SfC Home > Physical Science > Chemistry >
Reader questions and feedback on chemistry issues. Also refer to physical science, elements, compounds, molecules, reactions, water, acids, bases, salts, mixtures, solutions, hydrocarbons, polar, non-polar, ions, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Chemistry:
Chemical Formulas
The following 11 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- What is a radioactive isotope?
- Why can't an atom exist independently?
- I want to study Physical Science
- I'd like to be a chemistry teacher
- Nessler's Solution
- How to balance an equation in chemistry?
- How can you tell how many atoms in a compound?
- Why is NaCl not written ClNa?
- Chemical reactions that produce heat
- Please ask more questions
What is a radioactive isotope?
Question
August 8, 2010
What is radioactive isotop?
David - Zambia
20203
Answer
An isotope is an element with more or less neutrons than is common. For example, sodium normally has 11 protons and 11 neutrons. However, if there only 10 neutrons in the nucleus, the atom is unstable and is a radioactive isotope.
Why can't an atom exist independently?
Question
June 16, 2010
why the atom can not be independent existance
venkata sai - India
19915
Answer
There are many atoms that can have an independent existence. The iron atom is an example. However, there are atoms, such as hydrogen, that prefer to combine with another atom to be more stable.
I want to study Physical Science
Question
November 17, 2009
I WANT TO SUDY PHYSICAL SCIENCE
RUTH - USA
18683
Answer
Chemistry and Physics are part of Physical Science. Our lessons can help you get started in those fields.
See: http://www.school-for-champions.com/science.htm
I'd like to be a chemistry teacher
Question
October 27, 2009
I'd like to be a chemistry teacher.
Donald - USA
18579
Answer
Being a chemistry teacher is a great job. However, you really must enjoy chemistry, as well as working with students in trying to teach them a difficult subject.
Take plenty of chemistry courses and plot out your path to becoming a top-notch chemistry teacher. Best wishes in school and in your career.
Nessler's Solution
Question
July 3, 2009
I want to know about the Nessler's Solution. How does it work??
sourav - Bangladesh
17975
Answer
Nessler's solution is also called Nessler's reagent. It is a water based solution of potassium hydroxide and mercuric iodide and potassium iodide. It is used to test and detect for the presence of ammonia.
How to balance an equation in chemistry?
Question
June 29, 2009
What is the balance equation and how to balance a equation in chemistry?
Ghazi Abdul Basit - Pakistan
17951
Answer
See our lesson on Chemical Equations at:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/chemistry/equations.htm
How can you tell how many atoms in a compound?
Question
December 17, 2008
I have been set a task to work and write out chemical formula's for compounds, I know you put the symbols together but how do u know how many of each element there is the compound when working it out, e,g. in water, how do you know there is 2 Hydrogen atoms in it.
Katy - England
16969
Answer
Knowing how many atoms of each element are in the molecule is the big task in chemistry.
The chemical formula for water is H2O, meaning it has two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. Unfortunately, for something like water, you need to memorize the formula. Other compounds have names which indicate the number of atoms. Carbon dioxide indicates there are two atoms of oxygen (di-). On the other hand, the formula for sulfuric acid must be memorized.
Why is NaCl not written ClNa?
Question
December 4, 2008
Why is NaCl not written ClNa? or MgS not SMg? How does one determine which to name first?
Amy - USA
16903
Answer
That is a good question. Often the elements are in alphabetical order, but there are a number of exceptions. See our new lesson on the subject for a good explanation:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/chemistry/formula_order.htm
Chemical reactions that produce heat
Question
March 31, 2008
1. What are chemical reactions that produce heat called? 2.What is a surfactant molecule?
- USA
15638
Answer
An exothermic reaction gives off heat and an endothermic reaction requires heat. A surfactant molecule aligns on the surface of water and are used in detergents.
Please ask more questions
Question
March 13, 2008
Sir, please ask few more questions in mini quiz.
akila - India
15532
Answer
Thank you for the suggestion. We will try to add more questions.
Summary
Hopefully, this reader feedback has helped provide information about Chemistry issues.
Do your best
Resources
The following are some resources on this topic.
Websites
Books
What do you think?
Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Feel free to establish a link from your website to pages in this site.
Where are you now?
Answers to Readers' Questions