Electron Shells Electron shells and orbitals hold electrons in a specific pattern. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons must equal the number of protons. This makes the number of electrons equal to an element’s atomic number. The electrons… Read More
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Molecular Shape
Molecular Shape Important The structure of a molecule is not complete until you know the molecular shape. Molecules which have seemingly an identical molecular shape often have very different chemical properties. The featured image above shows a… Read More
Polar Molecule and Nonpolar Molecule
The difference between a polar molecule and a nonpolar molecule depends on molecular geometry. Polar Bonds Polar result when two different elements share electrons and form a covalent bond. Each element has a characteristic electronegativity. A more electronegative element… Read More
Electronegativity and Polarity
Bond polarity comes from different elements having different electronegativity; the innate ability to attract electrons within a covalent bond. Electronegativity Each element has a value for electronegativity to compare how two atoms distribute negative charge when they share electrons.… Read More
Organic Chemistry: 4 Stepping Stones
The four stepping stones to organic chemistry come from general chemistry you already know. Atoms Each element passes important properties through all levels of organization: electronegativity The positive charge from the nucleus compared to the distance… Read More
Dimensional Analysis in Chemistry
One of the first road blocks you might find when you start chemistry is how to do dimensional analysis problems. Dimensional analysis problems do not lend themselves to memorization. The first factor of frustration comes when… Read More
Chemistry of Solids
Solid State Chemistry Solid state chemistry is overlooked in general chemistry. It would be an under statement to say solid state chemistry is the substance of civilization. Many of the most interesting and practical uses of… Read More
How to Study Chemistry
What Goes Around After so much advice on how to study chemistry, it is obvious a lot of “information” is not really helpful. What You Usually Hear There must be better advice than “to study more” , “remove distractions”, “eat… Read More
Ions: Predict Charge
The Periodic Table You use the periodic table to assign standard charges to ions. Main Group and Transition Metals To assign charges to ions, you must recognize these rules apply to main group elements. The other elements… Read More
Isotopes
Consider only the nucleus when you are concerned with isotopes. Electrons play no part in isotopes or the atomic mass, Figure 2. Only protons and neutrons contribute to the mass of an isotope.