How to define an acid or a base?
At GCSE we defined acids as substances that ionised in water to give hydrogen ions, and an alkali dissolved in
Author: Sarah Parkes
Ions and ionisation energies
An ion is an atom that has gained or lost electrons so that it is now charged – losing electrons
Atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy
How can we possibly know what elements are present in the stars? It’s not like we can nip off and
Nuclear fusion reactions
Have you ever wondered where the elements originally came from? I think it is time for a little stardust and
Atomic orbitals, sub-orbitals and electron configurations
At GCSE we learnt that electrons are arranged in shells or energy levels around a central nucleus – the first
Continue readingAtomic orbitals, sub-orbitals and electron configurations
Wavefunctions, quantum numbers and the atomic orbital
Wavefunctions and quantum numbers are the foundations of our current understanding of atomic structure, but this is advanced stuff, so
Continue readingWavefunctions, quantum numbers and the atomic orbital
Developing a classical model of the atom
We are all familiar with the ‘solar system’ model of the atom that we used at GCSE to explain the
Why are ionic compounds soluble? (part 2)
For a full understanding of why ionic compounds are soluble we need to consider both the enthalpy and entropy changes
A quick note on solvents
This seems just the right moment to refresh your understanding of the different types off solvent so that you can
Why are ionic compounds soluble? (part 1)
Quick answer? It’s all about competing strengths of attraction between ions, between ions and water molecules, between water molecules themselves