โ๏ธ Chapter 3: Atoms and Molecules ๐งฌ
๐ The Building Blocks of Matter
Journey into the microscopic world where atoms dance and molecules form!
โ๏ธLaws of Chemical Combination
๐ Law of Conservation of Mass
Antoine Lavoisier (1789):
Mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Example:
2H2 + O2 โ 2H2O
Mass before = Mass after
4 + 32 = 36 grams
๐ฏ Law of Constant Proportion
Joseph Proust (1799):
In a chemical compound, elements are always present in definite proportions by mass.
Example:
Water (H2O) always contains:
H : O = 2 : 16 = 1 : 8 (by mass)
Whether from river, rain, or laboratory!
๐ฌDalton's Atomic Theory
John Dalton (1808) - The Atomic Pioneer
Revolutionized our understanding of matter with his atomic theory!
๐งฑ Postulate 1
All matter is made of tiny indivisible particles called atoms.
Modern Update: Atoms can be further divided into subatomic particles!
๐ญ Postulate 2
Atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties.
Modern Update: Isotopes exist with different masses!
๐ Postulate 3
Atoms of different elements have different masses and properties.
Hydrogen โ Oxygen โ Carbon
๐งฎ Postulate 4
Atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
H2O: 2 H atoms + 1 O atom
โ๏ธ Postulate 5
Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed in chemical reactions.
Same number of atoms before and after reaction
๐ท๏ธAtoms and Their Symbols
Atom: The smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties and cannot be broken down by chemical means.
๐ค Symbol Representation
Each element has a unique symbol, usually derived from its English or Latin name:
H
Hydrogen
Greek: Hydro + genes
O
Oxygen
Greek: Oxys + genes
Ag
Silver
Latin: Argentum
K
Potassium
Latin: Kalium
โ๏ธAtomic Mass and Mole Concept
Atomic Mass: The relative mass of an atom compared to 1/12th the mass of a carbon-12 atom.
Why Carbon-12?
โข Abundant and stable isotope
โข Exactly 12 atomic mass units
โข Perfect reference standard
๐งช The Mole - Nature's Counting Unit
A mole is like a dozen, but much larger!
1 dozen = 12 items
1 mole = 6.022 ร 1023 particles
๐ฏ Avogadro's Number
6.022 ร 1023 = 602,200,000,000,000,000,000,000
Named after Amedeo Avogadro (Italian scientist)
๐งฎ Numerical Example
Question: What is the mass of 2 moles of CO2?
Solution:
Step 1: Find molar mass of CO2
โข Carbon (C) = 12 u
โข Oxygen (O) = 16 u
โข CO2 = 12 + (16 ร 2) = 12 + 32 = 44 g/mol
Step 2: Calculate mass
Mass = moles ร molar mass
Mass = 2 ร 44 = 88 grams
๐งฌMolecules - When Atoms Team Up
Molecule: A group of two or more atoms chemically bonded together, representing the smallest unit of a compound.
๐ญ Types of Molecules
โ๏ธ Monoatomic
Single atoms
Noble gases:
He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe
๐ Diatomic
Two atoms
H2, O2, N2
Cl2, F2, Br2, I2
๐ Polyatomic
Many atoms
O3 (Ozone)
P4 (Phosphorus)
S8 (Sulfur)
Examples by Atomicity:
๐ธ Triatomic: H2O (water), CO2 (carbon dioxide), O3 (ozone)
๐ธ Tetratomic: NH3 (ammonia), P4 (white phosphorus)
๐ธ Octatomic: S8 (sulfur ring)
โกIons - Charged Particles
Ion: An atom or molecule that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.
