More on ‘ Matter ‘ …..

In the previous post we discussed about what is matter , what is it made up of , states of matter & changing state of matter.

In this post we will discuss few chemistry terms for change of phase or a state to another.

Generally, solids are more dense than liquids because their molecules are closer together. The freezing process compacts the molecules into a smaller space.

There are always exceptions in science. Water is special in many sense. It has more space between its molecules when it is frozen. The molecules organize in a specific arrangement that takes up more space than when they are all loose in the liquid state. Because the same number of molecules take up more space, solid water is less dense than liquid water.

Solid to Liquid Change Is : Melting

Liquid To Gas : Boiling (Or Vaporization)

Gas To Liquid Change : Condensation

Liquid To Solid : Freezing

Solid To Gas : Sublimation

Gas To Solid : Deposition

An easiest example of sublimation might be dry ice. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂). Amazingly, when you leave dry ice out in a room, it just turns into a gas. Have you ever heard of liquid carbon dioxide? It can be made, but not in normal situations. Coal is another example of a compound that will not melt at normal atmospheric pressures. It will sublimate at very high temperatures.

An example of deposition is those little frost crystals that build up on plants when water vapor from the air becomes a solid on the leaves of plants.

Gaseous To Plasma :

[Image Source : chem4kids.com]

Let’s take an example of gas like neon (Ne). Which we want to convert to a plasma state. To do so we need gas to be ionized so that its electrons can be separated from atoms. Electrons have a negative charge. Eventually, you’ll have groups of positively and negatively charged particles in almost equal concentrations. They wind up in a big plasma ball. Because the positive and negative charges are in equal amounts, the charge of the entire plasma is close to neutral. Neutral happens when a whole bunch of positive particles cancel out the charges of an equal bunch of negatively charged particles.

Plasma can be made from a gas if a lot of energy is pushed into the gas. In the case of neon, it is electrical energy that pulls the electrons off. When it is time to become a gas again, just flip the neon light switch off. Without the electricity to energize the atoms, the neon plasma returns to its gaseous state. We have a special world here on Earth. We have an environment where you don’t find a lot of everyday plasma. Once you leave the planet and travel through the Universe, you will find plasma everywhere. It’s in stars and all of the space in between.

Here we have completed understanding Matter , its state & chemistry terms for change of state or phase.

I hope you understood matter and why it is important to study first. Studying matter will help you understand later chapters of chemistry.                                                                                                      [Source : chem4kids.com]

Matter…

Matter is the first topic or chapter which is taught in schools when we study chemistry.

Many times a question starts wondering in mind that why can’t we skip ‘matter’ and study atoms and molecules.

Will it matter if we study ‘ Matter ‘ in later chapters of basic chemistry concepts ?

Yes..it matters a lot..

Let me explain you why…

We cannot evaluate problems in mathematics or physics unless basics get cleared i.e. To evaluate or solve mathematical problems we need to know basic operations like multiplication (*) , division (/ ) , addition (+) & subtraction (-) , we should know theorems , algebraic equations etc.

Or let me explain it in more simpler way :

Like  Basics laws must be cleared before going deep in complex part of subjects like Physics same as Basics of operations , Number system , Tables ,  powers and indices , ratio and proportion etc. must be cleared in Mathematics before we go in complex problems.

Similarly ;

In Chemistry matter forms a basic part. Studying and Understanding Matter is initial step while studying chemistry. Studying Later topics will become easy when you understand what matter is , what it is made up of , etc.

So let us learn what is actually ‘matter’ .

What Is Matter ?

Matter is stuff around us i.e. Matter is everything around us. The computer output screen is made up of matter , your computer , table , pen , yourself are made up of matter.Atoms and molecules are all composed of matter.

So now,

Matter may be defined properly as :

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space (Or occupies some space).

What Makes Up Matter ?

Matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms and molecules. Now since everythhing is made up of matter and matter is made up of tiny particles This means that every thing that surrounds us including ourself and has mass and occupies space is made up of tiny particles.

States Of Matter :

There are 5 states Of Matter.

Solids, Liquids, Gases, Plasmas, and Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC).

We already new about solids, liquids & gases but later Plasma was a new idea when it was identified by William Crookes in 1879. The scientists who worked with the Bose-Einstein condensate received a Nobel Prize for their work in 1995.

What is state of matter ?

