What is an Atom?

And How Do Atoms

Exist?

If you are ​planning​ to construct a house, obviously there is a need to

manage a large number of bricks. This is because it can be tagged as
the building block to your well-planned shelter. Similarly, atoms are
the building blocks of matter which exist around us. Think of
anything, and it would be surely formed out of atoms! Crazy right?
Let us try to understand this concept in-depth for gaining a precise
idea about their existence and know what is an ​atom​.

What is an Atom?

What is an atom? – an atom is the smallest possible amount associated

with a chemical element. For example, an atom of gold can be called
as the smallest ​quantity​ of gold you can feasibly have. The word
‘small’ literally points out to nanoscopically tiny! An atom is
thousands of times smaller than a human hair.
Hence, there is no chance you can see one without the help of a
supremely powerful electron microscope. If you rip apart a variety of
things, it would be revealed that all matter present around us is formed
from different types of atoms. For example, living things are usually
made from atoms hydrogen, ​carbon​ and oxygen.

It is vital to note that, these are only three of the 100 chemical
elements which have been discovered by scientists. You can virtually
think of making anything by joining atoms from different elements
similar to LEGO blocks.

Browse more Topics under Atoms And Molecules

● What is an Ion?
● Atomic Mass
 ● Molecules and Molecules of Elements
● Molecular Mass and Mole Concept
● Formulae of Simple Compounds
● Introduction and Laws of Chemical Combination
● Writing Chemical Formula
● What are the Modern Day Symbols of Atoms of Different

Parts of An Atom

Atoms hold three different subatomic particles present inside them;

namely, protons, electrons, and ​neutrons​. The neutrons and protons are
wrapped together in the center of an atom. This region is called as the
nucleus. On the other hand, the electrons that are quite smaller, speed
around the outside.

Whenever people draw structures of atoms, it is shown that electrons

spin in orbits around the nucleus. To be precise, electrons move
quickly that you’ll never know where there are at different moments in
time.

● If you are now familiar with ‘What is an Atom?’, then learning

about associated concepts such as atomic number and atomic
 mass would enlighten you further. Do make a note that, the
number of protons and electrons in an atom stays the same.
Furthermore, the number of neutrons is almost the same to the
number of protons, however, this ​situation​ stays slightly rare.
● The number of protons present in an atom leads to the term
atomic number. An atomic number 1 points out that the atom is
hydrogen. Similarly, an atomic number 2 reveals helium atom.
● The total number of neutrons and protons, when added
together, gives us the relative atomic mass. For example,
hydrogen holds a relative atomic mass of 1, whereas helium
has a relative atomic mass 4. To state this in a precise manner,
we can say that a helium atom is four times denser as than
hydrogen atom.

Watch Videos on Atom and Molecules –

How To Know If Atoms Exist?

If we cannot see atoms, then how’d we know it actually exists?

Science is known to offer pieces of ​evidence​ for each of its concepts.
Hence, the evidence to prove atoms really exist is offered in a variety
of forms. Scientists have actively split big atoms into smaller versions.

Based on a very popular series of ​experiments​ from the early 20th

century, Ernest Rutherford led the team which fired particles towards
atoms and observed them carefully. It revealed how orbits were
arranged in the interior of a typical atom.

Furthermore, some substances are known to be radioactive; that is,

they naturally fragment into simpler substances and emit tiny particles
in the ​process​. Once again, all of this makes sense when atoms exist
and they are made from smaller particles.

In addition, there are numerous shreds of evidence to prove the

presence of electron particles. Their contribution to power things like
magnetism and electricity is quite renowned.

Questions For You

Q1. What is an electric charge?

Ans: Electric charge is the physical property of particles like electrons
and protons. An electric charge motivates other particles to feel a
force.

Q2. What all charged particles does an atom contain?

Ans: Proton and electron particles are the charged particles present in
an atom.

What is an Ion?

Have you seen used the table salt? If you observe it carefully, you’ll
see salt is made up of tiny granules. But what do these granules
contain? Each granule contains a cation and an anion. These are
‘ions’. Now, what is an ion? Let us know more!