โ Cations (Positive Ions)
Formation: Loss of electrons
๐น Monovalent Cations (Charge = +1)
H+
Hydrogen
Li+
Lithium
Na+
Sodium
K+
Potassium
Rb+
Rubidium
Cs+
Cesium
Ag+
Silver
Au+
Gold (I)
Cu+
Copper (I)
NH4+
Ammonium
๐น Divalent Cations (Charge = +2)
Be2+
Beryllium
Mg2+
Magnesium
Ca2+
Calcium
Sr2+
Strontium
Ba2+
Barium
Ra2+
Radium
Zn2+
Zinc
Cd2+
Cadmium
Hg2+
Mercury (II)
Cu2+
Copper (II)
Fe2+
Iron (II)
Co2+
Cobalt (II)
Ni2+
Nickel (II)
Mn2+
Manganese (II)
Pb2+
Lead (II)
Sn2+
Tin (II)
๐น Trivalent Cations (Charge = +3)
Al3+
Aluminum
Ga3+
Gallium
In3+
Indium
Fe3+
Iron (III)
Cr3+
Chromium (III)
Co3+
Cobalt (III)
Au3+
Gold (III)
Bi3+
Bismuth
Memory Tip:
CATions are PAWsitive! ๐ฑ
Group 1 = +1, Group 2 = +2, Group 13 = +3
โ Anions (Negative Ions)
Formation: Gain of electrons
๐น Monovalent Anions (Charge = โ1)
Hโ
Hydride
Fโ
Fluoride
Clโ
Chloride
Brโ
Bromide
Iโ
Iodide
OHโ
Hydroxide
NO3โ
Nitrate
NO2โ
Nitrite
ClO3โ
Chlorate
ClO4โ
Perchlorate
MnO4โ
Permanganate
CNโ
Cyanide
SCNโ
Thiocyanate
CH3COOโ
Acetate
HCO3โ
Bicarbonate
HSO4โ
Bisulfate
๐น Divalent Anions (Charge = โ2)
O2โ
Oxide
S2โ
Sulfide
Se2โ
Selenide
Te2โ
Telluride
SO42โ
Sulfate
SO32โ
Sulfite
CO32โ
Carbonate
CrO42โ
Chromate
Cr2O72โ
Dichromate
HPO42โ
Monohydrogen phosphate
C2O42โ
Oxalate
SiO32โ
Silicate
๐น Trivalent Anions (Charge = โ3)
N3โ
Nitride
P3โ
Phosphide
As3โ
Arsenide
PO43โ
Phosphate
AsO43โ
Arsenate
BO33โ
Borate
Memory Tip:
ANions are Negative! โก
Group 17 = โ1, Group 16 = โ2, Group 15 = โ3
โ๏ธWriting Chemical Formulae
๐ Common Valencies
| Element/Ion |
Symbol |
Valency |
Element/Ion |
Symbol |
Valency |
| Hydrogen | H | 1 |
Chlorine | Cl | 1 |
| Sodium | Na | 1 |
Oxygen | O | 2 |
| Potassium | K | 1 |
Calcium | Ca | 2 |
| Silver | Ag | 1 |
Magnesium | Mg | 2 |
| Aluminum | Al | 3 |
Iron (II) | Fe | 2 |
| Iron (III) | Fe | 3 |
Carbon | C | 4 |
๐งฎ Formula Writing Examples
Example 1: Sodium Chloride
Na+1 + Clโ1
Criss-cross: Na1Cl1
Formula: NaCl
Example 2: Calcium Chloride
Ca+2 + Clโ1
Criss-cross: Ca1Cl2
Formula: CaCl2
Example 3: Aluminum Oxide
Al+3 + Oโ2
Criss-cross: Al2O3
Formula: Al2O3
โ๏ธMolecular Mass
Molecular Mass: The sum of atomic masses of all atoms present in one molecule of a compound.
