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CHAPTER 3 Reading Guide (* - topics for class discussion)


In this chapter we begin the process of looking at the world through the eyes of chemistry.
What is chemistry? The study of matter and the changes that matter undergoes.
Section 3.1 Elements and symbols.
OK, matter is defined as anything that has mass and which occupies space. There are three
states of matter solid, liquid and gas. Now everyone can agree that although water is a liquid,
it is very different from milk, coca-cola and 30 Rum. All of these things are unquestionably
liquid, but nobody will mix one for the other.hmmmm what then is the fundamental
difference between these substances that give them such different and varying properties?
Well its elemental really.I mean really, its elemental.
The smallest portion of matter are things we call elements (its a kind of pure substance, see 2.1
in chapter 2). Section 3.1 will tell you all about these elements and the symbols we use to
represent them. (Chemists LOVE to use symbols get used to it). Learn the names and symbols
for some common elements as listed in Table 3.2 (Yes you need to memorize those symbols)
Section 3.2 The Periodic Table
The periodic table shown in this section is one of the most important tools of the chemist. It
organizes the chemical elements in a way that allows you to quickly obtain a lot of
information about them. Be sure that when you are done studying this section, you know (1)
how the columns and rows on the periodic table are numbered; (2) how to classify an element
as a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid; (3) how to classify an element as a representative (or
main-group) element, transition metal, or inner transition metal; (4) how to identify the
number for the period in which an element is found; and (5) how to identify an element as a
gas, liquid, or solid at room temperature. You should also be able to identify the elements that
are alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, and noble gases.
Section 3.3 The Atom*
OK this is where you can start to begin to feel like a real chemist. Once you start talking about
the building blocks of all elements i.e. the atom, you can definitely consider yourselfalmosta
chemist.
This section introduces atoms for the first time. You will learn about the protons, neutrons,
and electrons that form atoms, and you will get an introduction to how these particles are
arranged in the atom. Knowledge of the structure of the atom allows us to understand why
each element is different from the others. You will discover that electrons can be lost or
gained by atoms to form ions, and you will discover why all atoms of an element are not

necessarily the same. Now fortunately for you, we will not dig deep into the experiments that
proved that these sub-atomic particles exist, we want to simply apply this information to
understand some further properties about atoms. So read those sections but dont sweat over
them. Now the mass of the atom, thats important. What is an amu?
Section 3.4 Atomic Number and Mass Number and Section 3.5 Isotopes and Atomic Mass*
These two sections are very much related - the main points in here is a discussion on the
numbers of protons, electrons and neutrons present in atoms and the effect that this has on
the atomic mass of the atom of each element. What are isotopes? Can you calculate the atomic
mass of an element that exists as isotopes?
Section 3.6 Electron Energy Levels*
OK here now we want to focus specifically on the electrons and where they are located in the
atom. Scientists did some cool experiments with elements they burnt them (really, they put
them in a flame and sat back to observe). Strangely (or not), the elements burnt with a different
flame color. Hmmmm. In fact find out the flame colors of Na, Cu, Fe and K.just for discussion
sakes. Well of course they had to now come up with an explanation behind the reason for the
difference in flame colors. And not only that, they directed the light produced from the burning
element through and prism and this now split into lines with different colors! Analysis of these
phenomenon helped the scientists figure out exactly how the electrons are arranged in
atoms.this turn out to be pretty importantyoull see why later.
Section 3.7 Trends in Periodic Properties*
OK we mentioned earlier that the 117 elements can be arranged into the periodic table due to
the grouping of elements with similar properties. Another observation the scientists made
(who?), was that the electron arrangement of the atoms can be used to predict and explain
certain properties of the elements. Some of these properties showed gradual changes
(increases/decreases) moving left to right across the periodic table. This section described these
properties and these changes. You also learn how to draw electron-dot structures of atoms.
Now what.
So now you have read the reading guide you have an idea of what to expect in the chapter.
Now you have to actually read (study the chapter with a goal of understanding) the chapter.
Remember reading an academic text is not the same as reading a novel. Look on the course
website for a document of guidelines of how to read your chemistry text. Happy reading!!

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