Ion

We can define an ion as a ​molecule​ or an atom which is charged. The

reason it is charged is because of gaining or losing one or more of
electrons. This makes it either positively or negatively ​charged
particle​. Which means an imbalance in the ratio of protons (which are
positively charged particles) vis-a-vis electrons (which are negatively
charged particles) makes an ion charged.

The credit for introducing the term “ion” goes to the prominent
English chemist and physicist Michael Faraday in the year 1834. He
used this term to describe the chemical combination which moves
from one ​electrode​ to another in an aqueous ​solution​.

“Ion”, the word is derived from a Greek word ion which translates as
“to go”. Although Faraday never identified the movement of particles
from one electrode to another yet his experiments led him to
understand that metals had a tendency of dissolving in certain
solutions at a certain electrode, while it may remain like a mere
deposit in a solution at another electrode.
This means that there must be movement in the matter which was
influenced by the electrical current. Examples: Some examples of an
ion are: hydroxide OH​–​, alpha particle He​2+

What are Cations and Anions?

There are two broad categories under which one can group ions. They
are Cations and Anions.

Cations

These are those ions which are positively charged since the number of
proton particles in these ions outweighs the number of ​electrons​. The
symbol for a cation is denoted by a superscript attached to the
chemical formula with a plus sign and the number preceding the said
plus sign.

For example in the chemical symbol Ca​2+ ​ here—2 is the number of

the ​charge​, that is to say, the formula has +2 charge cation. In case
there is no number preceding the plus sign, it is presumed to be 1.

Anions

These, on the other hand, have a negative charge attached to them.

This is because the number of electrons in an anion outweigh the
number of protons, thereby making it a negative charge. It should be
noted that the number of neutrons is not important while determining
whether an ​atom​ or a molecule is an anion or not.

Similar to the cations, anions are also symbolized by the number

denoting its charge preceding a minus sign. For instance, the symbol
of chlorine Cl​– c​ arries a single negative charge. In order to avoid any
confusion in remembering which is the positive ion and which is the
negative one, you can try remembering it by imagining the ‘t’ in the
cation as the symbol for plus, while ‘n’ in anion can be remembered
for “negative”.

This way you can easily recall the definitions correctly. We have
already established that an ion is a charged molecule. These can be
cations and or anions. Scientifically opposites attract and so it is
natural for cations to attract anion as they are two opposite electrical
charges.

Going by the same principle, two cations will always repel each other,
since they are like charges. This attraction and repulsion creates a
chemical reaction​ between chemical solutions. Compounds are readily
formed by cations and anions, especially salts. An ion is affected by
the ​magnetic field​ because it is an electric charge.

Monatomic Ions vs Polyatomic Ions

In case the ion comprises of a mono or single atom, then it is known

as the monatomic ion. For instance, let’s consider the hydrogen iron,
H​+​. On the other hand, if the ion comprises of two or more atoms, then
it is known as the molecular or the polyatomic ion. For instance, let’s
consider the dichromate anion, Cr​2​O​72-​. Since, it has more than one
atom, it is known as the polyatomic ion.

Properties of Ions

Let us now look into some of the basic properties of the ions. Other
than having a positive or negative charge, ions also possess the ability
to bond with each other in case the other ion possesses an opposite
charge.

Some of the most common chemical compounds are formed purely of

ions that are chemically bonded. For instance, salt is formed by a
repeated series of sodium cations and chloride anions. Some more
examples of the ions are as under:
 ● Chloride
● Potassium
● Magnesium and
● Calcium

Question For You

Q. Which of the following have the equal number of electrons?

A. Cl​–​ and Br​–

B. Na​+​ and Mg​2+

C. Ar and Ne

D. Mg​2+​ and Ca​2+

Ans: B. Na​+​ and Mg​2+​. Na​+​→10 electrons and Mg​2+​→10 electrons.

Hence, they are an isoelectronic species.

Atomic Mass
We are clear with the fact that, all matter is made out of atoms. It is
important to learn about the various characteristics of an atom and
related aspects that form the foundation for ​chemistry​. If atoms are so
small, do you think they would carry some mass? Let us try to decode
this fact in a precise manner and learn more about atomic mass.

