1.1 Atomic Structure, Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

In this module, you will explore the fundamental building blocks of matter and how chemists represent, classify, and understand them. You will begin by learning what atoms are, how they combine to form elements and compounds, and how chemical symbols and equations describe these reactions. The module will also cover mixtures, highlighting how their components retain individual properties and how physical separation techniques like filtration, evaporation, crystallisation, and fractional distillation are used. You will investigate the development of atomic models, from early solid spheres to the plum pudding, nuclear, and Bohr models, understanding how experimental evidence shaped our knowledge. Additionally, you will study atomic structure in detail, examining protons, neutrons, electrons, isotopes, ions, shells, energy levels, and electronic configurations. This foundation will allow you to explain the behavior and properties of all substances in a clear and scientific way.