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Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry |
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A dynamic environment of matter and material surrounds man. Since his birth he has been exposed to these changing surroundings. His curiosity to understand his surroundings and the events occurring around him, has led him to systematically enquire and collect information through experiments and observations. This knowledge is referred to as science. Science may be defined as systematized knowledge gained by mankind through observations and experimentation. |
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States of Matter |
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The classification of matter into three different states, namely solid, liquid and gaseous state is termed as the physical classification of matter. Most properties of solid, liquid and gases that can be observed with our sense organs are called as 'macroscopic' properties. The description of the behaviour of the three states of matter in terms of atomic theory is called 'microscopic' description of matter. From the study of the observable properties of different states of matter one can understand the microscopic nature of matter in terms of the behaviour of constituent particles. |
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Atomic Structure |
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The evidence of the electrical nature of matter preceeded the first theories about the structure of matter. In 1832, Michael Faraday discovered electrolysis. He gave the first important clue relating electricity to matter and about the electric nature of atoms. |
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Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties |
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With the rapid development of Chemistry and the discovery of new elements, it was necessary to develop a simple way to study and remember the numerous properties of the elements and their compounds. This gave rise to the necessity of classification of the elements into various groups having similar properties. This classification of elements resulted in the formulation of the Periodic Table, where the elements are arranged according to their properties in a tabular form. |
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First Law of Thermodynamics and Chemical Energetics |
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The branch of chemistry, which deals with energy changes during various physical processes and chemical reactions, is called chemical energetics. |
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Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure |
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There are more than hundred elements around us. But, we do not find these elements in their native form. This is because most of these elements are highly reactive. They interact with each other to form simple or complex substances. Only elements with the noble gas configuration have no tendency to react. |
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Equilibrium - I - Equilibrium in Physical and Chemical Processes |
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When a chemical reaction gets started the reactants are present in the initial stage, but as the reaction proceeds, the concentration of the reactants decreases and that of products increases. Finally, a stage is reached when no further change in concentration of reactants and products is observed. This is a common observation that most of the reactions when carried out in closed vessels do not go to completion under given set of conditions of temperature and pressure. Such reactions in which only a part of the total amount of the reactants is converted into products are reversible reactions. |
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Equilibrium - II - Ionic Equilibrium in Solutions |
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Chemical reactions mostly take place in solutions. Solution chemistry plays a very significant role in chemistry. All chemical substances are made up of either polar units (called ions) or non-polar units. The activity of these entities is more evident and pronounced in solution. The behaviour of these substances depends upon their nature and conditions of the medium in which they are added. It is therefore necessary to understand the principles that govern their behaviour in solution. |
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Redox Reactions |
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Chemical reactions are very common in our daily life. Many industrial processes (production of various materials), generation of power, synthesis of newer exotic materials etc. all use characteristic chemical reactions called as oxidation and reduction reactions. |
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Principles and Processes of Extraction of Metals |
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There are 109 elements known at present. 92 elements occur in nature, while the rest are man-made. All materials on the Earth are made of these naturally occurring elements. These are classified into metals, non-metals, and metalloids. The occurrence and extraction of some lighter metals is described here. |
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Hydrogen |
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All elements in the periodic table have been classified as metals and non-metals. The non-metals are placed on the right hand side of the periodic table. |
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The s- Block Elements |
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The long form of the periodic table is based upon the filling of a particular shell and has been accordingly divided into four blocks i.e. 's', 'p', 'd' and 'f' blocks. The 's' block elements involve the filling of 's' subshell. This block includes the elements of group 1 (or I A) and group 2 (or II A). They have one or two electrons in their outermost 's' subshell respectively. |
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Some p- Block Elements: Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxygen |
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Elements of group 13 to 18 of the periodic table are collectively called 'p' block elements. The general electronic configuration of these elements is ns2np1-6. They involve the filling up of 'p' orbitals of their outermost shells, when their 's' orbitals are already filled. Some of the 'p' block elements such as boron, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, form very important compounds. The occurrence, preparation and properties of these elements and the chemistry of their compounds are focused here. |
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Organic Chemistry - Some Basic Principles |
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Organic chemistry is that branch of chemistry which deals with the study of compounds of carbon with hydrogen (hydrocarbons), and their derivatives. Presently about five million organic compounds are known. |
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Hydrocarbons |
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The simplest organic compounds are hydrocarbons. All organic compounds can be derived from hydrocarbons by substituting a hydrogen atom with a suitable functional group. Replacing a hydrogen atom by a OH group in a hydrocarbon, gives an alcohol: replacement of H atom in a hydrocarbon by COOH group gives in a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid, and so on. It is therefore appropriate to begin the study of hydrocarbons with its preparation, properties and reactions. |
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Purification and Characterization of Organic Compounds |
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Organic compounds are isolated either from natural sources or from reaction mixtures. These compounds are seldom pure and are usually contaminated with small amounts of other similar compounds, which are found to exist together or formed during the reaction. In order to characterize them, it is important to purify them. Identification and characterization of any organic compound formed, is essential to postulate the mechanism of the reaction. Determination of the structural formula of an organic compound is one of the most important aspects in organic chemistry. |
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Organic Compounds with Functional Groups Containing Halogens |
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The halogen derivatives of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons are called haloalkanes and haloarenes. These are obtained when the hydrogen atom of an alkane and arene is replaced by a halogen atom (F, Cl, Br and I). |
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Environmental Chemistry |
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The term environment refers to the natural elements that make up the Earth and surround living organisms, enabling life. The study of the environment and its proper conservation, has gained enormous importance in last three decades. The term environmental pollution has become one of the most important issues of global concern. |
