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Chemistry for Kids

What is chemistry?

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the properties of matter and how matter interacts with energy. Chemistry is considered a physical science and is closely related to physics. Sometimes chemistry is called the "central science" because it is an important part of other major sciences such as biology, Earth science, and physics. Scientists who specialize in chemistry are called chemists.

Chemistry Subjects

Matter
Atom
Molecules
Isotopes
Solids, Liquids, Gases
Melting and Boiling
Chemical Bonding
Chemical Reactions
Radioactivity and Radiation

Mixtures and Compounds
Naming Compounds
Mixtures
Separating Mixtures
Solutions
Acids and Bases
Crystals
Metals
Salts and Soaps
Water

Other
Glossary and Terms
Chemistry Lab Equipment
Organic Chemistry
Famous Chemists

Elements and the Periodic Table
Elements
Periodic Table

Alkali Metals
Lithium
Sodium
Potassium

Alkaline Earth Metals
Beryllium
Magnesium
Calcium
Radium

Transition Metals
Scandium
Titanium
Vanadium
Chromium
Manganese
Iron
Cobalt
Nickel
Copper
Zinc
Silver
Platinum
Gold
Mercury

Post-transition Metals
Aluminum
Gallium
Tin
Lead

Metalloids
Boron
Silicon
Germanium
Arsenic

Nonmetals
Hydrogen
Carbon
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Phosphorus
Sulfur

Halogens
Fluorine
Chlorine
Iodine

Noble Gases
Helium
Neon
Argon

Lanthanides and Actinides
Uranium
Plutonium

Why is chemistry important?

Chemistry is used all around us. Doctors use chemistry to make medicine that helps us when we are sick. Engineers use chemistry to make electronics like your TV and your cell phone. Farmers use chemistry to help their crops to grow so we can have food. Even chefs use chemistry to cook delicious meals. By understanding chemistry you can better understand the world around you and how it works.

What is matter?

Matter is the stuff all around us: your computer, the air you breathe, your lunch, even you are made up of matter. When you study chemistry you will learn all about matter and its properties.

Components of Matter

Matter is composed of different building blocks.

Atom - Matter is made up of tiny building blocks called atoms. It takes millions and millions of atoms to make even the smallest object.
Element - Substances made up of a single type of atom are called elements.
Compound - Compounds are made up of different types of elements.
Mixture - A material made up of different types of compounds that do not chemically combine.

Activities

Chemistry Crossword Puzzle
Chemistry Word Search

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