Chemistry 101 - Introduction & Index of Chemistry 101 Topics

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and the reactions that occur between them.

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Welcome to the world of Chemistry 101! Chemistry is the study of matter. Like physicists, chemists study the fundamental properties of matter and they also explore the interactions between matter and energy. Chemistry is a science, but it is also used in human communication and interaction, cooking, medicine, engineering, and a host of other disciplines. Although people use chemistry every day with no apparent problem, if the time comes to take a course in chemistry in high school or college, many students are filled with dread. Don't be! Chemistry is manageable and even fun. I've compiled some study tips and resources to make your encounter with chemistry easier. Not sure where to start? Try Chemistry Basics.

Periodic Table of the Elements

You need a trusty periodic table for practically all aspects of chemistry! There are links to characteristics of elements groups, too.
Periodic Table
Printable Periodic Tables
Groups of Elements Periodic Table

Helpful Resources

Worked Chemistry Problems
Chemistry Glossary
Chemical Structures Archive
Inorganic Chemicals
Element Photographs
Famous Chemists
Science Lab Safety Signs
Science Pictures

Introduction to Chemistry 101
Learn about what chemistry is and how the science of chemistry is studied.
What Is Chemistry?
What Is a Chemical?
What Is the Scientific Method?

Math Basics
Math is used in all the sciences, including chemistry. To learn chemistry, you need to understand algebra, geometry, and some trig, as well as be able to work in scientific notation and perform unit conversions.
Accuracy & Precision Review
Significant Figures
Scientific Notation
Physical Constants
Metric Base Units
Table of Derived Metric Units
Metric Unit Prefixes
Unit Cancelling
Temperature Conversions
Experimental Error Calculations

Atoms and Molecules
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. Atoms join together to form compounds and molecules. Learn about the parts of the atom and how atoms form bonds with other atoms.
Basic Model of the Atom
Bohr Model
Atomic Mass & Atomic Mass Number
Types of Chemical Bonds
Ionic vs Covalent Bonds
Rules for Assigning Oxidation Numbers
Lewis Structures and Electron Dot Models
Introduction to Molecular Geometry
What Is a Mole?
More About Molecules & Moles
Law of Multiple Proportions

Stoichiometry
Stoichiometry describes the proportions between atoms in molecules and reactants/products in chemical reactions. Learn about how matter reacts in predictable ways so that you can balance chemical equations.
Types of Chemical Reactions
How to Balance Equations
How to Balance Redox Reactions
Gram to Mole Conversions
Limiting Reactant & Theoretical Yield
Mole Relations in Balanced Equations
Mass Relations in Balanced Equations

States of Matter
The states of matter are defined by the structure of matter as well as whether it has a fixed shape and volume. Learn about the different states and how matter transforms itself from one state to another.
States of Matter
Phase Diagrams

Chemical Reactions
Once you have learned about atoms and molecules, you're ready to examine the type of chemical reactions that can occur.
Reactions in Water
Types of Inorganic Chemical Reactions

Periodic Trends
The properties of the elements exhibit trends based on the structure of their electrons. The trends or periodicity can be used to make predictions about the nature of the elements.
Periodic Properties & Trends
Element Groups

Solutions
It's important to understand how mixtures behave.
Solutions, Suspensions, Colloids, Dispersions
Calculating Concentration

Gases
Gases exhibit special properties based on having no fixed size or shape.
Introduction to Ideal Gases
Ideal Gas Law
Boyle's Law
Charles' Law
Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures

Acids & Bases
Acids and bases are concerned with the actions of hydrogen ions or protons in aqueous solutions.
Acid & Base Definitions
Common Acids & Bases
Strength of Acids & Bases
Calculating pH
pH Scale
Negative pH
Buffers
Salt Formation
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
Titration Basics
Titration Curves

Thermochemistry & Physical Chemistry
Learn about the relationships between matter and energy.
Laws of Thermochemistry
Standard State Conditions
Calorimetry, Heat Flow and Enthalphy
Bond Energy & Enthalpy Change
Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
What Is Absolute Zero?

Kinetics
Matter is always in motion! Learn about the motion of atoms and molecules, or kinetics.
Factors that Affect Reaction Rate
Chemical Reaction Order

Atomic & Electronic Structure
Much of the chemistry that you learn is associated with electronic structure, since electrons can move around much more easily than protons or neutrons.
Valences of the Elements
Aufbau Principle & Electronic Structure
Electron Configuration of the Elements
Aufbau Principle & Electronic Structure
Nernst Equation
Quantum Numbers & Electron Orbitals
How Magnets Work

Nuclear Chemistry
Nuclear chemistry is concerned with the behavior of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus.
Radiation & Radioactivity
Isotopes & Nuclear Symbols
Rate of Radioactive Decay
Atomic Mass & Atomic Abundance
Carbon-14 Dating