๐งฎ Molecular Mass Calculations
Example 1: Water (H2O)
Molecular mass = (2 ร 1) + (1 ร 16)
= 2 + 16 = 18 u
Example 2: Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
Molecular mass = (2 ร 1) + (1 ร 32) + (4 ร 16)
= 2 + 32 + 64 = 98 u
Example 3: Glucose (C6H12O6)
Molecular mass = (6 ร 12) + (12 ร 1) + (6 ร 16)
= 72 + 12 + 96 = 180 u
๐งชMole Relationships
๐ก๏ธ Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP)
Temperature: 0ยฐC (273 K)
Pressure: 1 atmosphere (760 mmHg)
๐ฏ Key Mole Relationships
- 1 mole = 6.022 ร 1023 particles
- 1 mole of gas = 22.4 L at STP
- 1 mole = Molar mass in grams
- 1 mole of atoms = Atomic mass in grams
- 1 mole of molecules = Molecular mass in grams
๐งฎ Comprehensive Examples
Example 1: Number of Molecules
Q: How many molecules in 2 moles of NH3?
Solution: 2 ร 6.022 ร 1023
= 1.204 ร 1024 molecules
Example 2: Mass from Moles
Q: What is the mass of 0.5 moles of CaCO3?
Solution: Molar mass of CaCO3 = 40 + 12 + (16 ร 3) = 100 g/mol
Mass = 0.5 ร 100 = 50 grams
Example 3: Volume at STP
Q: What volume does 2 moles of CO2 occupy at STP?
Solution: 2 ร 22.4 L = 44.8 L
Example 4: Number of Atoms
Q: How many oxygen atoms in 1 mole of H2SO4?
Solution: 1 molecule has 4 oxygen atoms
1 mole = 6.022 ร 1023 molecules
Oxygen atoms = 4 ร 6.022 ร 1023
Example 11: Potassium Permanganate
Step 1: Write symbols โ K+ + MnO4โ
Step 2: Criss-cross โ K1(MnO4)1
Step 3: Final formula โ KMnO4
โ
Check: (+1) + (โ1) = 0 โ
Example 12: Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate
Step 1: Write symbols โ Ca2+ + HPO42โ
Step 2: Criss-cross โ Ca2(HPO4)2
Step 3: Simplify โ CaHPO4
โ
Check: (+2) + (โ2) = 0 โ
๐ Formula Writing Practice Exercise
Try writing formulas for these compounds using the criss-cross method!
1. Sodium Hydroxide
Na+ + OHโ = ?
2. Barium Chloride
Ba2+ + Clโ = ?
3. Iron(III) Sulfate
Fe3+ + SO42โ = ?
4. Ammonium Carbonate
NH4+ + CO32โ = ?
Answers: 1. NaOH 2. BaCl2 3. Fe2(SO4)3 4. (NH4)2CO3
๐งช Common Compound Names and Formulas
| Important Compounds for Class IX |
| Common Name |
Chemical Name |
Formula |
Use |
| Table Salt |
Sodium Chloride |
NaCl |
Food preservation |
| Baking Soda |
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate |
NaHCO3 |
Cooking, antacid |
| Washing Soda |
Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate |
Na2CO3 ยท 10H2O |
Laundry, glass making |
| Caustic Soda |
Sodium Hydroxide |
NaOH |
Soap making |
| Lime Water |
Calcium Hydroxide |
Ca(OH)2 |
CO2 detection |
| Plaster of Paris |
Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate |
CaSO4 ยท ยฝH2O |
Medical casts |
| Epsom Salt |
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate |
MgSO4 ยท 7H2O |
Medicine, bath salts |
| Blue Vitriol |
Copper(II) Sulfate Pentahydrate |
CuSO4 ยท 5H2O |
Fungicide |
| Green Vitriol |
Iron(II) Sulfate Heptahydrate |
FeSO4 ยท 7H2O |
Iron supplement |
| Chile Saltpetre |
Sodium Nitrate |
NaNO3 |
Fertilizer |
| Indian Saltpetre |
Potassium Nitrate |
KNO3 |
Gunpowder, fertilizer |
| Gypsum |
Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate |
CaSO4 ยท 2H2O |
Cement, plaster |
| Marble |
Calcium Carbonate |
CaCO3 |
Construction |
| Limestone |
Calcium Carbonate |
CaCO3 |
Cement making |
| Chalk |
Calcium Carbonate |
CaCO3 |
Writing, antacid |
๐ Comprehensive Valency Table
| Common Elements and Their Valencies |
| Element |
Symbol |
Valency |
Element |
Symbol |
Valency |
| Hydrogen | H | 1 |
Chlorine | Cl | 1 |
| Lithium | Li | 1 |
Fluorine | F | 1 |
| Sodium | Na | 1 |
Bromine | Br | 1 |
| Potassium | K | 1 |
Iodine | I | 1 |
| Silver | Ag | 1 |
Oxygen | O | 2 |
| Beryllium | Be | 2 |
Sulfur | S | 2 |
| Magnesium | Mg | 2 |
Nitrogen | N | 3 |
| Calcium | Ca | 2 |
Phosphorus | P | 3, 5 |
| Zinc | Zn | 2 |
Carbon | C | 4 |
| Iron | Fe | 2, 3 |
Silicon | Si | 4 |
| Copper | Cu | 1, 2 |
Lead | Pb | 2, 4 |
| Aluminum | Al | 3 |
Tin | Sn | 2, 4 |
๐ Common Polyatomic Ions and Their Valencies
| Polyatomic Ions |
| Ion Name |
Formula |
Charge |
Ion Name |
Formula |
Charge |
| Ammonium | NH4+ | +1 |
Hydroxide | OHโ | โ1 |
| Hydronium | H3O+ | +1 |
Nitrate | NO3โ | โ1 |
| Mercury(I) | Hg22+ | +2 |
Nitrite | NO2โ | โ1 |
| Carbonate | CO32โ | โ2 |
Bicarbonate | HCO3โ | โ1 |
| Sulfate | SO42โ | โ2 |
Bisulfate | HSO4โ | โ1 |
| Sulfite | SO32โ | โ2 |
Acetate | CH3COOโ | โ1 |
| Phosphate | PO43โ | โ3 |
Permanganate | MnO4โ | โ1 |
| Phosphite | PO33โ | โ3 |
Chlorate | ClO3โ | โ1 |
| Chromate | CrO42โ | โ2 |
Perchlorate | ClO4โ | โ1 |
| Dichromate | Cr2O72โ | โ2 |
Cyanide | CNโ | โ1 |
๐งฎ Detailed Formula Writing Examples
๐น Simple Binary Compounds
Example 1: Sodium Chloride
Step 1: Write symbols โ Na + Cl
Step 2: Write valencies โ Na+1 + Clโ1
Step 3: Criss-cross โ Na1Cl1
Step 4: Simplify โ NaCl
โ
Check: (+1) + (โ1) = 0 โ
Example 2: Magnesium Oxide
Step 1: Write symbols โ Mg + O
Step 2: Write valencies โ Mg+2 + Oโ2
Step 3: Criss-cross โ Mg2O2
Step 4: Simplify โ MgO (divide by 2)
โ
Check: (+2) + (โ2) = 0 โ
Example 3: Aluminum Chloride
Step 1: Write symbols โ Al + Cl
Step 2: Write valencies โ Al+3 + Clโ1
Step 3: Criss-cross โ Al1Cl3
Step 4: Final formula โ AlCl3
โ
Check: (+3) + 3(โ1) = 0 โ
๐น Compounds with Polyatomic Ions
Example 4: Calcium Sulfate
Step 1: Write symbols โ Ca2+ + SO42โ
Step 2: Criss-cross โ Ca2(SO4)2
Step 3: Simplify โ CaSO4
โ
Check: (+2) + (โ2) = 0 โ
Example 5: Aluminum Sulfate
Step 1: Write symbols โ Al3+ + SO42โ
Step 2: Criss-cross โ Al2(SO4)3
Step 3: Final formula โ Al2(SO4)3
โ
Check: 2(+3) + 3(โ2) = +6 โ 6 = 0 โ
Example 6: Ammonium Phosphate
Step 1: Write symbols โ NH4+ + PO43โ
Step 2: Criss-cross โ (NH4)3PO4
Step 3: Final formula โ (NH4)3PO4
โ
Check: 3(+1) + (โ3) = 0 โ
๐น Complex Examples
Example 7: Iron(III) Hydroxide
Step 1: Identify iron(III) โ Fe3+
Step 2: Write symbols โ Fe3+ + OHโ
Step 3: Criss-cross โ Fe(OH)3
