EASA Module 2 Questions and Explanations
EASA Module 2 Questions and Explanations
1. What is matter?
Answer: Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. It includes
solids, liquids, gases, and plasma.
2. What is an element?
Answer: An element is a pure substance consisting of only one type of atom.
Each element is defined by the number of protons in the nucleus, known as its
atomic number.
3. What is a molecule?
Answer: A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together. It can be composed of
atoms of the same or different elements.
4. What is an atom?
Answer: An atom is the basic unit of matter, consisting of a nucleus (protons
and neutrons) and electrons orbiting the nucleus.
5. What is a compound?
Answer: A compound is a substance composed of two or more different elements
chemically bonded together in fixed ratios.
6. Mass number?
Answer: The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an
atomic nucleus.
7. Atom number?
Answer: Atom number is more commonly known as the atomic number, representing
the number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
8. Mass/Nucleon Number?
Answer: The mass or nucleon number is the total number of nucleons (protons
and neutrons) in an atomic nucleus.
9. Atomic/Proton Number?
Answer: The atomic or proton number is the number of protons in the nucleus
of an atom, defining the element and its chemical properties.
Valency types
The valency of an element is categorized into a few different types based on how it
tends to bond with other elements. Here are the main types of valency:
1. Monovalent (univalent):
An element with a valency of 1 can form one bond by gaining, losing, or
sharing one electron.
2. Divalent:
An element with a valency of 2 can form two bonds by gaining, losing, or
sharing two electrons.
3. Trivalent:
An element with a valency of 3 can form three bonds by gaining, losing, or
sharing three electrons.
4. Tetravalent:
An element with a valency of 4 can form four bonds by gaining, losing, or
sharing four electrons.
5. Pentavalent:
An element with a valency of 5 can form five bonds by gaining, losing, or
sharing five electrons.
6. Hexavalent:
An element with a valency of 6 can form six bonds by gaining, losing, or
sharing six electrons.
7. Heptavalent:
An element with a valency of 7 can form seven bonds by gaining, losing, or
sharing seven electrons.
8. Octavalent (or Ocatvalent):
An element with a valency of 8 can form eight bonds by gaining, losing, or
sharing eight electrons. This valency is commonly associated with noble
gases.
These valency types provide a framework for understanding how elements interact and
combine to achieve stable electron configurations. It's important to note that the
concept of valency is a simplification, and in reality, atoms may exhibit variable
valencies depending on the specific chemical context.
Matter is what all things are made of - whatever occupies space, has mass, and
is perceptible to the senses in some way. The four states of matter are solids,
liquids, gases and plasmas.
Explaination
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. It is the substance that makes
up the physical world around us. Matter can exist in four main states, commonly known
as the states of matter. These states are:
1. Solid:
Description: In a solid state, matter has a definite shape and volume. The
particles are closely packed together in a regular pattern and vibrate but do
not move from their fixed positions.
Example: Ice is a common example of a solid. The water molecules are arranged
in a regular pattern, giving ice a fixed shape.
2. Liquid:
Description: In a liquid state, matter has a definite volume but takes the
shape of its container. The particles are close together but can move past
one another.
Example: Water is a liquid at room temperature. It takes the shape of the
container it's in but has a constant volume.
3. Gas:
Description: In a gas state, matter has neither a definite shape nor a
definite volume. The particles are far apart and move freely, filling the
entire space available to them.
Example: Steam is an example of water in the gaseous state. It expands to
fill the space it is in.
4. Plasma:
Description: Plasma is a state of matter where the gas phase is energized
until atomic electrons are no longer associated with any particular atomic
nucleus. It is often characterized by the presence of charged particles like
ions and free electrons.
Example: Stars, including our Sun, are composed of plasma. Lightning is
another example of a natural occurrence involving plasma.
These four states of matter represent the different arrangements and energy levels of
particles. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause matter to transition between
these states through processes like melting, freezing, condensation, evaporation, and
sublimation. Understanding the states of matter is fundamental to many areas of
science, including chemistry and physics.
Explanation
Compounds and mixtures are two types of substances in chemistry, and they differ in
their composition and properties. Let's explore the key differences between compounds
and mixtures:
Compounds:
1. Composition:
Definition: A compound is a substance composed of two or more different
elements chemically bonded together in fixed ratios.
Example: Water (H₂O) is a compound composed of two hydrogen atoms and one
oxygen atom.
2. Properties:
Fixed Composition: Compounds have a fixed chemical composition, meaning the
ratio of elements is constant.
Unique Properties: Compounds often exhibit properties distinct from those of
their constituent elements.
3. Separation:
Chemical Separation: Separating the elements in a compound requires breaking
chemical bonds, usually through chemical reactions.
4. Representation:
Chemical Formula: Compounds are represented by chemical formulas that
indicate the types and ratios of atoms present.
Mixtures:
1. Composition:
Definition: A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are
physically mixed but not chemically bonded.
Example: A salad is a mixture of lettuce, tomatoes, and other ingredients.
2. Properties:
Variable Composition: Mixtures can have variable compositions, and the
properties of the mixture depend on the proportions of the components.
Retained Properties: The properties of the individual components in a mixture
are retained.
3. Separation:
Physical Separation: Components of a mixture can be separated by physical
methods such as filtration, distillation, or magnetism.
4. Representation:
No Chemical Formula: Mixtures are represented by a list of the substances
present, without a specific chemical formula.
Summary:
Bonding:
Compounds: Elements in compounds are chemically bonded.
Mixtures: Components in mixtures are not chemically bonded.
Composition:
Compounds: Fixed composition with specific ratios of elements.
Mixtures: Variable composition with no specific ratios.
Properties:
Compounds: Distinct properties, often different from the constituent
elements.
Mixtures: Properties depend on the proportions of components.
Separation:
Compounds: Chemical methods are needed for separation.
Mixtures: Physical methods can be used for separation.
Explanation
The number of electrons in the valence shell of an atom significantly influences its
chemical properties. Two characteristics that are particularly affected by the number
of electrons in the valence shell are:
1. Chemical Reactivity:
Explanation: The reactivity of an atom is strongly influenced by the number
of electrons in its outermost shell (valence shell). Atoms tend to gain,
lose, or share electrons to achieve a full valence shell, usually with eight
electrons (the octet rule). This process allows atoms to attain a more stable
electron configuration, similar to that of noble gases.
Example: Elements with one or two electrons in their valence shell, such as
sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl), tend to undergo reactions to achieve a stable
configuration. Sodium, for example, readily loses one electron, while
chlorine gains one, forming the ionic compound sodium chloride (NaCl).
2. Bonding Characteristics:
Explanation: The number of electrons in the valence shell determines how
atoms form chemical bonds. Atoms may share electrons (covalent bonding) or
transfer electrons (ionic bonding) to achieve a stable electron
configuration.
Example: Carbon (C) has four electrons in its valence shell, allowing it to
form covalent bonds with other atoms, creating a variety of organic
compounds. On the other hand, elements like sodium and chlorine, mentioned
earlier, can form ionic bonds due to their differing numbers of valence
electrons.
In summary, the number of electrons in the valence shell influences the chemical
reactivity and bonding characteristics of an atom. These characteristics play a
crucial role in determining how atoms interact with each other to form compounds and
contribute to the overall behavior of elements in chemical reactions.
1- Ionic Bonds -> Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to
another.