Chemistry Class Notes

Topic: Introduction to Chemistry

1. Definition of Chemistry
• Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition,
structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
2. Branches of Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry: Study of carbon-containing compounds.
• Inorganic Chemistry: Study of non-carbon-containing compounds.
• Physical Chemistry: Study of the physical properties and behavior of
chemical systems.
• Analytical Chemistry: Study of the identification and quantification of
chemical components.
• Biochemistry: Study of chemical processes within and relating to living
organisms.
• Environmental Chemistry: Study of chemical processes occurring in the
environment.
• Industrial Chemistry: Study of chemical processes in industrial settings.
3. States of Matter
• Solid: Definite shape and volume, particles are closely packed and vibrate
in fixed positions.
• Liquid: Definite volume but takes the shape of its container, particles are
closely packed but can move past each other.
• Gas: No definite shape or volume, particles are far apart and move freely.
• Plasma: Ionized gas with highly energized particles, commonly found in
stars and lightning.
4. Chemical Elements and Periodic Table
• Elements are substances composed of only one type of atom.
• The Periodic Table organizes elements based on their atomic number,
electron configuration, and chemical properties.
• Elements are grouped into periods (horizontal rows) and groups/families
(vertical columns) on the Periodic Table.
5. Atomic Structure
• Atom: Smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties.
• Subatomic Particles:
• Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus.
• Neutrons: Neutral particles found in the nucleus.
 • Electrons: Negatively charged particles found in electron shells
around the nucleus.
• Atomic Number: Number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
• Mass Number: Sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the
nucleus of an atom.
6. Chemical Bonding and Molecules
• Ionic Bonding: Bond formed by the transfer of electrons between atoms.
• Covalent Bonding: Bond formed by the sharing of electrons between
atoms.
• Molecules: Groups of atoms held together by chemical bonds.
• Lewis Structures: Diagrams that represent the arrangement of atoms and
valence electrons in molecules.
7. Chemical Reactions
• Reactants and Products: Substances that participate in a chemical
reaction and the resulting substances.
• Balancing Equations: Ensuring that the number of atoms of each element
is the same on both sides of a chemical equation.
• Types of Reactions: Includes synthesis, decomposition, single
displacement, double displacement, acid-base, and combustion reactions.
8. Acids, Bases, and pH
• Acids: Substances that donate protons (H⁺ ions) in aqueous solutions.
• Bases: Substances that accept protons (H⁺ ions) in aqueous solutions.
• pH Scale: Measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to
14, with 7 being neutral.

Understanding chemistry is crucial for comprehending the