Chemistry Introductions

Introduction to Chemistry
Start learning chemistry with the basics. Learn what chemistry is, what chemists do, and why it's important to study chemistry.

Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Are you confused about how chemical engineering differs from pure chemistry or other types of engineering? Here's an explanation of what chemical engineering is and what chemical engineers do.

Introduction to Absolute Zero
Learn about absolute zero and the Kelvin and Celsius temperature scales.

Introduction to Balancing Equations
Here is a step-by-step tutorial for balancing chemical equations, along with a worked example. This is a must-read for students of general and introductory chemistry!

Introduction to Crystals
Get the definition for a crystal and learn about some common types of crystals.

Introduction to Distillation
Distillation is a common chemistry process used to separate materials by changing their states of matter. Learn more about how the process works and find out about different types of distillations.

Introduction to Dry Ice
Do you know what dry ice is? Learn about dry ice and find fun projects that use dry ice.

Introduction to Earth Day
Find out what Earth Day is all about, when it is, and how it started.

Introduction to Growing Crystals
Do you want to grow crystals, but you aren't sure where to start or what to do to make sure your crystals turn out well? Here's some basic information on crystal growing. I've provided links to recipes so you can start growing crystals. These instructions are general, so if your recipe calls for something special (like no vibrations or dark), be sure to follow those directions, too.

Introduction to Lab Reports
Lab reports are an essential part of all laboratory courses and usually a significant part of your grade. If your instructor gives you an outline for how to write a lab report, use that. Here's a format for a lab report you can use if you aren't sure what to write or need an explanation of what to include in the different parts of the report.

Introduction to Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative analysis is used to identify the chemical species in an unknown substance. Introductory qualitative chemical analysis exploits the unique characteristics of the elements to separate metal ions in an aqueous solution. This article identifies the main metal groups, discusses characteristics of major reagents, and lists some cation complexes formed with NH3 and OH-.

Introduction to Radiation and Radioactivity
Learn about natural and induced radioactivity and alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

Introduction to Spectroscopy
Learn what spectroscopy and spectra are, how spectroscopy works, and what it is used for. This article includes a list of several different spectroscopies, with brief descriptions of their characteristics.

Introduction to the Atom
Are you confused about atoms, elements, protons, neutrons, electrons, isotopes, and ions? Here's a basic look at the model of the atom. It's a great overview for kids or anyone looking to grasp the essentials of atomic theory.

Introduction to the Elements
Get the definition for a chemical element.

Introduction to the Greenhouse Effect
Learn what the greenhouse effect is and how it is related to climate.

Introduction to the IUPAC
Find out what the IUPAC is and learn a little about about what the IUPAC does.

Introduction to the Periodic Table
Learn how the periodic table of the elements is structured. Get basic history about its development and learn how periods and groups relate to electrons and atomic mass.

Introduction to the States of Matter
Get definitions and examples of the main states of matter: solids, liquids, gases, and plasma.