Matter Structure: Atoms, Bonds, and Reactions

Structure of Matter

Dalton thought that an atom could not be broken into smaller pieces.

Thomson discovered that cathode rays were negative particles, which he called electrons.

Rutherford bombarded gold foil with positively charged particles and observed that some were barely diverted, while others bounced around. His conclusions were:

  • All positive charge is concentrated in the nucleus.
  • The lightweight core of the hydrogen atom is formed by a positively charged particle called a proton.
  • The nuclei of
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Key Figures in Atomic Theory and Chemistry

John Dalton

British physicist and chemist

His studies included meteorological observations.

Origin of instruments for rain and weather measurements.

1. Large measure of weather phenomena.

What was Dalton’s first work? Observations and tests in 1773.

Key theory: Elements and compounds.

His theory consisted of the atomic nature of elements and compounds: Material formed by atoms.

Atoms of different masses combine in simple ratios to form compounds.

How did the atomic theory emerge? Through the study

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Water Treatment: Clarification, Filtration, Disinfection, and Softening

Water Clarification

Clarifiers of American origin act by carrying out two operations simultaneously on the same device, in addition to proceeding with the automatic removal of sludge. The flocculant and the raw water are introduced through the top and make contact with preformed sludge kept in suspension by a horizontal vane agitator, P, driven by a variable speed motor, M.

Water Filtration

Filtering aims to retain the particles in suspension that the water carries, both from the raw water and originating

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Metals: Properties, Structure, and Applications in Construction

Introduction to Metals

Metals are materials composed of metallic elements, characterized by atoms held together by metallic bonds. These bonds influence their properties, allowing ion layers to displace without rupture, determining plasticity. Metals are known for their electrical and thermal conductivity. In nature, metals are often combined with other elements. Metallurgy is the process of extracting metals by studying their properties. Iron extraction leads to steel.

Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals,

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Complexation and Buffers in Chemistry

Complexation in Chemistry

Complexation is the process of forming a complex, which is a molecule or ion composed of multiple components, typically a central metal ion or molecule surrounded by one or more ligands. Complexation can be classified based on various criteria.

Types of Ligands

  • Monodentate: One binding site (e.g., chloride, ammonia)
  • Bidentate: Two binding sites (e.g., ethylenediamine, oxalate)
  • Polydentate: Multiple binding sites (e.g., EDTA, citrate)

Coordination Number

  • Mononuclear: One central
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Atomic Structure, Bonding, and Chemical Principles

  • Atomic Structure and Properties

    • Know the basic structure of an atom, in terms of sub-atomic particles (protons, neutrons and electrons), and discuss their basic properties and how they are arranged in the atom.
      • Bohr theory of atomic structure.
      • Four quantum numbers. (principle, angular momentum, magnetic and spin)
    • Interpret the periodic table, and identify, describe and explain particular trends in the periodic table (ionisation energy, effective nuclear charge, atomic and ionic radii, electronegativity,
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