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:
Chemistry Basics
The following 27 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Having a difficult time in learning chemistry
- Is it possible to do chemistry on non-earth matter?
- How stable are all the elements?
- Wants hard questions on Lithium
- You made chemistry easy to understand
- Wants to know about organic chemistry
- I feel blessed by your site
- What is the difference between orbit and shell?
- Difference between an orbit and shell?
- Questions about sharing electrons
Having a difficult time in learning chemistry
Question
April 21, 2009
i am having difficult times learning chemistry. can you assist me with lessons and tests which you will assess and give me the results together with answers for the failed questions? please help me i am so desperate about passing chemistry.
sabelo - Namibia
17639
Answer
We have a number of simple chemistry lessons that will help you get started understanding the subject. We are always adding new items to the list.
Unfortunately, we do not have the people to assist in tutoring on a personal level.
Hopefully, our lessons will give you a start in understanding chemistry. Take notes in your class to be able to tell what the teacher feels are important things to remember. Also, do not be afraid to ask your teacher for suggestions on how you can improve your knowledge in chemistry. Often, they like to know that students are interested and want to do well in the class.
Best wishes on getting top grades in chemistry.
Is it possible to do chemistry on non-earth matter?
Question
November 14, 2007
Is it possible to do chemistry on non-earth matter like space material or rock to form new substances or is it all the same elements?
Rodney - USA
14781
Answer
As far as we know, matter in space consists of the same elements as on Earth, but some scientists think that there may be areas in the Universe that consist of antimatter. Also, there is what is called dark matter in space that does not act like regular matter.
When a meteorite hits the Earth, they examine its elements using common Chemistry techniques. By checking its chemical composition, they can tell if it was from Earth or outer space.
How stable are all the elements?
Question
July 30, 2006
Is an older chemistry book still relevant?
Radioactive material decay with time because they are unstable. How stable are all the elements?
- Canada
11581
Answer
Older chemistry books still explain what happens, like forming various compound and such. But they lack the latest theories on why chemical reactions happen. I believe you can learn the basics from an old book, but should use newer texts for advanced topics.
Most elements are extremely stable, with a half life in the order of millions of years. But as the nucleus gets larger they become less stable. Also an incorrect number of neutrons can cause a nucleus o be unstable, even for the lighter elements.
Wants hard questions on Lithium
Question
February 24, 2006
hi , i love your site, however i got this science project on lithium and i got to put on my poseter a question on lithium that is quite hard, and i looked for one everywhere and i couldn't find one!!!?????
so please canu help me by giving me a question as soon as possible please!!!!
thank you very much????
- Australia
10209
Answer
Your question should relate to what your science project is trying to show or prove in Lithium. Some possible questions are:
What is the most important commercial ore containing lithium?
Spodumene: LiAl(SiO3)2
Where is lithium used?
Batteries, some greases, some glasses, and in medicine.
What is Lithium Carbonate used for?
Treating manic-depressive illness.
You made chemistry easy to understand
Question
February 15, 2006
I had taken chemistry in high school, college and university and had barely passed with out any understanding or memory of the material. I am back in college and have to take chemistry all over again, and no one, I mean no one ever explained it as basic and easy to understand as your website. I really appreciate it and hope to ace my chemistry tests this time around, thanks to you.
Sincerely,
A. - USA
10098
Answer
Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad you found the material useful to you, and I certainly hope you will get top grades in your tests. I'm sure you will.
Wants to know about organic chemistry
Question
December 8, 2005
I want to know all about organic chemistry because I want to be an organic legend though I'm a school Sat holder and I know virtually all about organic chemistry(the alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkanols alkanoates(esters), amino acid.
I also need very tough questions on organic and inorganic chemistry So because would be having a very tough exam any time from now, so I really need your help. Also in physics a I need very tough questions (on all aspect especially electricity and its relationship with magnetism). The question you have on your website are too simple.
Taiwo Awolude - Nigeria
9301
Answer
Organic Chemistry is a very good field to get into, but it is also quite difficult.
Our lessons are only at a basic level, so they probably will not help you in your quest.
Best wishes in your studies and career as an Organic Chemist.
I feel blessed by your site
Question
November 19, 2005
i think this is wonderful. this allows me to pratice chemistry on a daily base. this is like having a personal tutor. God knows that i can't afford one, so i feel very bless.
precious - Grand Bahama
9016
Answer
I am glad you've found the material useful and helpful to you. I hope you learn the material to your satisfaction.
What is the difference between orbit and shell?
Question
October 22, 2005
What is the difference between orbit, orbital, shell, subshell?
Sruthi - India
8655
Answer
Electrons are located in shells around the nucleus of an atom. Sometimes shells are called orbits, especially when looking at the atom as similar to a solar system. Orbital is used to say the motion is in an orbit.
Each shell or obit is a certain distance from the nucleus. But for a given shell, the electrons can be a little closer or further away. These are called subshells or suborbits. They are not relaly used in chemistry and are more important in the creation of light waves.
Difference between an orbit and shell?
Question
October 21, 2005
what is the difference between an orbit and shell.
deepak - india
8640
Answer
They are different expressions for the same thing. Orbits refer to the solar system model or picture of the atom. Calling them shells is used more often.
Questions about sharing electrons
Question
October 5, 2005
Hi,
I appreciate your website and audio review. My question is this: In the diagram of the oxygen molecule I understand that the second outer shell wants to fill up to 8; but why doesn't this change the overall charge because in theory aren't there 10 electrons oppossing the 8 protons? From what I have read the oxygen molecules share the electrons - the only explanation I can think of is that the charge is halfed by this combining. I can't find an answer to this anywhere...Thank you for your time.
L. - USA
8416
Answer
Each Oxygen atom in the molecule has 6 electrons in the outer orbit. When it forms a molecule, it shares one electron from the other Oxygen atom.
Sharing is strange, because each atom still has the same number of electrons, but then sharing the other electron(s) to satisfy the need to fill the orbit or shell.
See the picture and explanation in:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/chembonding.htm to help understand the concept.
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