Step into the Generalities in Chemistry, where the foundations of this diverse field are explored. Delve into the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin the study of matter and its transformations. From atomic structure and chemical bonding to states of matter and chemical reactions, uncover the key elements that shape our understanding of chemistry. Embark on a journey of discovery as you unravel the secrets and intricacies of this fascinating science.
What is the Brønsted-Löwry acid-base theory? In 1938, Brønsted and Löwry improved the Arrhenius acid-base theory and classified acidic and basic compounds as follows: Acid: substance (molecular or ionic) capable of donate protons (H+) to another substance acting as a base. Base: substance (molecular or ionic) capable of accepting protons (H+) from an acid. According … Read more
What is a pH buffer solution? The mission of the pH buffer solutions is to maintain the pH of the solution containing them invariable (constant) in the against of dilutions and addition of acids or bases. These solutions are made up of mixtures of: -Weak acid + salt of weak acid-strong base: CH3COOH + CH3COONa … Read more
What is osmolar concentration? Osmolarity is a concept related to solutions that indicates the osmolar concentration, defined as the number of osmoles per liter of solution. Osmol means the number of particles in the molecular weight of undissociated solute. Examples Glucose (does not dissociate) : 1 osmol = 1 mole = 180 gr of glucose … Read more
What are acids and bases? In the past, scientists classified the then known substances into acids, bases and salts. In principle, they classified them according to a series of similar properties. In 1663 Robert Boyle established a series of properties common to all acids. Thus, an acid was defined as a substance whose aqueous solution: … Read more
What is an enantiomer? An enantiomer refers to two structures that are mirror images but not superimposable. The term comes from the Greek enántios, “opposite”, and méros, “part” or “portion”. They are also called optical isomers. Characteristics The main characteristic of two enantiomers is that all their physicochemical properties are the same except that they … Read more
What are acid-base titrations? When to a given amount of a solution of an acid is added an equivalent amount of a solution of a base, the equivalence point is reached, i.e., the number of equivalents of acid is equal to the number of equivalents of base. In the case of a neutralization reaction between … Read more
What are colloids? A colloid is a microheterogeneous system in which a component has dimensions in the range of 1 nanometer (10-9 m) to 1 micron (10-6 m). This makes the ratio of area to volume (A/V) exceptionally large, so they have a lot of surface energy which confers instabilities and therefore tend to aggregate. … Read more
What is Chirality? Two molecules are chiral when they are not superimposable to their mirror image. Moreover, chirality is essential for two molecules to be enantiomers. Two achiral molecules cannot be enantiomers. Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) in 1893, defined chirality as: “I call chiral and say that any geometric figure, or any group of points, … Read more
What is molecular mass? The molecular mass (m) (relative molecular mass or formula weight) is the mass of a given molecule in a chemical compound. This mass is measured in units of atomic mass (u) or also called Dalton (Da). Because different molecules of the same compound can have different isotopes of an element, the … Read more
What is Green Chemistry? Chemistry is a science that makes an unquestionable contribution to improving the quality of life and the well-being of mankind, devising imaginative solutions in fields as diverse as the preparation of pharmaceuticals. Thus, the discoveries carried out with chemistry have made it possible to fight effectively against a multitude of diseases. … Read more