Introduction to Atomic Mass

Atoms are the smallest ​components​ that form a chemical element. Or,
we can call it the smallest substance that cannot be segmented into
simpler ​material​. It is important to note that, atoms hold specific
properties that help to determine their physical and chemical nature.
One of its properties termed as atomic mass is roughly equivalent to
the sum of the discrete particle masses of an atom.
An atom has three basic components: namely, protons (+ particles),
neutrons (neutral particles), and electrons (- particles). In an atom,
protons and ​neutrons​ are seen as the larger particles which are present
inside the nucleus (the core of atom). Therefore, atomic mass is
basically calculated with the addition of a number of neutrons and
protons together, keeping aside the electrons due to their small size.

Moreover, Dalton is the standard unit used to measure this mass.

Always remember that the atomic mass of a specific atom will vary
depending on the number of neutrons and protons. Further, it would be
different for every individual element.

Understand Atomic Mass in Hindi

Atomic Mass Examples

For carbon, the atomic mass is 12.011; most carbon atoms hold 6
protons and 6 neutrons. Moving ahead, the atomic mass of hydrogen is
1.0079. Here, hydrogen (with atomic number 1) carries the lowest
atomic mass. Also, the most common hydrogen ​isotope​ is protium,
which consists of a single proton or an electron and proton.
Due to the presence of the little amount of deuterium (1 neutron and 1
proton) and tritium (1 proton and 2 neutrons), ​hydrogen​ has an atomic
mass considerably greater than 1.

Methods to Calculate Atomic Mass

Search for Atomic Mass Using Periodic Table

If you are new to this subject, then your instructor would surely want
you to learn the use of the periodic table. This is the convenient way to
find the atomic mass of any specific element. The number generally is
written below an element’s image or symbol is the atomic mass. Do
search for the decimal number, i.e. the weighted ​average​ of the atomic
masses for all the natural isotopes associated with the element.

This value mentioned in the periodic table is basically in amu or

atomic mass unit. However, for chemistry calculations, one must use
the atomic mass written in g/mol (grams per mole).

Addition of Protons and Neutrons Considering a Single Atom

For calculating the atomic mass for a single atom, you need to add the
mass of neutrons and protons. For instance, you have to find the
atomic mass of an isotope of carbon which has 7 neutrons. After
looking at the periodic table where carbon has an ​atomic number​ 6,
that is, defining the number of protons. Therefore, the atomic mass of
the carbon atom is the mass of neutrons plus the mass of protons, 6 +
7 = 13.

Weighted Average for All Atoms Present In an Element

For an element, the atomic mass is the weighted average of all the
element’s isotopes depending on their regular abundance. Typically,
in order to calculate the atomic mass using this method, you will be
offered a list of isotopes along with their mass and natural abundance
(decimal or percent value).

You only have to multiply every isotope’s mass with its abundance. In
case your abundance is available in percent, do not forget to divide
your ​solution​ by 100. Finally, add the values together and the answer
is the total atomic mass of the element.

Question for You

Q1. Chlorine (Cl) has a relative atomic mass of 35.5. What is the
reason for this half number?

Ans: The presence of isotopes is the prime reason for the half number.
Q2. The relative atomic mass of oxygen atom is 16. What does this
mean?

Ans. The relative atomic mass of an atom is the average mass of that
atom in comparison to the 1/12th mass of one carbon – 12 atom.

Molecule and Molecule of Elements

The knowledge about atoms does form the basis for further concepts
in chemistry. Just like bricks form a variety of structures, ​atoms​ lead
to the formation of molecules and compounds that are part of matter
around us. Let us try to get a fair idea about the different formations of
atoms.

Element

You can call an element ass the fundamental ​substance​ which consists
of a single type of atom. Furthermore, elements comprise of smaller
particles and can either be synthetic or man-made. The arrangement of
elements in the periodic table is planned on the basis of the number of
protons counted in an increasing order.
Also, when atoms are differently arranged in an element holding the
number of protons, one would get different versions of that element.
Example: both diamond and graphite are elements of ​carbon​;
however, they look quite different from one another.

Browse more Topics Under Atoms And Molecules

● What is An Atom? How Do Atoms Exist?
● What is an Ion?
● Atomic Mass
● Molecules and Molecules of Elements
● Molecular Mass and Mole Concept
● Formulae of Simple Compounds
 ● Introduction and Laws of Chemical Combination
● Writing Chemical Formula
● What are the Modern Day Symbols of Atoms of Different
Elements?

