Chapter 1
Chemical Foundations
,Section 1.1
Chemistry: An Overview
A main challenge of chemistry is to understand the
connection between the macroscopic world that
we experience and the microscopic world of atoms
and molecules.
You must learn to think on the atomic level.
2
,Section 1.1
Chemistry: An Overview
Atoms vs. Molecules
Matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms.
Atom: smallest part of an element that is still that element.
Molecule: Two or more atoms joined and acting as a unit.
3
, Section 1.1
Chemistry: An Overview
Oxygen and Hydrogen Molecules
• Use subscripts when more than one atom is in
the molecule.
4
Chemical Foundations
,Section 1.1
Chemistry: An Overview
A main challenge of chemistry is to understand the
connection between the macroscopic world that
we experience and the microscopic world of atoms
and molecules.
You must learn to think on the atomic level.
2
,Section 1.1
Chemistry: An Overview
Atoms vs. Molecules
Matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms.
Atom: smallest part of an element that is still that element.
Molecule: Two or more atoms joined and acting as a unit.
3
, Section 1.1
Chemistry: An Overview
Oxygen and Hydrogen Molecules
• Use subscripts when more than one atom is in
the molecule.
4
