Fundamentals of ChemistryDOE-HDBK-1015/1-93CHARACTERISTICS OF ATOMSRev. 0CH-01Page 1CHARACTERISTICS OF ATOMSChemistry is defined as the systematic investigation of the properties,structure, and behavior of matter and the changes matter undergoes. Thisgeneral definition raises many questions. These questions are answered inthe study of chemistry. Terms and basic concepts that help in understandingchemistry will be discussed in this chapter.EO 1.1DEFINE the following terms:a.States of matterd.Moleb.Atomic weighte.Gram atomic weightc.Molecular weightf.Gram molecular weightEO 1.2LIST the components of an atom, their relative sizes, andcharges.EO 1.3STATE the criterion used to classify an atom chemically.CharacteristicsofMatterThe term states of matter refers to the physical forms in which matter exists: solid, liquid, andgas. Solids are characterized as having both a definite shape and a definite volume. In a solid,the forces that keep the molecules or atoms together are strong. Therefore, a solid does notrequire outside support to maintain its shape.Liquids have definite volumes but indefinite shapes and are slightly compressible. Liquids takethe shape of their containers. The forces that keep a liquid's molecules or atoms together areweaker than in the solids.Gases are readily compressible and capable of infinite expansion. They have indefinite shape andindefinite volume. Of the three states, gases have the weakest forces holding their molecules oratoms together.The different states of matter have one thing in common; they can all be broken down intofundamental units called atoms.
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