Video on Element Names And Their Symbols below

Molecule

A molecule can be termed as the smallest unit associated with a

chemical compound. It delivers the same chemical properties of that
particular compound. Since molecules are built out of atoms which are
jointly held via ​chemical bonds​, there are chances of significant
variance in terms of size and complexity.

For example, oxygen holds a molecular formula O​2​. Do we consider it

as a molecule or compound? Whenever two or more atoms of the
same element merge together, we tag them as molecules. Hence, O​2
stays as an oxygen molecule.

Watch Videos on Molecules –

Compound
Remember that, the chemical formula for ​water​ is H​2​O. In this note,
water is made from 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom. Two
different elements combine, giving birth to a new substance called as
water. Hence, those substances made by the merger of two or more
types of elements are Compounds.

Atoms present in a compound are chemically connected and hence

cannot be separated easily. Similarly, the chemical formula for carbon
dioxide is CO​2​, and it is formed using two elements, namely carbon
and ​oxygen​. Some more examples of compounds include table salt
(NaCl), chalk (CaCO​3​) and water (H​2​O).

Difference Between a Compound and Molecule

To be precise, a compound is basically a substance which is composed

using two or more different elements. Table salt (NaCl), Water (H​2​O),
carbon dioxide (CO​2​), chlorophyll (C​55​H​72​O​5​N​4​Mg) etc., are several
examples of compounds. These are called as compounds since each of
them contain more than one type of element.

On the other hand, ​nitrogen gas (N​2​)​, as well as buckminsterfullerene

(C​60​), cannot be classified as compounds. This is because they only
contain a single type of element. For precise knowledge, something
which is a molecule doesn’t depend on the type of bond created when
atoms join together.

To be clear, ​electrons​ are permitted to be shared between atoms or

electrons can be totally removed from a single atom and transferred to
another. Keep a note that, molecules contain molecular bonds. N​2​ can
be seen as a molecule since the bond formed between the nitrogen
atoms depicts the molecular bond.

Water (H​2​O) is a molecular compound because it is a substance made

from more than one kind of element that is held together by molecular
bonds. Further, Salt (NaCl) resembles an ionic compound because it is
made from more than one type of element which is held together by
ionic bonds.

Question For You

Q. Elaborate the difference between molecular formula and empirical

formula with Example.

Ans: The empirical formula can be termed as the simplest ​formula​ for
any compound. On the other hand, the molecular formula can be
counted as the multiple of the empirical formula. It is based on the
exact number of atoms for each type present in the compound.
Example: the empirical formula for the compound is C​3​H​8​, then its
molecular formula might be C​3​H​8​, C​6​H​16​, etc.

Molecular Mass and Mole Concept

The study of atoms and its related traits lay the foundation for
chemistry. ​Atomic mass​ is the concept related to a single atom,
whereas molecular mass relates to a group of atoms. If you are
planning​ to proceed with this concept, then it is necessary to gain
precise knowledge about molecular mass and mole concept. Let us
proceed!

Molecular Mass

You can call the molecular mass of a substance as the relative mass of
its molecule when compared with the mass of 12C atom considered as
12-units. In simple ​terms​, it points out the number of times; 1
molecule of the concerned substance is weightier than an atom.

Browse more Topics under Atoms And Molecules

● What is An Atom? How Do Atoms Exist?
● What is an Ion?
 ● Atomic Mass
● Molecules and Molecules of Elements
● Formulae of Simple Compounds
● Introduction and Laws of Chemical Combination
● Writing Chemical Formula
● What are the Modern Day Symbols of Atoms of Different
Elements?

Calculation of Molecular Mass

Always remember that molecular mass is equivalent to the sum of

atomic masses for all atoms available in a ​molecule​ of the target
substance.

Relative Molecular Mass

RMM or Relative molecular mass is the molecular weight of an

element or compound. You can call it as the number of times a single
molecule of the substance stays heavier than the 1/12​th​ mass of carbon
atom (12C).

