Compounds

Science 9
 Elements and Compounds
¤ metals are elements that exist as single atoms
ex) Cu, Hg, Na
¤ non-metals are elements that can exist as atoms (noble gases)
or molecules
ex) Ne, He, O2, N2
¤ compounds are molecules that are made up of two or more
different elements bonded together
ex) H2O (water), CO2 (carbon dioxide)
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 Chemical Formulas

¤ chemical formulas tell us two things:

1. what elements are in a compound – determined by the symbols

2. how many atoms of each element are in the compound –

determined by the subscript number

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 Water
symbol for symbol for
hydrogen oxygen

No subscript
Subscript of “2” after after “O” means
“H” means there are 2 there is 1 atom
atoms of hydrogen. of oxygen.
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Hydrogen peroxide
symbol for
hydrogen symbol for
oxygen

Subscript of “2” after Subscript of “2” after

“H” means there are “O” means there are
2 atoms of hydrogen. 2 atoms of oxygen.
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 Physical States

¤ states of matter can be written in brackets beside the compound

ex) CH4(g)

(s) means it is in the solid state

(l) means it is in the liquid state
(g) means it is in the gas/vapour state
(aq) means it is dissolved in water

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Compounds to memorize

● Water (H2O)
● Ammonia (NH3)
● Methane (CH4)
● Table Salt (NaCl)
● Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)