Learning chemistry can help you understand the different forms and properties of matter. Atoms are the basic units of matter that can be grouped together to build anything from water molecules to skyscrapers. The first steps to understanding the complex field of chemistry are to know the elements of the periodic table, understand atoms, and consider why some can create bonds. With this information in mind, you will have a solid foundation for understanding how chemistry works.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Get Familiar with the Periodic Table
Step 1. Memorize the chemical symbols
An atom is the smallest unit of an element that preserves the properties of that element. Each atom has its own place on the periodic table and a one- or two-letter symbol that represents it. For example, the chemical symbol for hydrogen is "H" and the symbol for sodium is "Na."
Usually this is the first homework assigned in a chemistry class
Step 2. Understand how mass varies across the table
One of the defining characteristics of an atom is its mass. This indicates how many particles are in the nucleus (the particles outside the nucleus are so small that they do not influence the mass). The periodic table is ordered according to mass, in such a way that it increases from left to right (along a horizontal row) and from top to bottom (along a vertical column).
Step 3. Understand the general classifications of the elements
The periodic table is divided into several types of elements. The largest categories are metals, metalloids, and nonmetals. The category to which an atom belongs is used to classify its physical properties and reactivity.
Part 2 of 4: Learning the Composition of Atoms
Step 1. Know the subatomic particles that make up an atom
There are three of these particles: protons, which have a positive charge; neutrons, which have no charge (or have a neutral charge); and electrons, which have a negative charge. The sum of the protons and neutrons equals the mass of the atom (in atomic mass units). The mass of the electrons is so tiny that it is not counted.
Step 2. Locate each particle
The nucleus is the center of the atom. It is where the protons and neutrons meet. Electrons, meanwhile, move around the nucleus in orbitals. Electrons generally do not enter the nucleus, and protons and neutrons remain in the nucleus.
Step 3. Consider what happens when atoms create bonds
When two or more atoms come together, a bond occurs. Protons and neutrons have no direct role in the bonding process. Rather, it is the electrons that are shared or transferred between two or more bonded atoms to form a molecule.
Part 3 of 4: Understanding Reactions and Links
Step 1. Learn the most important types of links
The ionic bond is the one that occurs between metals and non-metals. The covalent bond is the one that occurs between two non-metals. In ionic bonding, there is a higher probability that electrons are at one end of the molecule. This results in a molecule with one end negatively charged and one end positively charged. For their part, covalent bonds have a more uniform electron distribution.
Step 2. Use chemical formulas
Chemical formulas provide information about the elements that make up a molecule or that are part of a reaction, and in what proportions. For example, hydrochloric acid is represented by the formula HCl. Likewise, the chemical reaction that represents the combustion process of methane is CH4 + 2O2 â 2H2O + CO2. The numbers before the chemical symbol are called coefficients and serve to indicate the number of molecules or atoms present. The subscript (small number) indicates how many particular atoms are in a molecule.
Step 3. Consider stability to be a reason for bonding
Atoms and molecules bond together to create a more stable compound. That is, they try to get the lowest level of energy possible. To break a link, you will need to apply enough energy to make the link no longer favorable. That is why links are often difficult to break.
Part 4 of 4: Deepening Your Knowledge in Chemistry
Step 1. Strengthen your mathematical knowledge
To understand chemistry, you will need (at least) to be able to solve algebra exercises with ease, as it is something that you will have to do often. Knowledge of calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra are very useful for taking advanced courses in chemistry, such as physical chemistry. Consider that you will have to take some of these subjects to get a bachelor's degree in chemistry. It is also a good idea to try to earn a minor (or major) in mathematics to gain an advantage in the field of work.
Step 2. Choose a branch of chemistry
Chemistry is divided into several branches of study. For example, you can be a physical chemist, biochemist, chemical analyst, etc. Decide which part of this science you like best and focus on that area. That is, if you are interested in organic chemistry, try to take more organic chemistry classes than the minimum required for your degree.
You could also study for a master's or doctorate to specialize even further and elevate your mastery of the subject
Step 3. Research the topic
Homework in class is a good starting point for learning the concepts of chemistry. The laboratory practices will help you to know the work protocol in the laboratory and to apply what you have learned in class. But really, if you want to understand chemistry, you will have to do your own research on specific topics. While many chemistry degrees require some type of research, this is usually in minimal amounts. The best thing is that you start researching as soon as you can and under the supervision of a professor in the field that you like the most (for example, biochemistry).
Advice
- Take a basic chemistry course.
- Consider taking online courses.
- Complete the practice problems and assignments.
- Read chemistry textbooks.
Warnings
- If you are going to perform experiments with chemical materials, make sure you have a list of safety protocols with all the materials and the indications for their proper handling.
- Keep in mind that learning and mastering chemistry will take time and effort.