Chemical bonds: Atoms can share electrons with other atoms to form a chemical bond. Sometimes ($H-H$, and $O-O$) this results in a weak bond which is easy to break apart. Sometimes ($H-O$) the bond is strong, and harder to break apart.
Quiz 1 answers - average 6.0 / 9
Proofs of atoms...
Molecule: The smallest unit into which a pure substance can be divided and still retain the chemical properties of that substance. [Britannica] Examples $H_2O, CO_2, N_2$
Element: Most pure substances can be decomposed into other pure substances. But a handful (just over 100) pure substances cannot be further decomposed. These non-de-composable substances are the elements.
Atom: The smallest unit into which an element can be divided and still retain the chemical properties of that element. Examples $N, O, He$.
Also, an atom consists of a single central core containing protons and neutrons, and surrounded by a 'cloud' of lighter weight electrons.
Chemical bonds: Atoms can share electrons with other atoms to form a chemical bond. Sometimes ($H-H$, and $O-O$) this results in a weak bond which is easy to break apart. Sometimes ($H-O$) the bond is strong, and harder to break apart.
Chemical reaction: Bonds of one type of molecule are broken, and then the atoms have a chance to re-arrange into other molecules. Breaking takes place by electricity, or by heating, or light, or a catalyst or by putting a chemical in solution. $$2H_2O \to 2 H_2 + O_2$$ in water... $$NaOH + HCl \to NaCl +H_2O$$ If the new bonds are tighter ones, there is some left-over energy that is released as heat. If the new bonds are looser ones, then energy needs to be added to make the reaction happen.
Combustion (burning!): Many elements make strong bonds with oxygen.
An "explosion" is a chain reaction in which...
See Krulwich's essay on breaking carbon bonds.
"Hydrocarbons" contain hydrogen and/or carbon.
Burning hydrocarbons re-combine with oxygen to give a mix of $CO_2$ and $H_2O$.
Where does the oxygen come from? Why do they combine with oxygen instead of nitrogen?
We should figure out which reactions give the most/least carbon dioxide from...
| model | hydrocarbon | Energy per gram |
|---|---|---|
 |
hydrogen gas, $H_2$ | 26 Calories |
 |
natural gas: methane $CH_4$ |
13 |
mixture of things like:  |
gasoline: molecules with 5-12 carbons, ~octane $C_8H_{18}$ |
10 |
mixture of things like... |
coal, ummmm | 6 |
What patterns do you notice?
Which leaves behind least/most $CO_2$
when burning?
Why do we use gasoline for cars?
Complete the Combustion comparison page.