Gram Molecular Mass

Gram molecular mass of a substance is the molecular mass denoted in
grams. For example, molecular mass for O​2​ = 32 Gram; the relative
molecular mass as expressed in terms of grams. Do remember, relative
atomic mass stays as a ​ratio​ and doesn’t have any units. On the other
hand, gram molecular mass and gram atomic mass can be denoted in
grams.

Concept of Mole

It is vital to note that, the identity of a substance not only contains the
type of atoms but also the quantity of each atom type. In today’s time,
we have access to sophisticated instruments which permit the direct
measurement​ microscopic traits.

But, the same traits were previously derived from the evaluation of
macroscopic properties using comparatively simple tools. Such an
experimental approach did require the introduction of a fresh unit for
defining the quantity of substances, called as the mole.
It is interesting to know that, to date, this unit stays essential for
modern chemical science. What is a mole? It is an amount unit that
can be seen similar to familiar units such as a pair, gross, dozen etc.
To be precise, it offers a specific measure of the count of atoms or
molecules present in a sample bulk matter.

Furthermore, a mole can be defined as the quantity of substance

comprising the same number of distinct entities (like ​atoms​, ​ions​, and
molecules) as the count of atoms in a sample comprising pure 12C
weighing accurately 12 g. The mole offers a link between a simply
calculated macroscopic property (bulk mass) and a truly significant
fundamental property (number of atoms, molecules etc.).
The count of units forming a mole has been determined
experimentally as 6.02214179 × 1023. This is called as the
fundamental constant termed as Avogadro’s number (NA) or
Avogadro constant. In ​chemistry​, this constant is suitably reported
using an explicit unit called per mole.

Watch Videos on Concept of Mole

Question For You

Q. Derive Grams from Moles for a specific element. A litre of air

comprising 9.2 × 10−4 mol argon. How to calculate the mass of Ar in
the air (1 litre)?

Ans: The molar quantity of Ar is available and should be used for

deriving the corresponding mass in terms of grams. Note that, the
amount of Ar is mentioned less than 1 mole; hence, the mass will be
less than the mass of 1 mole of Ar, roughly 40 g. Furthermore, the
molar quantity in question is roughly one-one thousandth or (~10−3)
of a mole. So, the corresponding mass needs to be roughly one-one
thousandth of molar mass (~0.04 g):
Considering the case, multiplying the given amount (mol) with the
molar mass (g/mol): 9.2 x 10​-4 ​mol Ar (39.95 g/mol Ar) = 0.037g Ar.
This result is totally in agreement with the expected value, that is,
close to 0.04g Ar.

Formulae for Simple Compounds

When it comes to chemistry, the subject will surely offer some

stunning reactions together with ​formulas​. It should be known that in
our daily lives we do come across several chemical substances and
chemical compounds. For example, substances in our house such as
antiseptic ​solution​ do comprise of chemical substances.

These ​chemicals​ are bound or surrounded by ​atoms​, managed in a

fixed proportion. Therefore, in order to ​figure​ out the kind of
proportions as well as the arrangement present within the ​substance​ or
compounds, one must access the chemical formula. Let us know
more!

Significance of Chemistry Formulas

In simple words, Chemical formula in chemistry is a shorthand used to

highlight the elements present in a compound. You should note that
the ​periodic table​ consists of elements together with the symbols.
Moreover, these chemical symbols can be utilized for representing
various individual elements, like hydrogen is H, oxygen is O and so
on.

Types of Chemical Formula

There are a variety of chemical formulas, which are used to represent

a specific compound in an exact manner. Some of the prime chemical
formula types are:

● Molecular Formula: This formula provides you with the count

of elements which are present in the compound. Based on the
molecular formula, the elements are inscribed using their
symbols (mentioned in the periodic table). In this formula, the
 number of atoms is mentioned as a subscript. Example: glucose
molecular formula is written as C​6​H​12​O​6​.
● Structural Formula: Considering its name, the structural
formula gives an idea of how the atoms are present in the
molecule or compound is arranged together with bond
formations​.
● Empirical Formula: This type of formula gives an idea about
the ratio of the active elements managed in a compound.
Moreover, this formula is usually based depending on the
evaluation of experimental data. For example, the empirical
formula for glucose is stated as CH​2​O. Molecular formulas are
the base from which empirical formulas are derived.

