The physical world is made of matter. The more we know about the basic building blocks of matter and how those building blocks behave and interact, the more we’ll understand the physical world around us. In this unit, you will learn about the physical and chemical properties of matter, and how those properties are based on the behavior and interactions of atoms and molecules.

Unit Outline

Section 1: Particle Theory of Matter

1.1 Conservation of Matter

1.2 States of Matter

1.3 Misconceptions About Temperature and State

1.4 Molecular Attraction

1.5 Molecular Speed Distribution

1.6 The Liquid State

1.7 Evaporation

1.8 Condensation

1.9 Dynamic Systems and Equilibrium

Section 2: Properties of Matter

2.1 Mass and Measurement

2.2 Measuring Volume

2.3 The Volume of Water and Alcohol

2.4 Density and Pure Substances

2.5 Temperature, Heat Transfer, and Thermal Equilibrium

2.6 Intermolecular Forces and Potential Energy

2.7 Boiling and the Heat of Vaporization

2.8 Thermodynamics of Phase Transitions

2.9 Characteristic Properties of Pure Substances

Section 3: Atoms and Molecules

3.1 Subatomic Particles and Atomic Structure

3.2 Using the Periodic Table to Diagram Atoms

3.3 Energy, Stability, and Probability

3.4 Valence Electrons and Chemical Properties

3.5 Forming Chemical Bonds

3.6 Molecules and Compounds

3.7 Chemical Reactions

3.8 Physical and Chemical Changes

3.9 Catalysts and Basics of Biochemistry

Section 4: Solubility

4.1 Mixtures and Compounds

4.2 Solutions and Measures of Solubility

4.3 Factors Affecting Solubility

4.4 Solubility of Polar and Nonpolar Molecules

4.5 Colloids, Soaps, and Surfactants

4.6 Acid-Base Equilibrium

4.7 Cell Membranes and More Basics of Biochemistry

4.8 Summary of Key Concepts

4.9 Going Vertical: Where to Go from Here