Chemistry Basics and Periodic Table

Chemistry

• Periodic table arranges elements by atomic number, increasing across.
• Elements grouped by families/groups (vertical columns) and periods (horizontal rows).
• Metals on the left, non-metals on the right, metalloids in between.
• Alkali metals (group 1) are very reactive, shiny, silvery.
• Alkaline earth metals (group 2) are reactive, but less than alkali metals.
• Halogens (reactive) and noble gases (stable, gaseous).
• Atomic mass = average number of neutrons and protons.
• Electrons orbit the nucleus in electron shells.
• Physical properties are observed without changing the substance (e.g., color, density, melting point), and can be measured.
• Physical changes are when a substance's state changes, but its chemical composition doesn't.
• Chemical properties describe a substance's ability to undergo a chemical change (e.g., flammability, reactivity).
• Chemical changes result in new substances (e.g., color change, gas production, precipitate formation).
• Qualitative observations use senses, quantitative use numbers/measurements.
• Compounds are made of 2+ different elements chemically bonded.
• Molecules are made of 2+ atoms, whether same or different elements.

Physics

• Series circuits: have one path for electrons, if one part fails, the whole circuit fails.
• Parallel circuits: have multiple paths, if one part fails, other parts still function.
• Voltage (V) measures the force pushing electrons, measured in volts.
• Current (I) measures electron flow, measured in amperes.
• Resistance (R) opposes electron flow, measured in ohms.
• Electrical circuits consist of (e.g., lamps, batteries, wires, switches).
• Circuit diagrams use symbols to represent these components.
• Motors convert electrical to kinetic energy.
• Resistors control current flow.
• Insulators prevent current flow, conductors allow it.
• Electrostatic series describes tendency of materials to gain/lose electrons.
• Ohm's law relates voltage, current, and resistance.

Space

• Order of planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
• Terrestrial planets are rocky (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars), gas giants are mostly gas (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune).
• Planets orbit the sun, following elliptical paths.
• Rotation is planet spinning on its axis, revolution is its orbit around the sun.
• Tilt of an axis to its orbit causes seasons .
• Moons orbit planets and the Moon's phases are caused by its position relative to the Sun and Earth.
• Eclipses occur when the Moon, Earth or Sun line up.

Ecology

• Biomes: large areas defined by climate and plant life.
• Sustainability concerns meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
• Three Es (Environment, Equity, Economy) for sustainability
• Biotic factors are living organisms, abiotic factors are nonliving components of an environment. Matter cycles (e.g., water, carbon, nitrogen) move through ecosystems.

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of chemistry, including the structure of the periodic table and the properties of elements. Understand the difference between physical and chemical properties and changes, as well as the classification of elements. This quiz covers key concepts essential for any chemistry student.