GCSE Chemistry learning topics and material for students in Year 7 to Year 11.
Atoms are the building blocks of matter, and they are made up of three different types of particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, which is at the centre of the atom, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in shells or energy levels.
Water and sodium hydroxide are both compounds. If you look at the Periodic table, you will see that sodium has a mass number of 23, oxygen has a mass number of 16 and hydrogen has a mass number of 1.
A reaction may happen when two or more chemicals are mixed. Sometimes you have to add heat (energy) before the reaction will occur. Not all chemicals react together when they are mixed.
You probably know by now (through your studies of chemistry) that electrons are the “magic” behind chemical reactions. They do all the hard work – moving here, moving there, joining this atom, leaving that atom, forming bonds, etc.
If you’re taking a chemistry class or even a general science class, chances are pretty good that you have a copy of the Periodic Table of Elements.
Distillation is a method of purifying liquids based on their boiling points. If you have a mixture of multiple liquid compounds, all of which boil at different temperatures, distillation is probably your best bet for a powerful but economical method of separation.
The chemical concept of a “mole” is very important to be able to perform calculations in chemistry. Remember from your class that an atom’ atomic weight refers to the number of grams in one “mole” of that material. What exactly is a mole?