Beginner's+Guide+to+Chem

This is a beginner's guide to Chemistry. Here will be basic vocabulary and rules.
What is an Atom? An atom is the basic unit of Chemistry. The atomic nucleus is positively charged, containing protons and neutrons.

What is an Element An element is any material that cannot be broken down or changed into another substance by any chemical means.

What is a Compound? A compound is a chemical substance that contains two or more, different elements.

What is a Substance? A substance is a form of matter that has constant chemical composition and characteristics. (Wikipedia)

What is a Molecule? A molecule is the smallest individual portion of a substance that has a definite composition and characteristics. (Wikipedia)

What is Acidity & Basicity? Acidity and Basicity are ways to classify substances. Acidity and Basicity are measured in pH (if it is a solution). Pure Water has a pH of 7.0, meaning it is neutral. Solutions with a pH less than 7.0 are acidic and solutions with a pH of more than 7.0 are basic. Another word for basic is alkaline.



How to read this Periodic Table of Elements Atomic # Symbol Name Atomic Mass

<> For more on Chemistry as a whole, see: Wikipedia Link EDU Link (easier to understand)