Necessary Pointers Before Writing A Chemical Formula

● The basic thing before writing a chemical formula is to stay
well aware of the symbols of different elements available in the
compound. This also includes the knowledge about radicals as
well as element valencies.
● The next point is to remember that most compounds are binary
compounds. This means they consist of two elements.
 Furthermore, compounds with more than two elements are also
available.
● An atom having a positive charge is termed as a cation. On the
other hand, an atom with a negative charge is termed as an
anion.
● A compound comprising metal and a non-metal, do remember
that the metal is mentioned first. For example, NaCl as it
contains ​metal​ ion Na​+​, and non-metal ion Cl​–​.
● Anions holding -1 negative charge are usually suffixed as –ide.
Also, anions holding oxyanions are generally suffixed as -ate.
Example: SO​42-​ is termed as Sulphate.
● In case a polyatomic anion comprises H– ion, then bi- or
hydrogen suffix is used. Example: HCO​3–​ is called as hydrogen
carbonate or Bicarbonate.

Questions For You

Q. Write the molecular formula for the mentioned compound:

● Nitrous oxide, having two nitrogen atoms and one ​oxygen​ atom
per ​molecule​. Also, nitrous oxide is utilized as a mild
 anaesthetic under minor surgeries and a propellant in whipped
cream cans.
● Sucrose or cane sugar, holds 12 carbon atoms, 22 hydrogen
atoms and, 11 oxygen atoms.

Ans. N​2​O and C​12​H​22​O​11

Introduction and Laws of Chemical

Combination

Have you seen rust forming over ​metals​? Isn’t it just so hard to
remove? But on the first note how does it occur? Well, rust occurs
because of ​chemical combination​. But what is a chemical
combination? Let us find out!

Introduction

What do you understand by chemical combination? A combination

reaction, termed as synthesis reaction, happens when two or more
reactants or constituents, combine to form a new ​product​. Do
remember that the resultant product would always be a compound. In
chemistry, there are four prime laws which are abided faithfully.

Laws of Chemistry

While gaining knowledge about chemistry, one must patiently

understand four principal laws that govern the ​process​ by which atoms
combine. These laws are mentioned below:

● The law of the Conservation of Mass

● Law of Constant Proportions
● The law of Multiple Proportions
● Law of Reciprocal Proportions

Law of the Conservation of Mass

Considering chemical reactions, pure combinations of different

elements termed as compounds do get rearranged. Supposedly, in
nuclear reactions, the nucleus of ​atoms​ modify. Looking at both cases,
mass is preserved while new ​substances​ are created. Let’s try to
understand this through a chemical as well as nuclear reaction. You’ll
see how mass before and after a reaction stays similar.

Solid calcium reacting With Hydrobromic Acid

Ca + HBr → CaBr​2​ + H​2

One can notice here that, there is single bromine and hydrogen present
on the left side, whereas there are two atoms for each element
available on the product side. However, this is impractical since one
hydrogen atom and bromine can’t be produced out of anywhere. In
order​ to show what actually happens there is a need to balance the
equation along with coefficients.

Ca + 2HBr → CaBr​2​ + H​2

Do note that, the coefficient placed in front of HBr tends to make the
equation stable or balanced for mass.

Law of Constant Proportions

As per the law of constant proportions, the same type of compounds
will always hold the same ratio of elements. For example, carbon
dioxide will always hold the ​ratio​ of 1 carbon atom to two atoms of
oxygen leading to the formula CO​2​. Furthermore, the ratio of mass
also stays constant. This law was framed and demonstrated by Joseph
Louis Proust in the year 1799.

Law of Multiple Proportions

When two elements lead to the creation of two or more compounds,

the ratio of the masses associated to the second element in every
compound can be denoted as small ​whole numbers​. This is the law of
multiple proportions which was formulated by ​John Dalton.​ You can
notice it to be a combination of other laws.

Watch Videos on Law of Multiple Proportion –

Law of Reciprocal Proportions

Chemical combination and its resultants are very well elaborated and
justified with the above mentioned three laws. The final law termed as
the law of reciprocal proportions focuses on the combination of two
different elements combining with a similar quantity of the third
element. If this happens, the ratio at which the combination will occur
stays the same or a multiple of the definite proportion in which they
combine. The ​law​ was suggested by Jeremias Ritcher in the year 1792.

