Understanding Chemistry - Third Edition

Oct 5, 2026

Understanding Chemistry explains how atoms form the building blocks of matter and how their structure determines substances, properties, and behaviors. It connects core topics such as atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, acids and pH, electrochemistry, and biochemical processes to real-world applications. Coverage extends to chemical reactions, nuclear science, radioactivity, electrolysis, catalysts, super-materials, and everyday phenomena like smoke, fireworks, cooking, and cosmetics.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages132

Reading Time5 h 33 min

AccessFree to download

The power of atoms

Atom anatomy

Your guide to the elements

The periodic table

Inside the periodic table

Microscopic building blocks

Chemical reactions

Chemical bonds

Catalysts

Amazing chemical reactions

Acids, bases and pH

The pH scale

Acids and bases

N E W UNDERSTANDING Chemistry ATOMIC STRUCTURE THE PERIODIC TABLE CHEMICAL REACTIONS NUCLEAR SCIENCE RADIOACTIVITY BONDING AND MOLECULES ELECTROCHEMISTRY ACIDS, BASES AND PH BIOCHEMISTRY | Digital
Edition | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | THIRD EDITION | | © Getty Welcome C hemistry is at the crux of all matter. Everything in our universe is made up of atoms. The way in which the components of these microscopic building blocks are structured defines the substances they make up, their properties and behavioursand the way in which these elemental chemicals interact with one another to create new forms of matter. Inside the pages of Understanding Chemistry, you will discover how chemical processes shape our modern lives – from fuelling car engines and powering smartphones to creating our favourite alcoholic beverages and washing our hair. U N D E R S T A N D I N G C H E M I S T R Y Contents 06 10 14 20 22 23 24 30 32 The power of atoms The ultimate construction kit Atom anatomy Microscopic building blocks Your guide to the elements Inside the periodic table What is DNA? Discover how it works Chemical bonds A matter of attraction Breaking down gas chromatography Splitting substances down The magic of carbon chemistry Explore the protean element The sulphur cycle The element that likes to get around How do noble 47 48 49 50 52 56 58 60 Where does acid rain come from? How the substance is formed The smell of rain Why precipitation has an aroma Catalysts The core of a chain reaction What is dry ice? Creating Hollywood atmospherics Mercury The unique liquid metal Gold: the rich element Formation, extraction and uses Aluminium Earth’s most abundant metal Understanding uranium Mining the radioactive metal What is plutonium? A dangerous element Bismuth: the pretty 34 36 38 40 43 44 46 gases work? What makes this group “noble” Making light of helium The versatile element Hydrogen: the unifying element Common in space, rare on Earth Acids and bases Discover the difference The pH scale Sort your acids from your alkalis How does chlorine clean swimming pools? How it stops swimmers getting sick How bleach kills germs The protein, bacteria and virus destroyer Fluoride explained How it protects your pearly whites Making fertiliser Discover the Haber process 61 62 64 66 70 74 impatient metal The metallic crystal Limescale The troublesome water deposit Stainless Steel The everyday super-material Alloys: cuttingedge materials How mixing metals has shaped the modern world The power of thermite An explosive mix of iron and aluminium Killer chemicals Understanding nature’s deadly elements Toxic science The most lethal substances known to man Amazing chemical reactions Awe-inspiring chemical and atomic-level reactions C O N T E N T S 74 24 14 112 50 80 Explosive action The incendiary materials created by man 84 Matches Our portable flames How does paint dry? Inside paint’s chemistry 85 How smoke detectors work Explore the life-saving devices What is smoke? The result of fire lacking oxygen 86 How to tame fire From the chemistry of candles to flames in space 92 How fireworks work The science behind pyrotechnics 94 Liquid nitrogen The substance that can stop a Terminator 95 Crystallised alcohol The beauty of our favourite drinks 96 The science of distillation Inside an ancient process 98 The science behind food Chemistry in the kitchen 102 Enzymes Molecules that create biochemical reactions 104 Creative culinary science Explore molecular gastronomy 106 Cosmetic chemistry Inside our lotions and potions 108 Shampoo science The chemical process that cleans our hair 110 How luminol works Investigate this forensic chemical 112 10 Super materi

FAQs

How does the atomic nucleus affect an atom?

The nucleus contains protons and neutrons and is surrounded by electrons. The balance and arrangement of these particles determine the atom’s overall behavior and bonding potential.

What role does the periodic table play in understanding elements?

Each element has a unique proton and electron arrangement. The periodic table helps organize these differences, linking electron structures to chemical properties.

Why do atoms form chemical bonds?

Electrons can be attracted to the nuclei of other atoms under suitable conditions. This cross-atom attraction can act like an “electron glue,” bringing atoms together.

Oct 5, 2026

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