Introduction to Polyhedral Models An alternative to represent ionic compounds is to use polyhedral models. When we can see the way in which three=dimensional shapes represent the individual units, it helps visualize long range order. The crystal structure model becomes unwieldy when you represent long range order in the form of multiples of […]
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Ionic crystals make up a large and important class of substances found in every walk of life that constitute a robust area of cutting edge research
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To grasp the structure of metals and ionic compounds, you must account for the solid voids. As atoms occupy lattice points, they create a pattern of empty spaces between atoms. Empty space resides within an extended array of atoms or ions. The character of solid voids produces the properties of alloys, the […]
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How atoms pack give rise to their chemical and physical properties. The way atoms stack into three layers produce the three most important unit cells: body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic, and hexagonal unit cells.
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Why Care About Ionic Compounds? The reason ionic compounds are important might not be obvious you. The first time you see them, is usually in general chemistry. Yet no one explains what they do. As a result, ionic compounds end up as the poor cousin to molecular compounds. This […]
Read More »Bonds form from atoms when electrons feel nearby atoms. Outer electrons rearrange to possess lower energy. This happens three ways. An element is either a metal or nonmetal. Recall the periodic table has two general regions: metals and nonmetals, Figure 1. There Are Three Kinds of Bonds The kind of […]
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Every concept in a chemistry textbook solves a problem. Unlike what chemists do in movies, chemists do not just mix things together to see what will happen. Maybe a problem gets solved by a new material with desired properties. Chemists apply knowledge to the practical world to make life better. Urgent needs […]
Read More »Why Significant Figures Significant figures preserve the precision of measurements. You record data and use numerical values in calculations. Further calculations can only be as accurate as the as the measurements from an experiment. Use of a specific set of rules prevents calculation results more precise than an original measurement. Chemistry […]
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The autoionization of water describes when water reacts with water in a solution of water. This forms the basis of understanding aqueous acid base chemistry. Do not suspect a chemical process occurs only when chemicals dissolves in water. Despite what most people believe when they look at an ordinary glass of […]
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Acids and Bases An understanding of acids and bases forms an essential part of a total grasp of chemistry. It encompasses many of the chemical concepts you learn early in a first semester. Organic chemistry and biochemistry cannot be understood without a mastery of acids and bases. Dissociation […]
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