What is Chemical: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A chemical substance is a form of matter having constant chemical composition and characteristic properties. Some references add that chemical substance cannot be separated into its constituent elements by physical separation methods, i.e., without breaking chemical bonds. Chemical substances can be simple substances, chemical compounds, or alloys. Chemical elements may or may not be included in the definition, depending on expert viewpoint.Chemical substances are often called 'pure' to set them apart from mixtures. A common example of a chemical substance is pure water; it has the same properties and the same ratio of hydrogen to oxygen whether it is isolated from a river or made in a laboratory. Other chemical substances commonly encountered in pure form are diamond (carbon), gold, table salt (sodium chloride) and refined sugar (sucrose). However, in practice, no substance is entirely pure, and chemical purity is specified according to the intended use of the chemical.
Chemical substances exist as solids, liquids, gases, or plasma, and may change between these phases of matter with changes in temperature or pressure and time. Chemical substances may be combined or converted to others by means of chemical reactions.
Forms of energy, such as light and heat, are not matter, and are thus not "substances" in this regard.

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  1. Z

    How Do You Calculate CO Concentration at Equilibrium in a Gaseous Reaction?

    Homework Statement At a certain temperature, the equilibrium constant for the gaseous reaction of CO with O2 to produce CO2 is 5000 lit/mole. Calculate [CO] at equilibrium, if 1 mol each of CO and O2 afre placed in a 2 L vessel and allowed to come to equilibrium. Homework Equations...
  2. Z

    Concentration of solids and liquids in Chemical Equilibrium

    Homework Statement Why don't we take into consideration the concentration of pure solids and pure liquids in equilibrium constant expression? I read that their concentration per unit volume does not change. If the concentrations (moles per litre) don't change then it won't undergo any...
  3. M

    Order of atoms in chemical formulas

    what determines what order the atoms in a formula are written? for example, why is it CO2 and not O2C? It doesn't appear to be ordered by atomic weight, place on the peridoic table or alphabetically so what is it?
  4. S

    Industrial engineering to chemical engineering

    Hi, in about 1 year i will graduate with a ba in industrial engineering from a university in Peru. I have really good grades and its supposed to be the best at I.E in the country. I really like science and i have realized that I.E is not really for me since it is more oriented towards...
  5. X

    Chemical Reaction to pulverize Aluminum?

    I'm trying to think of a way to take a piece of aluminum foil and chemical separate the atoms 1 by 1. I was originally thinking of trying some sort of Electrolysis type reaction by turning the Aluminum into Aluminum Oxide... though I'm still searching for the chemical reaction/method to...
  6. C

    Debate: Chemical or Materials Engineering as a Career

    Dear Kind and Knowledgeable Contributors, I am a graduate student in my first year debating between completing the rest of my PhD. program in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering. My university allows me to switch into either field. I believe I am equally capable in...
  7. 4

    Differential equations chemical solutions problem

    Homework Statement newbie here.. Blood carries a drug into an organ at the rate of 3 cm^3/sec and leaves at the same rate. The organ has a liquid volume of 125 cm^3. If the concentration of the drug in the blood entering the organ is .2g/cm^3, what is the concentration of the drug in the organ...
  8. S

    Chemistry? What physical and chemical change occur when a wax candle burns?

    Homework Statement What physical and chemical changes occur when a wax candle burns? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  9. P

    Complete the chemical equation

    Homework Statement Complete and balance the following chemical equation BaO + P2O5 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution The only one possible product I've been able to arrive at is Ba(PO3)2 but this is based on no science whatsoever. I can't find anything in my text...
  10. J

    How to write chemical equations

    Homework Statement Write and Balance equations for the following reactions: zinc sulphate + barium nitrate -----> Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know that the formulas for the reactants are : ZnSO4 + Ba(NO3)2 ----> I'm just having a really hard time...
  11. W

    Chemical Kinetics: Rate Laws, Orders

    Homework Statement I understand how to determine the order of a rxn based on a series of experiments one divides one into another to obtain a ratio and then determines the power to which one is raised to determine the order. Typical data collected would be: Ex1 [A] .2 mol = Initial rate...
  12. R

    Writing out chemical equations

    Homework Statement Write a balanced equation for: 1. the reaction of chromium with sulfur 2. the reaction of bismuth with oxygen Homework Equations Chromium is a transition metal and sulfur has a 2- charge. The Attempt at a Solution For the first one, I'm thinking that...
  13. M

    Creating a Chemical Rocket: Innovative Ideas Using Everyday Items

    I have an idea of creating a rocket using mentos and diet coke, but the failure rate is really high. I also tried reacting HCL + Mg in order to create pressurized Hydrogen Gas in the bottle, in order to make the rocket thrust upwards. I also used alka seltzer in creating a potential rocket, but...
  14. S

    How Does LSD-25 Impact the Central Nervous System and Influence Mental States?