Questions For You

Q. Carbon combines with oxygen to result in two different compounds

(based on different circumstances). One is the common gas CO2,
while the other one is CO. Can you tell if they abide the law of
multiple proportions?

Ans: The answer to this is YES. The law of multiple proportions is

justified and we’ll see how. Mass of carbon is 12 u and oxygen has a
mass of 16 u. Hence, we can say that 12g of carbon mixed or
combined with 32g of ​oxygen​ resulting in CO​2​. Likewise, 12 g of
carbon merges with 16 g of oxygen to create CO.

Therefore, the ratio of oxygen considering the first and second

compound tends to be: 2:1 = 32/16 = 2 (a whole number).

Writing Chemical Formulae

A chemical formula is defined as a collection of chemical symbol that

is used to show the elements present in any compound and its
proportion. Before we foray into the area of writing a chemical
formula, we must acquaint ourselves with the basics of chemical
formulae. Let us proceed further!

What is An Atom?

Have you noticed how a house is made, brick by brick? It all starts
with laying the first brick which gradually graduates into a
full-fledged wall. If this wall is a chemical compound, then the brick
is the atom. An ​atom​ is the smallest indivisible ​particle​ in any
chemical equation​.

While they may be the smallest unit of a chemical compound, their

importance is pretty much like that of the brick used to build the
house. Without it, there will be no house. Similarly, our entire
universe is made up of atoms.

Browse more Topics under Atoms And Molecules

● What is An Atom? How Do Atoms Exist?
● What is an Ion?
● Atomic Mass
● Molecules and Molecules of Elements
● Molecular Mass and Mole Concept
 ● Formulae of Simple Compounds
● Introduction and Laws of Chemical Combination
● What are the Modern Day Symbols of Atoms of Different
Elements?

Symbols for Atoms of Various Elements

Every element in nature is signified with a chemical name, a chemical

valency​ and a symbol which is used to refer to this element while
creating chemical equations. This symbol denotes a singular atom.
That is to say, when we refer to ​Aluminium​ as Al, it refers to a single
atom of Aluminium.

The first scientist to use symbols for chemical elements was ​Dalton​.
He was the one who used the symbols of the elements in a specified
quantity​, i.e one atom of the element. Later on, Berzilius suggested
that we could use one or two letters of the element to form its symbol.

Initially, symbols for the name of elements were derived from the
place they originated from. So copper was taken from Cyprus, while
gold was meant yellow and so it was denoted accordingly. However,
today the International Union of Pure and Applied ​Chemistry
approves the element names.

Traditionally, the first letter of the name of the element in upper case
followed by the second letter which is in lower case is written as the
symbol of the element. Sometimes you may see that the alphabets
denoting the symbol of the element does not match the name of the
element. This happens when the name of the element is written in
English but the symbol is derived from its name in Latin, Greek or
German.

For example, the chemical symbol for ​Potassium​ is K. This ‘K’ is

derived from Kalium. Iron is denoted by ‘Fe’ which comes from the
Latin word “Ferrum”. H for Hydrogen, Co for Cobalt. This ensures
that each element has a unique symbol.

What is An Atomic Mass?

Dalton in his Atomic theory further theorized that each element

consisted of an atomic mass. This theory was widely accepted as it
explained the law of constant proportions and the scientists were
encouraged to weigh the atomic mass of the elements. However, it
was soon realized that determining the mass of an atom was not an
easy exercise.

Therefore, scientists developed a way of determining atomic weight

by forming compounds using the law of chemical combinations. In
1961 a standard unit of Carbon atom was determined to be 12 isotopes
(Learn more about ​Isotopes​ and ​Isobars here​). It was proposed that
one atomic mass unit was 1/12​th​ of the mass of the mass of a single
carbon atom. Based on this relative masses of other elements were
also determined.

For example, oxygen has an atomic mass of 16. Sodium has an atomic
mass of 23 and accordingly other elements also received their atomic
masses.

Learn more about ​Atomic Number here​.

