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CHAPTER 3 - Reading Guide ( - Topics For Class Discussion)
CHAPTER 3 - Reading Guide ( - Topics For Class Discussion)
necessarily the same. Now fortunately for you, we will not dig deep into the experiments that
proved that these sub-atomic particles exist, we want to simply apply this information to
understand some further properties about atoms. So read those sections but dont sweat over
them. Now the mass of the atom, thats important. What is an amu?
Section 3.4 Atomic Number and Mass Number and Section 3.5 Isotopes and Atomic Mass*
These two sections are very much related - the main points in here is a discussion on the
numbers of protons, electrons and neutrons present in atoms and the effect that this has on
the atomic mass of the atom of each element. What are isotopes? Can you calculate the atomic
mass of an element that exists as isotopes?
Section 3.6 Electron Energy Levels*
OK here now we want to focus specifically on the electrons and where they are located in the
atom. Scientists did some cool experiments with elements they burnt them (really, they put
them in a flame and sat back to observe). Strangely (or not), the elements burnt with a different
flame color. Hmmmm. In fact find out the flame colors of Na, Cu, Fe and K.just for discussion
sakes. Well of course they had to now come up with an explanation behind the reason for the
difference in flame colors. And not only that, they directed the light produced from the burning
element through and prism and this now split into lines with different colors! Analysis of these
phenomenon helped the scientists figure out exactly how the electrons are arranged in
atoms.this turn out to be pretty importantyoull see why later.
Section 3.7 Trends in Periodic Properties*
OK we mentioned earlier that the 117 elements can be arranged into the periodic table due to
the grouping of elements with similar properties. Another observation the scientists made
(who?), was that the electron arrangement of the atoms can be used to predict and explain
certain properties of the elements. Some of these properties showed gradual changes
(increases/decreases) moving left to right across the periodic table. This section described these
properties and these changes. You also learn how to draw electron-dot structures of atoms.
Now what.
So now you have read the reading guide you have an idea of what to expect in the chapter.
Now you have to actually read (study the chapter with a goal of understanding) the chapter.
Remember reading an academic text is not the same as reading a novel. Look on the course
website for a document of guidelines of how to read your chemistry text. Happy reading!!