periodic table
what is the chemical symbol of gold
Au
What is a bond?
A bond is a debt security where an investor lends money to an entity for a set period in exchange for regular interest payments and the return of the principal at maturity
What truly defines "matter," and what are its fundamental building blocks?
Beyond just mass/space, exploring atoms, subatomic particles, and fields
What does temperature actually measure?
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy (the energy of motion) of the particles in a substance. Higher temperatures indicate that particles are moving faster.
Protons (+) and neutrons (neutral) are in the nucleus (center); electrons (-) orbit the nucleus in shells/clouds.
what is the element has the symbol of O?
oxygen
Why do atoms form chemical bonds?
To achieve a more stable, lower-energy state, typically by filling their outer electron shells.
How do the distinct states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma) arise from particle behavior, and what drives transitions between them?
Temperature, pressure, intermolecular forces
How do the three main temperature scales differ?
Celsius, Fahrenheit ,& Kelvin
What is the atomic number and how does it determine an element's identity and neutral charge?
The atomic number is the count of protons; in a neutral atom, protons equal electrons.
How are elements arranged on the modern periodic table?
Increasing atomic number
What is the difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond?
Ionic involves electron transfer between metals/nonmetals; covalent involves electron sharing between nonmetals.
What is the ultimate fate or composition of the universe's "missing mass" (dark matter/energy)?
A frontier question about the universe's substance
What is absolute zero?
Absolute zero is the lowest theoretical temperature possible:
What are isotopes, and how do they relate to an element's mass number?
Isotopes have the same protons but different numbers of neutrons, changing their mass number.
Why do elements in the same group (column) share similar chemical properties?
Because they have the same number of valence electrons and 2
What holds metals together, and what are the characteristics of metallic bonds?
Attraction between positive metal ions and a lot of delocalized electrons, making them conductive and malleable.
How do complex materials self-assemble, and can we design novel matter with tailored properties?
Condensed matter physics, materials science
How does a traditional thermometer work?
As the liquid is heated, its molecules move more vigorously and take up more space, causing the liquid to rise up the tube.
How do atoms bond to form molecules, and what are the differences between common bond types like ionic and covalent?
Atoms bond by sharing or transferring electrons; ionic bonds transfer (creating ions), while covalent bonds share electrons.
How does an element's metallic character change as you move from left to right across a period?
It generally decreases, becoming more nonmetallic.
Can a molecule have polar bonds but be nonpolar overall?
(Yes, where polar bonds cancel out due to symmetrical shape, demonstrating the importance of molecular
What is the quantum nature of matter, and how does it explain phenomena from superconductivity to quantum computing?
Exploring quantum mechanics' role in everyday and extreme matter.
Temperature is an intensive property it doesn't depend on the amount of matter, while heat is the total energy transferred between objects.
How do electrons move between atomic orbitals, and what does this movement enable (like light emission)?
Electrons occupy specific energy levels; they can jump to higher levels by absorbing energy and fall back down, releasing energy (often as light).