Why this Chapter?
For a beginner in science, the study of atoms is a natural progression from the study of matter, making it a key gateway to the world of chemistry.
Atoms are infinite, ever-present, and extend from this universe to the next. But what defines an atom apart from its presence is its nature. Not all atoms are identical, nor are all atoms reactive. The term "reactive" is crucial in organic chemistry. Organic chemistry is a science that actively looks for reactiveness to undergo physical, chemical, or biological transformations.
But not every part of an atom is reactive. An atom is composed of many bits, each with its purpose. The one most important to organic chemistry is the electrons.
As part of an atom, electrons occupy hierarchal positions which directly influence chemical reactions. So, the electrons occupy the highest esteem when it comes to reactivity and organic chemistry.
The chapter on the atom, part of the introductory organic chemistry course, briefly covers the study of an atom and its constituents, mainly the electrons. Several chapters discuss their position and occupancy in various atomic levels -s, p, d, and f.
In the final chapter, an atom's electrons are taught to rearrange into two sets: reactive valence electrons and inert core electrons, along with the steps to determine these sets using group and atomic numbers.
- Size of an atom- The world belongs to the tiniest!
- Power of Protons
- Mass Number
- Average Atomic Mass
- Molecule and Molecular Mass
- The Electrons- An Atom's Reactive Component
- Atomic Orbitals- s, p, d, f
- Filing of Atomic Orbitals and Writing Electronic Configuration
- Valence and Core Electrons- How to Determine
So, learning about atoms is rightly the first step in studying organic chemistry fundamentals. Earlier it was an enigma to philosophers that while pondering about atoms, the Greek philosopher Democritus once said -
"Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is an opinion."
Today, atoms are a foundational, well-established, and continuously refined concept in modern science.