Understands and applies knowledge of the structure and properties of matter

The "structure and properties of matter" is an essential concept of a world-class secondary science curriculum. Included in the "structure and properties of matter" is the following content:

  • Atoms interact with one another by transferring or sharing electrons that are furthest from the nucleus. These outer electrons govern the chemical properties of the element.
  • Chemical bonds
  • Ionic bonding
  • Covalent bonding
  • Valence electrons and ions
An element is composed of a single type of atom. When elements are listed in order according to the number of protons (called the atomic number), repeating patterns of physical and chemical properties identify families of elements with similar properties. This "Periodic Table" is a consequence of the repeating pattern of outermost electrons and their permitted energies.
  • Elements
  • Periodic Table
  • Periodic properties
  • Electron configuration
Bonds between atoms are created when electrons are paired up by being transferred or shared. A substance composed of a single kind of atom is called an element. The atoms may be bonded together into molecules or crystalline solids. A compound is formed when two or more kinds of atoms bind together chemically.
  • Elements
  • Chemical bonds - atomic and molecular bonding
  • Molecular and ionic structures
The physical properties of compounds reflect the nature of the interactions among its molecules. These interactions are determined by the structure of the molecule, including the constituent atoms and the distances and angles between them.
  • Factors affecting atomic interactions
Solids, liquids, and gases differ in the distances and angles between molecules or atoms and therefore the energy that binds them together. In solids the structure is nearly rigid; in liquids molecules or atoms move around each other but do not move apart; and in gases molecules or atoms move almost independently of each other and are mostly far apart.
  • Nature and phases of matter - characteristics and behavior
  • Phase changes
Carbon atoms can bond to one another in chains, rings, and branching networks to form a variety of structures, including synthetic polymers, oils, and the large molecules essential to life.
  • Organic compounds
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Organic structures

 

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