chapter1_agbr8


 * Chemistry** - the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter; the processes that matter undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany these processes.[[image:300px-Plasma-lamp_2.jpg width="330" height="294" align="right" caption="Plasma - Double Click to Find Out More" link="http://www.plasmas.org/rot-plasmas.htm"]]

__**Different Branches of Chemistry**__ • //Organic Chemistry// - the study of most carbon-containing compounds • //Inorganic Chemistry// - the study of non-organic substances, many of which have organic fragments bonded to metals (organometallies) • //Physical Chemistry// - the study of the properties and changes of matter and their relationship with energy • //Analytical Chemistry// - the identification of the components and composition of materials • //Biochemistry// - the study of substances and processes occurring in living things. • //Theoretical Chemistry// - the use of mathematics and computers to understand the principles behind observed chemical behavior and to design and predict the properties of new compounds


 * Chemical** - any substance that has a definite composition

• //Solids// - definite shape, definite volume, atoms vibrate in place • //Liquids// - indefinite shape, definite volume, atoms vibrate in a rotational pattern • //Gases// - indefinite shape, indefinite volume, atoms vibrate rotationally and transitionally. • //Plasma// - indefinite shape, indefinite volume, highest form of energy, vibrate, rotate, and translate
 * __Different Phases of Matter__**:

__ELEMENTS__
Each element has a unique symbol.

__How the Periodic Table Works__
The Periodic Table organizes elements based on their chemical properties. **Columns** on the table represent similar chemical properties of groups or families of elements (the vertical columns of the periodic table). The Horizontal rows of elements are called **Periods**. The properties vary across the rows, or periods. The elements are classified as: § **Metals**: tend to be shiny, malleable (can change shape without cracking), and ductile (drawn into wire or thread). They are also good conductors of electricity and heat. § **Nonmetals**: tend to be brittle and poor conductors of electricity § **Metalloids**: intermediate in properties between metals and nonmetals, and tend to be semiconductors of electricity. § **Noble Gases**: Gases that are unreactive elements