Everything around us—every breath we take, every object we touch, every star in the night sky—is built from atoms, the invisible building blocks of matter. These microscopic entities, far too small to see with the naked eye, hold the key to understanding the universe at its most fundamental level. Atoms are more than just scientific curiosities; they are the foundation of chemistry, physics, and biology, governing the interactions that form molecules, materials, and life itself.
In this chapter, we will explore their structure, behaviour, and study their significance in shaping the field of organic chemistry. We will get introduced to the basic components of atoms—protons, neutrons, and electrons—and study how their arrangements give rise to the diversity of elements in the periodic table. We will study how to calculate atomic and molecular weights, electron arrangement in orbitals, and, finally, how to determine which electrons contribute to chemical reactivity and how they do so.
In this atomic world, the smallest pieces will tell you the grandest stories. Read on!
Chapter Outline and its Previews –
The chapter on Atoms is part of a 14-chapter series that is part of the Organic Chemistry Fundamentals Course. See the complete list.