In physics, a state of matter is one of the distinct forms that matter takes on. Four states of matter are observable in everyday life: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Bose–Einstein condensates only occur in extreme situations such as ultra cold or ultra dense matter.

[ Image Source : chem4kids.com]

Changing State Of Matter :

[ Image Source : chem4kids.com]

Changing from one state to another is called change of state of matter.

Like water at normal room temperature is in liquid at room temperature but heating it changes water from liquid to gaseous (water vapors) state. Condensing Gaseous state will again convert it into liquid state.

How can we change physical state of matter ?

Physical state of matter can be changed in two ways :

1. By changing the temperature and
2. By changing the pressure.

For example, when the temperature of a system goes up, the matter in the system becomes more excited and active. If enough energy is placed in a system, a change in system may occur as the matter moves to a more active state.

Think about it this way. Let’s say you have a glass of water (H₂O).When the temperature of the water goes up, the molecules get more excited and bounce around a lot more. If you give a liquid water molecule enough energy, it escapes the liquid state and becomes a gas.

[ Image Source : chem4kids.com]

By increasing the temperature , a Solid can be converted to  Liquid ; and Liquid To Gaseous State.

By decreasing the temperature a Gas can be converted to Liquid ; and liquid to Solid.

………..[Source : chem4kids.com]

Fun-Facts Chemistry…

Read some fun-facts about chemistry. Especially kids will find it interesting to read. find out more about atoms, elements, gases, liquids, solids, experiments, cool chemicals and much more under sub-categories of chemistry.Every one who will read this  will love the did you know facts and other interesting chemistry information especially kids that will help them learn a thing or two along the way.

• Hydrogen is the first element on the periodic table. It has an atomic number of 1. It is highly flammable and is the most common element found in our universe.

• Liquid nitrogen boils at 77 kelvin (−196 °C, −321 °F).
• Around 1% of the sun’s mass is oxygen.
• Helium is lighter than the air around us so it floats, that’s why it is perfect for the balloons you get at parties.
• Carbon comes in a number of different forms (allotropes), these include diamond, graphite and impure forms such as coal.
• Under normal conditions, oil and water do not mix.

• Things invisible to the human eye can often be seen under UV light, which comes in handy for both scientists and detectives.
• Above 4 °C, water expands when heated and contracts when cooled. But between 4 °C and 0 °C it does the opposite, contracting when heated and expanding when cooled. Stronger hydrogen and oxygen bonds are formed as the water crystallizes into ice. By the time it’s frozen it takes up around 9% more space.
• Athletes at the Olympic Games have to be careful how much coffee they drink. The caffeine in coffee is a banned substance because it can enhance performance. One or two cups are fine but they can go over the limit with more than five. (update – as of 2004 caffeine has been taken back off the WADA banned list but its use will be closely monitored to prevent future abuse by athletes.)                                                                                                                                                                                                                         [Source : sciencekids.co.nz]

Chemistry..not just chemicals…..

That’s True…

Chemistry Is Not Just About Chemicals Or Test Tubes , Molecules  Etc.

So..

What Is Chemistry ?… What Is Chemistry All About ?..What’s The Importance Of Chemistry In Every Day Life ?..What Chemistry Deals With ?

Definition of  Chemistry :

As the technology advances , as new discoveries and theories  takes place so the definition of Chemistry Changes. In general we may define Chemistry as :

Chemistry is

A branch of physical science that studies the composition, structure, properties and change of matter.

Or in simpler words , Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy.

Chemistry Deals With :

Chemistry deals with various topics such as , the properties of individual atoms, how atoms form chemical bonds to create chemical compounds, the interactions of substances through intermolecular forces that give matter its general properties, and the interactions between substances through chemical reactions to form different substances etc.

Chemistry As Central Science :

Chemistry is sometimes called the central science because it bridges other natural sciences, including physics, geology and biology. For the differences between chemistry and physics see Comparison of chemistry and physics.

Not Only Chemist…

Many people think of chemists as being white-coated scientists mixing strange liquids in a laboratory, but the truth is we are all chemists.

Doctors, nurses and veterinarians must study chemistry, but understanding basic chemistry concepts is important for almost every profession. Chemistry is part of everything in our lives.

Every material in existence is made up of matter — even our own bodies. Chemistry is involved in everything we do, from growing and cooking food to cleaning our homes and bodies to launching a space shuttle. Chemistry is one of the physical sciences that help us to describe and explain our world.

