbols 2 Formulas

Elements are represented by Chemical formulas represent

symbols, such as H for the composition of
Hydrogen and O for Oxygen. compounds, like H2O for
water.

3 Equations

Chemical equations express the reactions between different

substances.
Valency and Ions
Variable Valency
Some elements can exhibit different valencies
depending on the compounds they form.
Ions
Ions are charged particles formed when atoms gain
or lose electrons. There re two kinds of Ions -
cations and anions based on the loss or gain of
electrons.
Chemical Formula of Compounds
Writing Formulae Subscripts Examples

Rules dictate how chemical Subscripts indicate the Learn to write chemical
formulas are written to number of atoms of each formulas for common
represent the elements and element in a compound. compounds like NaCl and
their ratios in a compound. CO2.
Rules for writing the fomulae
1. Write the symbols of the elements or ions that form the compound.
2. Write the valency of each element or charge of each ion below its symbol.

3. Finally, interchange the valencies or charges of the combining atoms or ions and write them as subscripts.
4. If the valencies or charges are divisible by a common factor, divide and simplify the formula.
5. FOr charges, exclude the + and the - signs, exhange the numbers, and then write them as subscripts.
Significance of Chemical Formula

Molecular Structure Constituents Total number of atoms

Chemical formulas provide The formula indicates the The formula indicates the total
information about the elements or ions that the number of atoms in the
arrangement of atoms in a compound is made up of. compound.
molecule.
Limitations of Chemical Equations
1 Physical states of reactants and 2 Concentration of the reactants of a
products. reaction

3 Nature of the reaction 4 Conditions of the reactions

5 Direction of the reaction