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- The molecular world
The molecular world

From diamonds to dynamite, everything involves a chemical reaction. This free course, The molecular world, introduces you to the concepts and principles that underpin chemistry at the molecular level. Everyday experiences are used to help you to understand the more complex issues.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- explain what is meant by isotopes, atomic numbers and mass numbers of the atoms of chemical elements by referring to the Rutherford model of the atom
- give an example of how differences in the molecular structures of chemical compounds give rise to differences in macroscopic properties
- indicate ways in which the chemical periodicity represented by a Periodic Table matches the periodicity in the electronic structure of atoms
- use the Lewis structures of one or two simple chemical substances to illustrate the ideas of the octet rule, the electron-pair bond and the valence-shell repulsion theory of molecular shape
- select a set of organic molecules, each of which contains the same functional group, and use its reactions to show why the functional group concept is useful.
First Published: 09/08/2012
Updated: 22/03/2016
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If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.
Course content
- Introduction
- Learning outcomes
- 1 Everything that you can see is made of atoms
- 2 Chemical patterns are to be found in the periodic table
- 3 Chemistry can often be explained by electronic structure
- 4 Chemical bonds consist of shared pairs of electrons
- 5 Molecular reactivity
- 6 Molecular shape affects molecular reactivity
- 7 Reactivity needs a favourable rate and equilibrium constant
- Conclusion
- Keep on learning
- Acknowledgements
Your course resources
As you work through this course you will need various resources to help you complete some of the activities.
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About this free course
20 hours study
Level 2: Intermediate
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