Atoms, elements and compounds
I can describe elements as being made up of only one type of atom, and that elements can combine chemically to form compounds.
Atoms, elements and compounds
I can describe elements as being made up of only one type of atom, and that elements can combine chemically to form compounds.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Atoms of every element consist of the same three subatomic particles.
- All elements consist of their own atoms, with a unique number of protons defining the element.
- Everything around us is made of different combinations of atoms, either on their own, or in compound form.
- We use element symbols in formulae as a common language to share chemical compositions.
Keywords
Atom - An atom is the smallest particle that everything is made up of.
Element - An element is made up of only one type of atom, a list of elements can be found on the periodic table.
Compound - A compound is made of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.
Chemical formula - The chemical formula of a molecule is a shorthand way of listing the type and number of atoms in a compound.
Chemical composition - The chemical composition tells you the different types of atoms in a chemical.
Common misconception
Students often think that an elemental diatomic molecule, e.g. hydrogen, is a compound because they see two atoms chemically joined together.
The teacher needs to emphasise the definition for compounds. Molecules are not the same as compounds, some molecules are compounds, not all.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is matter?
Q2.Match the following elements with their correct atomic number (found on the periodic table).
10
26
17
11
Q3.Melting ice is an example of ...
Q4.Match the subatomic particles with their correct charge.
Positive
Neutral
Negative
Q5.Where is the majority of an atom's mass located?
Q6.The term "nucleus" is used in multiple subjects but refers to different things. What does the nucleus refer to in chemistry?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which subatomic particles are the basic building blocks of atoms?
Q2.What defines an element?
Q3.How do chemists communicate chemical compositions universally?
Q4.Match the following terms with their definitions.
The smallest particle that everything is made up of.
Made up of only one type of atom.
Made of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.
A shorthand way of listing the type and number of atoms in a compound.