SS1 CHEMISTRY LESSON NOTE FIRST TERM

 Here’s a First Term SS1 Chemistry Note covering the key topics typically taught in Senior Secondary School 1.

SS1 Chemistry – First Term Notes

1. Introduction to Chemistry

Definition of Chemistry

Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its composition, structure, properties, and the changes it undergoes.

Branches of Chemistry

1. Organic Chemistry – Study of carbon-containing compounds.

2. Inorganic Chemistry – Study of non-carbon elements and compounds.

3. Physical Chemistry – Study of how substances interact physically.

4. Analytical Chemistry – Study of the composition of substances.

5. Biochemistry – Study of chemical processes in living organisms.

Importance of Chemistry

Used in medicine, agriculture, food processing, industries, and environmental protection.

2. Nature of Matter

States of Matter

Solid – Fixed shape and volume.

Liquid – Fixed volume but no fixed shape.

Gas – No fixed shape or volume.

Physical and Chemical Changes

Physical Change – No new substance is formed (e.g., melting ice).

Chemical Change – A new substance is formed (e.g., rusting iron).

Separation of Mixtures

Filtration – Separates insoluble solids from liquids.

Evaporation – Removes liquid from a solution to leave the solute.

Distillation – Separates substances based on boiling points.

Chromatography – Separates dyes or pigments.

3. Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Structure of the Atom

An atom consists of protons (+), neutrons (0), and electrons (-).

Protons and neutrons are in the nucleus, while electrons orbit around it.

Atomic Number and Mass Number

Atomic Number (Z) – Number of protons.

Mass Number (A) – Number of protons + neutrons.

Molecules and Ions

Molecule – Two or more atoms chemically bonded (e.g., O₂, H₂O).

Ion – A charged particle (e.g., Na⁺, Cl⁻).

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4. Chemical Symbols, Formulae, and Equations

Chemical Symbols

Elements are represented by symbols (e.g., H for Hydrogen, O for Oxygen).

Chemical Formulae

Represents compounds (e.g., H₂O for water, CO₂ for carbon dioxide).

Balancing Chemical Equations

Reactants → Products (must have the same number of atoms on both sides).

Example:

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O

5. Electronic Configuration and the Periodic Table

Electronic Configuration

Electrons are arranged in shells (K, L, M, N...).

Example:

Hydrogen (H) = 1

Oxygen (O) = 2,6

Sodium (Na) = 2,8,1

Periodic Table

Groups (Vertical columns) – Elements with similar properties.

Periods (Horizontal rows) – Show increasing atomic number.

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6. Chemical Bonding

Types of Chemical Bonds

1. Ionic Bond – Transfer of electrons (e.g., NaCl).

2. Covalent Bond – Sharing of electrons (e.g., H₂, O₂).

3. Metallic Bond – Free-moving electrons in metals.

7. Acids, Bases, and Salts

Definition

Acid – A substance that donates protons (H⁺) (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄).

Base – A substance that accepts protons (OH⁻) (e.g., NaOH, KOH).

Salt – Formed from the reaction of an acid and a base (e.g., NaCl).

pH Scale

Measures acidity or alkalinity (0-14).

Acidic (0-6), Neutral (7), Basic (8-14).

8. Laboratory Safety and Apparatus

Safety Rules in the Laboratory

Wear safety goggles and gloves.

Do not taste chemicals.

Handle glassware carefully.

Common Laboratory Equipment

Bunsen burner – Produces flame.

Beaker – Holds liquids.

Test tube – Small reactions.

Pipette – Measures small liquid volumes.

This covers the basics of SS1 Chemistry for the first term. Let me know if you need explanations on any topic!

Introduction to Chemistry

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies matter—everything that has mass and occupies space—and the changes it undergoes. It provides insight into the composition, structure, properties, and behavior of substances, forming the basis for understanding both natural and synthetic processes.

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What is Chemistry?

• Definition:
  Chemistry is often defined as the science of matter and its interactions. It examines how atoms and molecules combine, interact, and transform through chemical reactions.

• Scope:
  This field covers everything from the tiny particles that make up the universe to the complex molecules essential for life.

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Key Branches of Chemistry

1. Organic Chemistry:
   Focuses on carbon-containing compounds, including those found in living organisms. It is central to the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and biotechnology industries.

2. Inorganic Chemistry:
   Deals with minerals, metals, and other non-organic compounds. It is important for materials science, catalysis, and the production of chemicals like fertilizers.

3. Physical Chemistry:
   Combines chemistry with physics to study how matter behaves on a molecular and atomic level. It involves understanding energy changes and the rates of reactions.

4. Analytical Chemistry:
   Involves techniques and methods for determining the chemical composition of substances. It is critical in quality control, forensic analysis, and environmental monitoring.

5. Biochemistry:
   Studies the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. It bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, explaining how chemical processes sustain life.

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Importance of Chemistry

• Everyday Life:
  Chemistry helps explain how everyday materials work, such as the properties of water, the functioning of batteries, and the ingredients in food.

• Innovation and Technology:
  Advances in chemistry have led to the development of new materials, medicines, and energy solutions, contributing to technological progress and improved quality of life.

• Environmental Solutions:
  Chemistry is essential in developing strategies to manage waste, reduce pollution, and create sustainable energy sources.

• Health and Medicine:
  It plays a crucial role in drug development, diagnostics, and the creation of materials used in medical devices.

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How Chemists Work

• Observation and Experimentation:
  Chemists observe natural phenomena, hypothesize about the underlying processes, and perform experiments to test their ideas.

• Theory and Analysis:
  Using principles from both chemistry and physics, chemists analyze experimental data to refine theories and develop models that explain chemical behavior.

• Practical Applications:
  The insights gained from chemistry are applied in various fields, from developing new synthetic materials to understanding biological processes and improving industrial processes.

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In summary, the introduction to chemistry lays the groundwork for exploring how substances interact and transform. It is a fundamental science that not only deepens our understanding of the natural world but also drives innovations that shape our modern society.