Chapter 1.1, Problem 3LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Big ideas of chemistry are to be determined.

Concept Introduction : Chemistry is the branch of science that examines the characteristics, make-up, and structure of substances, as well as the changes they go through, and the energy released or absorbed.

Answer to Problem 3LC

Some of the big ideas of chemistry are:

1. Chemistry is the central science
2. Electrons and the structure of the atom
3. Bonding and interactions
4. Reactions
5. Kinetic theory
6. The mole and quantifying matter
7. Matter and energy
8. Carbon chemistry

Explanation of Solution

Big ideas of chemistry are explained as follows:

Chemistry as the central science: All the other sciences and chemistry are related. Many scientists from different areas of science such as biology, geology, environmental science, and others use chemistry in their work.

Electrons and the structure of atoms: Every atom of an element is made up of a nucleus and one or more electrons. Atoms are the building blocks of elements. The electrons in the reactant molecules determine the kind of products that are produced in any reaction.

Bonding and interactions: Chemical bonds are used to connect elements to form compounds. The strength of a chemical bond determines a compound's characteristics.

Reactions: Chemical processes include the production of products from reactants. During a chemical reaction, a substance's molecular or ionic structure might change.

Kinetic theory: The constituent parts of matter are always moving. Whether a substance is solid, liquid, or gas depends on how these motions alter with changes in temperature and pressure.

The mole and quantifying matter: Mole amounts are used to determine the number of chemicals in any chemical process. A mole is a useful unit for describing material quantity.

Matter and energy: Heat is a common kind of energy that is used or produced during every chemical reaction. It is simple to detect the heat changes that take place during a chemical reaction.

Carbon chemistry: The building blocks of life are carbon compounds. About 10 million chemicals, including plastics, synthetic fibers, and petroleum, are part of carbon chemistry.