Chapter 4: The Structure of the Atom
In this chapter, we go from ancient ideas about matter to the discovery of the parts that actually make up atoms. You’ll learn about protons, neutrons, and electrons—and how their arrangement gives every element its identity. We’ll explore the nucleus, isotopes, atomic mass, and how atoms can become unstable and radioactive. From Dalton’s solid sphere to Rutherford’s nuclear model, you’ll see how the atom went from a mystery to a model we can work with.
Chapter 5: Electrons in Atoms
This chapter dives into the wild and wavy world of electrons. You’ll learn how light behaves like both a wave and a particle, why each element gives off its own signature glow, and how electrons are arranged in orbitals around the nucleus. From Bohr’s planetary model to Schrödinger’s fuzzy electron clouds, we’ll explore how modern atomic theory explains chemical behavior—and how those little dots in electron-dot structures can tell you a lot about an atom’s personality.
Chapter 6: The Periodic Table and Periodic Law
This chapter is all about patterns. You’ll learn how the periodic table is organized and why elements in the same group behave the same way. From Mendeleev’s original table to today’s modern version, we’ll explore trends like atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity. It’s the cheat sheet of chemistry—master the periodic table, and you’ll unlock the behavior of the entire element family.
Chapter 7: The Elements
In this chapter, you’ll learn how elements form bonds by giving away or taking electrons. We’ll focus on ionic bonds—how metals and nonmetals join forces to create stable compounds like NaCl. You’ll explore how ions form, how to write formulas for ionic compounds, and why metals have such unique properties. Get ready for a deep dive into the chemistry behind crystals, conductivity, and the shiny stuff on your lab bench.
Mrs. Ederington 