The Particulate Nature of Matter - Chemistry (Senior Secondary)
This course provides a complete introduction to the building blocks of all substances. It formally defines atoms, molecules, and ions, and covers the core principles of Dalton's atomic theory. The course then details the modern model of the atom, including its constituent particles, and introduces the concepts of atomic number, mass number, isotopes, and relative atomic mass.
A correct understanding of the particulate nature of matter is the absolute foundation of all chemistry. It explains why elements and compounds behave the way they do and provides the framework for understanding chemical bonding, reactions, and stoichiometry. This is the microscopic viewpoint that makes sense of the macroscopic world.
By the end of this course, you will be able to define atoms, molecules, and ions, state the postulates of Dalton's atomic theory, describe the properties of protons, neutrons, and electrons, determine the atomic and mass number of any element, and explain the concept of isotopy.
This course is designed for senior secondary students (SSS 1). It is the essential prerequisite for the study of the periodic table, chemical bonding, and the quantitative analysis of chemical reactions.
Enrolment valid for 12 months
Course Chapters
1. Introduction2
1. Introduction
2
This chapter begins the study of matter at the microscopic scale. It outlines the course's scope before establishing the formal definitions of chemistry's fundamental particles: atoms, molecules, and ions. This vocabulary is essential for all subsequent topics.
Key topics: understanding the course structure; defining the atom, molecule, and ion; and distinguishing between these three fundamental particles.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
2. Atomic Theory21
2. Atomic Theory
2
1
This chapter covers the foundational theories of the atom. It begins with the definitions of atoms, molecules, and ions, and then provides a complete treatment of Dalton's atomic theory, which established the basis of modern chemistry.
Key topics include the distinction between atoms, molecules, and ions, the postulates of Dalton's theory, and the evidence that supports these fundamental ideas.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
1 Lesson
3. Atomic Structure22
3. Atomic Structure
2
2
This chapter details the modern model of the atom. It covers the three subatomic particles—protons, neutrons, and electrons—and their properties, establishing the nuclear model of the atom.
Key topics include the properties and locations of protons, neutrons, and electrons, the definitions of atomic number and mass number, and how these are used to describe specific atoms.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
2 Lessons
4. Isotopes and Atomic Mass24
4. Isotopes and Atomic Mass
2
4
This chapter introduces the concept of isotopes and explains how their existence affects the calculation of atomic mass. This is a critical concept for understanding the non-integer atomic masses found on the periodic table.
Key topics include the definition of isotopes, their standard notation, and the calculation of relative atomic mass based on the weighted average of isotopic masses.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
4 Lessons
5. Conclusion2
5. Conclusion
2
This chapter consolidates the core concepts of the particulate nature of matter. It provides a structured summary of atomic theory, atomic structure, and isotopes, reinforcing the foundation for understanding chemical behaviour.
The conclusion summarises the key definitions and models. It also provides a forward look to the next course on the periodic table, where these concepts will be used to explain elemental properties.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons