Reflection - Atoms/Compounds
Atoms are the basic building blocks of everything in the universe, including everything you can see around you, like the planet, stars, and your own body.
Learning
In these modules we learned that all matter is made up of Atoms.
Atom
The Atom is the basic building block for all matter in the universe. Atoms are extremely small and are made up of a few even smaller particles. The basic particles that make up an atom are electrons, protons, and neutrons.
Molecule
A molecule is the union of two or more atoms and is the smallest particle that makes up a substance. A molecule has chemical and physical properties. Atoms that make up a molecule can be the same or different.
Compound
A Compound is a substance made up of two or more different chemical elements combined in a fixed ratio.
Bonds
A chemical bond is the attraction between two or more atoms that holds them together to form molecules, crystals, and other structures. The type of bond that forms depends on the difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved. Bonds can be strong or weak, and can be a result of electrostatic forces or shared electrons.
Ionic bonds form when there is a large electronegativity difference between atoms or ions. Generally, this type of bond forms between a metal and a nonmetal.
Impact
How did what you learn impact your perception of chemistry/science/your chosen career field?
Nursing
Knowledge of atomic structure is essential for understanding the basic concepts of chemistry and biochemistry, which are fundamental to healthcare. Nurses need to comprehend chemical reactions and how elements combine to form compounds to grasp topics such as acid-base balance and metabolic processes.
Understanding the atomic structure of carbon and hydrogen in organic compounds can help nurses comprehend the structure and function of various drugs.
Intersting
What was something you were surprised by or that you found interesting or unusual?
While no chemical means can divide an atom, they consist of even smaller particles than protons, neutrons, and electrons. They are made of subatomic particles called quarks and leptons. An electron is a type of lepton. Protons and neutrons each consists of three quarks.
One of the most interesting things in this section to me is that elements strive to achieve a stable electron configuration, which is often the electron configuration of a noble gas.
Takeaway
What were some of the takeaways that had a more personal impact for you?
Health and Medicine: Many medications work by interacting with specific molecules in the body to cure diseases or alleviate symptoms. Understanding molecular structures helps in the design of new drugs and therapies.
Biological Processes: Life itself is based on complex molecular interactions. DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids are all molecules that play vital roles in the structure and function of living organisms.
Chemical Reactions: Everyday processes, such as cooking, cleaning, breathing, and digestion, involve chemical reactions where molecules interact, break apart, and form new molecules. Understanding these reactions helps us manipulate and optimize these processes.