CHEM 1314 Lecture 1: Chapter 1 Notes (1.13.15)
Document Summary
Chemistry: the science that seeks to understand the behavior of matter by studying the behavior of atoms and molecules. Atoms: sub-microscopic particles, which are building blocks of matter. Free atoms are rare only noble gases can exist freely in nature: instead, atoms bind together to form molecules. Observation: what you observe about the behavior of matter in nature. Laws: brief statement that combines and summarizes the past observations and predicts for the future ones. Theory: one or more well-established hypotheses that form the basis of theory. Matter: anything that has mass and takes up space: 3 types. Atoms are packed densely less space between atoms. Atoms are arranged in regular 3d pattern. Lots of space atoms can move around: when packed tightly, there is a fixed shape, as atoms become looser, the shape becomes looser too. Element: made up of one type of atom: cannot be broken down to simpler substances.
