Learning Chemistry? Start with Chemistry 101 (2024)

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Welcome to the world of Chemistry 101! Chemistry is the study of matter. Like physicists, chemists study the fundamental properties of matter and they also explore the interactions between matter and energy. Chemistry is a science, but it is also used in human communication and interaction, cooking, medicine, engineering, and a host of other disciplines. Although people use chemistry every day with no apparent problem, if the time comes to take a course in chemistry in high school or college, many students are filled with dread. Don't be! Chemistry is manageable and even fun. I've compiled some study tips and resources to make your encounter with chemistry easier. Not sure where to start? Try Chemistry Basics.

Periodic Table of the Elements

You need a trusty periodic table for practically all aspects of chemistry! There are links to characteristics of elements groups, too.

• Periodic Table
• Printable Periodic Tables
• Groups of Elements Periodic Table

Helpful Resources

Use these resources to look up unfamiliar terms, identify chemical structures, and recognize the elements.

• Worked Chemistry Problems
• Chemistry Glossary
• Chemical Structures Archive
• Inorganic Chemicals
• Element Photographs
• Famous Chemists
• Science Lab Safety Signs

Introduction to Chemistry 101

Learn about what chemistry is and how the science of chemistry is studied.

• What Is Chemistry?
• What Is a Chemical?
• What Is the Scientific Method?
• Introduction to Chemistry Quiz

Math Basics

Math is used in all the sciences, including chemistry. To learn chemistry, you need to understand algebra, geometry, and some trig, as well as be able to work in scientific notation and perform unit conversions.

• Significant Figures
• Scientific Notation
• Physical Constants
• Metric Base Units
• Table of Derived Metric Units
• Metric Unit Prefixes
• Unit Cancelling
• Temperature Conversions
• Experimental Error Calculations

Atoms and Molecules

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. Atoms join together to form compounds and molecules. Learn about the parts of the atom and how atoms form bonds with other atoms.

• Basic Model of the Atom
• Bohr Model
• Types of Chemical Bonds
• Ionic vs Covalent Bonds
• Rules for Assigning Oxidation Numbers
• Lewis Structures and Electron Dot Models
• Introduction to Molecular Geometry
• What Is a Mole?
• Law of Multiple Proportions

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry describes the proportions between atoms in molecules and reactants/products in chemical reactions. Learn about how matter reacts in predictable ways so that you can balance chemical equations.

• Types of Chemical Reactions
• How to Balance Equations
• How to Balance Redox Reactions
• Gram to Mole Conversions
• Mole Relations in Balanced Equations
• Mass Relations in Balanced Equations

States of Matter

The states of matter are defined by the structure of matter as well as whether it has a fixed shape and volume. Learn about the different states and how matter transforms itself from one state to another.

• States of Matter
• Phase Diagrams

Chemical Reactions

Once you have learned about atoms and molecules, you're ready to examine the type of chemical reactions that can occur.

• Reactions in Water
• Types of Inorganic Chemical Reactions

Periodic Trends

The properties of the elements exhibit trends based on the structure of their electrons. The trends or periodicity can be used to make predictions about the nature of the elements.

• Element Groups

Solutions

It's important to understand how substance dissolve and how mixtures behave.

• Solutions, Suspensions, Colloids, Dispersions
• Calculating Concentration

Gases

Gases exhibit special properties based on having no fixed size or shape.

• Introduction to Ideal Gases
• Ideal Gas Law
• Boyle's Law
• Charles' Law
• Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures

Acids & Bases

Acids and bases are concerned with the actions of hydrogen ions or protons in aqueous solutions.

• Calculating pH
• pH Scale
• Negative pH
• Buffers
• Salt Formation
• Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
• Titration Basics
• Titration Curves

Thermochemistry & Physical Chemistry

Learn about the relationships between matter and energy.

• Laws of Thermochemistry
• Standard State Conditions
• Calorimetry, Heat Flow and Enthalphy
• What Is Absolute Zero?

Kinetics

Matter is always in motion! Learn about the motion of atoms and molecules, or kinetics.

• Factors that Affect Reaction Rate
• Chemical Reaction Order

Atomic & Electronic Structure

Much of the chemistry that you learn is associated with electronic structure, since electrons can move around much more easily than protons or neutrons.

• Valences of the Elements
• Electron Configuration of the Elements
• Nernst Equation
• How Magnets Work

Nuclear Chemistry

Nuclear chemistry is concerned with the behavior of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus.

• Rate of Radioactive Decay
• Carbon-14 Dating

Chemistry Practice Problems

No matter how well you understand the text or the lecture, sometimes you need to see examples of how to approach and solve chemistry problems.

• Index of Worked Chemistry Problems
• Printable Chemistry Worksheets

Chemistry Quizzes

Test your understanding of key chemistry concepts.

• How to Take a Test
• Atomic Structure Quiz
• Chemical Bonds Quiz
• Element Number Quiz
• Element Picture Quiz
• Units of Measurement Quiz

Science Fair Projects

Doing a science fair project? Learn how to use the scientific method to design an experiment and test a hypothesis.

• Science Fair Project Help

Other Useful Stuff

• Acids and Bases
• Before You Buy a Chemistry Textbook
• Careers in Chemistry
• High School Courses Needed for College Chem
• Laboratory Safety Rules
• Lesson Plans
• Material Safety Data Sheets
• Study Tips
• Top Chemistry Demonstrations
• Top Ways to Fail a Chemistry Class
• What is the IUPAC?
• Why Get a Doctoral Degree?
• Why Students Fail Chemistry