Chemical Formula

As already stated, a chemical formula is a symbolic ​expression

signifying the number of atoms present in a molecular substance. We
determine the type of atom by referring to its symbol, so for
Hydrogen​, we will use H. The number of atoms is determined by the
subscript attached to the symbol. So a chemical formula of water, i.e
H​2​O has two atoms of hydrogen and a single atom of oxygen.

Steps for writing a chemical formula

Step 1: First, you have to decide the type of the bond.

If the prefixes are used, then it is a covalent bond. In case there are no
prefixes, it is an ionic bond. After that is decided move to Step number
2.

Step 2: Now, write down the symbol of the polyatomic ion or the
element.

Step 3: Now, if the prefix was used, you’ll have to add a subscript.
You’ll also have to add a subscript in order to balance the charge.
Solved Example For You

Q. Write the chemical formulae for

a. Hexane
b. Sodium Chloride

Ans. C​6​H​14​ – this has 6 atoms of carbon and 14 atoms of Hydrogen

and is collectively called Hexane. NaCl- also known as Sodium
Chloride or common salt, this formula has a single atom of Sodium
and a single atom of Chloride. Always remember that in places where
there is no subscript, like in the example above, the value of atom is
presumed to be 1.

What are the Modern Day Symbols of

Atoms of Different Elements?

Do you have a nickname? Most people have nicknames that make

them recognizable and offer a sense of uniqueness. Similarly, in
chemistry various elements have a special symbol that acts as an
indicator​ to figure out their presence, these are element symbols. This
method to symbolize elements was initiated by John Dalton in 1803.
Let us know more element symbols.

Dalton used symbols to characterize the atoms of various elements.

You can call it as the first use of symbols for representing the
elements associated with modern ​chemistry​. Later on, he managed to
prepare a table comprising of 21 elements which were arranged by
atomic mass​. This idea was sooner published in a scientific paper.
Dalton​ managed to prepare 36 different element symbols.

Introduction to Element Symbols in Chemistry

Considering the early days, the element names were derived using
popular places from where they were first time found. Just like ​copper
which was taken from Cyprus. Moreover, some names were picked up
from specific colors. For example, gold was referred from the English
word that means yellow.
In the present time, element symbols and names are sanctioned by
IUPAC; that is, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. It
should be noted that many symbols are usually the first one or two
letters of their actual name in English. In addition, the first letter of a
symbol would always be written in capital or uppercase.

Also, the second letter comes in small letter or lowercase. For

example, Hydrogen H, Aluminium Al, and Cobalt Co. Furthermore,
symbols for some elements are created from the first letter of their
name together with a letter falling later in their name. For example,
Chlorine​, Cl and Zinc Zn.
There are symbols that have been picked from the names of elements
mentioned in Latin, Greek or German. Just like the symbol for iron
which is Fe and has a relation to its Latin name ferrum. So is the case
for sodium (Na) natrium, as well as potassium (K) from kalium.
Hence, each element possesses a name and an exclusive chemical
symbol.

What is IUPAC?

Focusing on the history of chemistry, the period between the 1960s

and 1990s was termed as Transfermium Wars. Here the word trans
means “after” element fermium, which was marked 100 in the
Periodic Table. Almost for three decades, a number of scientists have
fought several wars of words over the naming of elements ranging
from 104 to 109.

The discovery of some rare elements almost at the same time led to
the clash among Russian, German and US scientists. Everyone had
their own preferences in context to name the elements. This is where
IUPAC came into the picture to resolve the issue in 1997. As a
solution, elements 104 and 106 were handed over to Americans; 105
and 107 to Russians and 108 and 109 were handled by the Germans.
Since then the IUPAC has been regarded as the supreme body which
decides who deserves the actual credit for the discovery of elements.
This includes the ​authority​ to transfer the right to recommend a name.
It has been noticed that matching up with the traditional elements are
usually named after a mythological character or concept; a ​mineral​, a
geographical region; a scientist or a property of that particular
element. Furthermore, the names of a new element would end in
“-ium.”

Post the discovery of the element and its confirmation, the element
would be referred using its number, or a provisional name can be used
until a proper symbol is fixed. Also, the final name is dependent on
the approval by the IUPAC. It also holds the ​power​ to disregard the
explorer.

Question For You

Q1. What is the element symbol for Gold?

Ans: Au.

Q2. What element has a symbol Si?

Ans: Silicon.