Difference between revisions of "Chemistry"
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| − | '''Chemistry''' (from the Egyptian '''kēme''', meaning "earth") is the study of structure, composition, and properties of matter, as well as the interactions of chemical elements and compounds. Along with [[physics]], chemistry is one of the physical sciences. Chemistry is the modern counterpart to [[alchemy]]. Chemistry be divided into several sub-branches, | + | '''Chemistry''' (from the Egyptian '''kēme''', meaning "earth") is the study of structure, composition, and properties of matter, as well as the interactions of chemical elements and compounds. Along with [[physics]], chemistry is one of the physical sciences. Chemistry is the modern counterpart to [[alchemy]]. Chemistry be divided into several sub-branches. |
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| + | == Basic Concepts == | ||
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| + | Each Discipline of Chemistry has specific concepts that relate to it, however there are some concepts that are universal to the study of Chemistry, some of which are below: | ||
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| + | === Element === | ||
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| + | {{main|Element}} | ||
| + | An Element is a single type of [[atom]], and is defined by its [[periodic number]], or the number of protons present in the [[nucleus]] of the atom. All known elements are grouped together in the [[Periodic table of the elements]]. | ||
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| + | === Atom === | ||
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| + | {{main|Atom}} | ||
| + | An atom is a particle of matter indivisible by chemical means [1] which form the building blocks of molecules. | ||
| + | In the atomic [[nucleus]] there are positively charged [[protons]] and electrically neutral [[neutrons]]. Spinning around the nucleus are negatively charged [[electrons]]. | ||
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| + | === Molecule === | ||
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| + | {{main|Molecule}} | ||
| + | A molecule is an electronically neutral grouping of two or more atoms by [[covalent bonds]]. A molecule may contain more than one element, although this case is generally referred to as a [[compound]]. | ||
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| + | == Disciplines of Chemistry == | ||
* [[Organic chemistry]]- The study of chemical compounds containing [[carbon]] | * [[Organic chemistry]]- The study of chemical compounds containing [[carbon]] | ||
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* [[Supramolecular chemistry]]- The study of non covalent bonding interactions between molecules | * [[Supramolecular chemistry]]- The study of non covalent bonding interactions between molecules | ||
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| + | == Notable Chemists == | ||
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* [[Antoine Lavoisier]] | * [[Antoine Lavoisier]] | ||
* [[Dmitri Mendelelev]] | * [[Dmitri Mendelelev]] | ||
Revision as of 02:01, July 6, 2011
Chemistry (from the Egyptian kēme, meaning "earth") is the study of structure, composition, and properties of matter, as well as the interactions of chemical elements and compounds. Along with physics, chemistry is one of the physical sciences. Chemistry is the modern counterpart to alchemy. Chemistry be divided into several sub-branches.
Basic Concepts
Each Discipline of Chemistry has specific concepts that relate to it, however there are some concepts that are universal to the study of Chemistry, some of which are below:
Element
For a more detailed treatment, see Element.
An Element is a single type of atom, and is defined by its periodic number, or the number of protons present in the nucleus of the atom. All known elements are grouped together in the Periodic table of the elements.
Atom
For a more detailed treatment, see Atom.
An atom is a particle of matter indivisible by chemical means [1] which form the building blocks of molecules.
In the atomic nucleus there are positively charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons. Spinning around the nucleus are negatively charged electrons.
Molecule
For a more detailed treatment, see Molecule.
A molecule is an electronically neutral grouping of two or more atoms by covalent bonds. A molecule may contain more than one element, although this case is generally referred to as a compound.
Disciplines of Chemistry
- Organic chemistry- The study of chemical compounds containing carbon
- Inorganic chemistry- The study of inorganic compounds
- Physical chemistry- The application of Physics to chemical compounds and systems
- Analytic chemistry- The study of chemical composition
- Biochemistry- The study of the chemical processes in cells
- Supramolecular chemistry- The study of non covalent bonding interactions between molecules