Importance Of Chemistry In Everyday Life :

Why chemistry is important in our everyday life..This Question clicks in mind when we are taking chemistry as our subject in 11th Standard. Attending Your 1st Day In School you may be given an homework assignment to find an answer to above question.

Have a look here at why chemistry is important.

• Everything is made of chemicals. You are made of chemicals. So is your desk. So your vehicles. So is the sun. Drugs are chemicals. Food is made from chemicals.
• Many of the changes you observe in the world around you are caused by chemical reactions. Examples include changing colors of leaves, cooking food and getting clean.
• Knowing some chemistry can help you make day to day decisions that affect your life. Can I mix these household chemicals? What are safe mosquito repellents? Will my bottled water expire?

Every material in existence is made up of matter — even our own bodies. Chemistry is involved in everything we do, from growing and cooking food to cleaning our homes and bodies to launching a space shuttle. Chemistry is one of the physical sciences that help us to describe and explain our world.

[ Source :  livescience.com , wikipedia.org , about.com ]

Organic Chemistry An Small Introduction..

Organic Chemistry

The study of all compounds that contain carbon is called organic chemistry. Carbon atoms are unique. They can combine with each other to make molecules that contain hundreds, even thousands, of carbon atoms. There are more CARBON COMPOUNDS than compounds of all the other elements put together. CARBON TECHNOLOGY uses carbon compounds to make many modern materials, from the interiors of aircraft to medicines.

a)  Carbon In All Living Things :

From butterfly wings to the petals of a flower, all living things are made of carbon compounds. All the processes that happen in living things – such as digestion, movement, and growth – are chemical reactions involving carbon compounds. It is the ability of carbon to make so many different compounds that results in the rich diversity of life on Earth.

b)  Carbon Compounds :

Many carbon compounds contain the same few elements, but in different quantities and arranged in different ways. The most important elements to join with carbon are hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Carbon atoms can form chains of just carbon and hydrogen, which are called hydrocarbons. They can also form rings of carbon, called aromatics.

Methane is a hydrocarbon. It contains one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. The prefix “meth-” always refers to compounds whose molecules contain only one carbon atom. Methane is a natural gas. It is used in domestic central heating.

Butane gas is a slightly more complex hydrocarbon than methane. Butane contains four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. The prefix ‘but-’ always refers to compounds whose molecules contain four carbon atoms in a chain.

A benzene molecule is made of a ring of six carbon atoms, each of which is bonded to a hydrogen atom. This gas is used to make dyes and pigments. Compounds whose molecules are made of carbon rings are called aromatics as they have distinctive smells.

Alcohol And Esters :

A carbon compound called an ester gives an apple its distinctive smell. Esters are liquids with a sweet, fruity smell, and evaporate quickly. They are made when alcohol reacts with an acid. Alcohols and esters contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

c)  Carbon Technology :

The carbon industry is one of the largest and most important industries because so many products contain organic (carbon) compounds. Carbon technology is vital to the production of medicines, paints, synthetic fabrics, food flavorings, plastics, cosmetics, and glues. The raw materials that are the basis for these products come from coal, crude oil, and natural gas.

Racing bikes are often made from carbon fiber because it is strong and light, and can be moulded into complex shapes. The carbon fibers are woven into a cloth which is then cut and layered in a mould. The moulded part is filled with a chemical called a resin and then baked in an oven to form the hard, tough carbon fiber material.

New medicines are made to treat specific illnesses by combining organic (carbon) compounds in new ways. Some are similar in structure to compounds found naturally in our bodies or in plants. New medicines undergo a series of tests to ensure they do not have any poisonous effects.

  

Paint pigments and the dyes that colour our clothes are mostly organic compounds. Pigments coat the surface of a material. Dyes bond with the molecule of the fabric they are colouring. The molecules of pigments and dyes often contain many rings of carbon atoms.

All plastics are organic compounds, made from recycled plastic or from the products of coal, oil, and natural gas. From flexible bags to hard chairs, plastics are light and cheap to make. Their molecules are made of long chains of carbon atoms called polymers.

Carbon Fibers :

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is heated to 3,000°C (5,432°F) to create thin filaments of carbon fiber. This material is fireproof and five times lighter than steel, yet twice as strong. Carbon fiber has many uses, such as in lightweight sports equipment, car body panels, construction pipes, and on the wings and nose of space shuttles.