Step 4: Final formula โ Fe(OH)3
โ
Check: (+3) + 3(โ1) = 0 โ
Example 8: Copper(II) Nitrate
Step 1: Identify copper(II) โ Cu2+
Step 2: Write symbols โ Cu2+ + NO3โ
Step 3: Criss-cross โ Cu(NO3)2
Step 4: Final formula โ Cu(NO3)2
โ
Check: (+2) + 2(โ1) = 0 โ
Example 9: Ammonium Dichromate
Step 1: Write symbols โ NH4+ + Cr2O72โ
Step 2: Criss-cross โ (NH4)2Cr2O7
Step 3: Final formula โ (NH4)2Cr2O7
โ
Check: 2(+1) + (โ2) = 0 โ
๐น Special Cases and Rules
Important Rules:
๐ธ Brackets: Use brackets when polyatomic ion has subscript > 1
๐ธ Roman Numerals: Indicate variable valency (Fe(II), Fe(III))
๐ธ Simplification: Always reduce to simplest ratio
๐ธ Charge Balance: Total positive = Total negative
๐ธ Order: Cation first, then anion
๐ธ Naming: Metal + Non-metal + "ide" (for simple compounds)
Example 10: Lead(IV) Oxide (Variable Valency)
Step 1: Identify lead(IV) โ Pb4+
Step 2: Write symbols โ Pb4+ + O2โ
Step 3: Criss-cross โ Pb2O4
Step 4: Simplify โ PbO2
โ
Check: (+4) + 2(โ2) = 0 โ
Example 11: Potassium Permanganate
Step 1: Write symbols โ K+ + MnO4
= 2.408 ร 1024 atoms
๐ง Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which law states that mass is conserved in a chemical reaction?
A) Dalton's law
B) Boyle's law
C) Law of conservation of mass
D) Avogadro's law
2. Dalton's atomic theory does NOT include:
A) Atoms are indivisible
B) Atoms are identical for same element
C) Atoms can be created in reactions
D) Atoms combine in whole number ratios
3. The symbol for iron is:
A) I
B) Fe
C) Ir
D) In
4. Atomic mass of oxygen is:
A) 12 u
B) 14 u
C) 16 u
D) 18 u
5. Molecular mass of CO2 is:
A) 28 u
B) 32 u
C) 44 u
D) 52 u
6. One mole of a substance contains:
A) 6.022 ร 1023 particles
B) 1 gram of substance
C) 22.4 L of gas
D) 1000 particles
7. Formula of aluminum chloride is:
A) AlCl
B) AlCl2
C) AlCl3
D) Al2Cl3
8. Which is a triatomic molecule?
A) O2
B) H2O
C) He
D) P4
9. Mass of 2 moles of CO2 is:
A) 22 g
B) 44 g
C) 88 g
D) 176 g
10. Which one is an anion?
A) Na+
B) Ca2+
C) Clโ
D) Al3+
11. Avogadro's number refers to:
A) Only atoms
B) Only ions
C) Only molecules
D) Any particles
12. Which of the following is NOT a molecule?
A) H2
B) N2
C) Fe
D) O3
13. One mole of gas at STP occupies:
A) 22.4 mL
B) 22.4 L
C) 2.24 L
D) 1 L
14. H2SO4 is called:
A) Hydrochloric acid
B) Nitric acid
C) Sulfuric acid
D) Acetic acid
15. Fe2O3 is:
A) Iron chloride
B) Iron oxide
C) Ferric oxide
D) Both B and C
16. The valency of calcium is:
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
17. Which is a polyatomic molecule?
A) S8
B) O2
C) H2
D) CO
18. Chemical formula of sodium sulfate is:
A) NaSO4
B) Na2SO4
C) NaSO3
D) Na2SO3
19. Atomicity of O3 is:
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
20. Which has the greatest number of atoms?
A) 2 mol H2
B) 1 mol O2
C) 3 mol He
D) 1 mol CO2
21. Mass of 1 mole of water is:
A) 18 g
B) 16 g
C) 20 g
D) 12 g
22. 1 mole of H2O contains how many atoms?
