Fundamentals of chemistry

Chemistry is the science that studies matter, its structure, composition, properties, and the physical and chemical processes it undergoes, as well as the energy exchanges that accompany these processes.

 

Matter is defined as any substance that has mass and volume. It includes everything from the smallest objects to the vast stars of the Universe.

 

Chemistry relies on mathematics and physics to describe processes and, in turn, serves as the foundation for a multitude of sciences such as biology, geology, medicine...

The vastness of this science necessitates its division into numerous branches, among which stand out: (1) Organic Chemistry, which studies compounds based on carbon and hydrogen. (2) Inorganic Chemistry, which studies compounds that do not contain carbon combined with hydrogen. (3) Analytical Chemistry, determining the type and quantity of substances present in a sample. The determination of the species present is known as qualitative analysis, while the determination of the amount in which they are found is called quantitative analysis. (4) Physical Chemistry, studying chemical processes and the energy exchanges that accompany them from both the microscopic (Quantum Mechanics) and macroscopic (Thermodynamics) perspectives.

 

Here are some fundamental concepts in chemistry:

1. Atoms and Elements:

   • Atoms are the basic units of matter.
   • Elements are substances formed by atoms of the same type. Each element has a unique atomic number.

2. Molecules and Compounds:

   • Molecules are formed by atoms bonded together. They can be of the same element (diatomic molecules) or different elements.
   • Compounds are substances formed by atoms of different elements in fixed proportions.

3. Chemical Reactions:

   • Chemical reactions involve the transformation of substances (reactants) into other substances (products) through the breaking and formation of chemical bonds.

4. Periodic Table:

   • The periodic table organizes elements based on their chemical and physical properties.
   • Elements in the same column have similar chemical properties due to the structure of their atoms.

5. Chemical Bonding:

   • Atoms bond through chemical bonds, such as ionic and covalent bonds, to form molecules and compounds.

6. Stoichiometry:

   • Stoichiometry studies the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in a chemical reaction.

7. Thermochemistry:

   • Thermochemistry deals with the study of energy changes accompanying chemical reactions, including enthalpy and heat of reaction.

8. Chemical Kinetics:

   • Chemical kinetics refers to the speed of chemical reactions and the factors that affect it.

9. Chemical Equilibrium:

   • Chemical equilibrium describes the state in which rates of opposing reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products.

10. Properties of Matter:

• Matter properties include physical properties (such as density, melting point, boiling point) and chemical properties (such as reactivity).

11. Gases, Liquids, and Solids:

• Study of the properties and behaviors of different states of matter.

12. Organic and Inorganic Chemistry:

• Organic chemistry focuses on compounds based on carbon.
• Inorganic chemistry deals with compounds that are not organic.

13. Electrochemistry:

• Related to chemical reactions involving electron transfer, such as electrochemical cells and batteries.

These are just some of the fundamental concepts in chemistry. Chemistry is a broad and diverse science with many branches and applications in various fields.