A) 6.022 ร 1023
B) 1.204 ร 1024
C) 1.806 ร 1024
D) 3.011 ร 1023
23. Which has the highest molecular mass?
A) H2 (2 u)
B) CO2 (44 u)
C) SO2 (64 u)
D) CH4 (16 u)
24. Atomic mass unit (u) is based on:
A) H-1
B) C-12
C) O-16
D) N-14
25. MgCl2 contains:
A) 1 Mg, 1 Cl
B) 1 Mg, 2 Cl
C) 2 Mg, 1 Cl
D) 2 Mg, 2 Cl
26. 2 moles of H2O contain:
A) 3.6 ร 1024 atoms
B) 6.022 ร 1023 molecules
C) 1.204 ร 1024 molecules
D) 1.806 ร 1024 atoms
27. Which is a cation?
A) Clโ
B) OHโ
C) NH4+
D) SO42โ
28. Number of moles in 44 g CO2:
A) 0.5
B) 1
C) 2
D) 4
29. Al2(SO4)3 contains:
A) 2 Al, 3 S, 12 O
B) 1 Al, 1 S, 4 O
C) 2 Al, 1 S, 4 O
D) 1 Al, 3 S, 12 O
30. HCl contains:
A) Hydrogen and oxygen
B) Hydrogen and chlorine
C) Hydrogen and nitrogen
D) Hydrogen and fluorine
31. The molecular mass of CaCO3 is:
A) 90 u
B) 100 u
C) 110 u
D) 120 u
32. Which gas has the maximum number of molecules in 1 mole?
A) H2
B) O2
C) CO2
D) All have same number
33. The formula of magnesium oxide is:
A) MgO2
B) MgO
C) Mg2O
D) Mg2O3
34. Volume occupied by 0.5 moles of gas at STP:
A) 11.2 L
B) 22.4 L
C) 44.8 L
D) 5.6 L
35. The number of oxygen atoms in 1 mole of Al2(SO4)3:
A) 12 ร 6.022 ร 1023
B) 4 ร 6.022 ร 1023
C) 6.022 ร 1023
D) 3 ร 6.022 ร 1023
โ
Answer Key
| 1. C |
2. C |
3. B |
4. C |
5. C |
6. A |
7. C |
| 8. B |
9. C |
10. C |
11. D |
12. C |
13. B |
14. C |
| 15. D |
16. B |
17. A |
18. B |
19. C |
20. A |
21. A |
| 22. C |
23. C |
24. B |
25. B |
26. C |
27. C |
28. B |
| 29. A |
30. B |
31. B |
32. D |
33. B |
34. A |
35. A |
๐ฏKey Takeaways
- Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of all matter
- Dalton's atomic theory laid the foundation for modern chemistry
- Chemical symbols provide a universal language for elements
- The mole concept connects the microscopic and macroscopic worlds
- Molecules are formed when atoms chemically bond together
- Ions are charged particles formed by gain/loss of electrons
- Chemical formulae represent the composition of compounds
- Molar mass connects mass, moles, and number of particles
๐ฌAmazing Atomic Facts!
- โ๏ธ A single drop of water contains about 1021 water molecules!
- ๐งฎ Avogadro's number is larger than the number of grains of sand on Earth
- ๐ One carat diamond contains about 1022 carbon atoms
- ๐ Most elements heavier than iron are made in exploding stars
- ๐งฌ Your body contains about 7 ร 1027 atoms
- โก Atoms are 99.9999999% empty space!
- ๐ฅ The oxygen you breathe was made by ancient cyanobacteria
ยฉ 2025 Enhanced Educational Content | Class IX NCERT Science | Chapter 3: Atoms and Molecules
Exploring the Invisible World of Matter! โ๏ธ๐งชโจ