    First off, let me make this clear, I am not: promoting the use of drugs or asking how to synthesize LSD-25. I've become curious about the chemical aspects of LSD-25, such as, how does this drug actually affect the central nervouse system, why does it have such dramatic affects on the minds of...
  15. R

    Biology vs Biochemistry vs Chemical Engineering?

    I'm planning on going down the medical path. Will a Bachelor in each of these prepare me for the MCAT and what I'll see in medical school? Less importantly, how "sellable" are these degrees relative to each other (should the medical path not work out)?
  16. B

    Energized Electrons in Chemical Bonding

    In chemistry I learned the bonding rules that I learned for various molecules never mentioned anything about the different energy levels in electrons. Now that I know electrons can have various energy levels from absorption of photons, I would like to know if this changes the behavior of...
  17. E

    Engineering BS in Chemical Engineering, MS in EE

    Does it make sense to pursue a BS in Chemical Engineering, and then go into graduate school for a MS or PhD in EE? Or does that pathway make little sense.
  18. D

    Is transitioning from chemical to nuclear engineering a good idea?

    I’d like to be a nuclear engineer. I live in South Carolina and I’ve been accepted into Clemson for chemical engineering and also NC State for nuclear. I hear a lot of people have gotten their bachelors in something else and then get their masters in nuclear. Since I plan on getting a...
  19. S

    Chemical Exposure: Worried About Cancer?

    Hi, Thanks for taking the time to read this! I'm student chemist (only 21), and last week I got exposed to a lot of methyl iodide when I spilt some dissolved in DCM onto my hand, although I was wearing nitrile gloves I think the chemical passed straight through, I had some skin irritation...
  20. A

    Engineering Chemistry or Chemical Engineering?

    I wanted to know what the real difference is between a major in chemistry and a major in chemical engineering. I know that Chemical Engineering would be focusing mostly on synthesis and creating new materials while a Chemistry major would be much more broad and could be analytical as well as...
  21. L

    What simply is Chemical Energy?

    Homework Statement What simply is Chemical Energy? Homework Equations N/A The Attempt at a Solution I found this: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_chemical_energy But it doesn't read right..it's not all to it than that, but I want to know in simple terms what chemical energy...
  22. I

    Chemical Equilibrium (Need Fast)

    Homework Statement 1) Use Le Chatelier's prinicile to explain how a shift in the equilibrium H2CO3(aq) ⇌ H2O(l) + CO2(g) causes a soft drink to go flat when its container is left open to the atmosphere. 2) How might the addition of a noble gas to the reaction vessel affect this equilibrium...
  23. L

    Deciding on Which School for Chemical Engineering

    Hello everyone, I decided to post my dilemma here hoping that it may help me in making my final desicion. I have been accepted to three schools with good rankings (I think) for ChemE; U of Wisconsin, U of Minnesota, and Gatech. My problem is that I am not sure which offer to take. I haven't...
  24. D

    Is the Fugacity Equation the Key to Proving Chemical Thermodynamics?

    Hey. I am currently studying chemical thermodynamics and have reached the section on solution thermodynamics. For a pure liquid: \left(\frac{\partial g}{\partial P}\right)_T=RT \left(\frac{\partial ln(f)}{\partial P}\right)_T Where g is the molar gibbs energy P is pressure T is...
  25. D

    Mechanical or Chemical Engineer?

    Hey guys, I've been going back and forth through all possible physical science majors (math, physics, ALL engineering disciplines, etc.) and I think I've narrowed my choice down to two possibilities. As you can tell from the title, they are Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering...
  26. E

    Exploring the Concept of Zero Chemical Potential in Photons: A Clear Explanation

    Hi Why photon has zero chemical potential. please answer this question clearly.
  27. A

    Understanding Chemical Kinetics: Troubleshooting Common Questions in the Lab

    I am having a problem with my kinetics lab. There are just three questions I can not understand. 1. Determine the order with respect to HCl. Explain. 2. Determine the order with respect to Sodium Thiosulfate. Explain. 3. Why rate values for this experiment not adequate to achieve an accurate...
  28. A

    In search of a Unique Chemical

    Hello all, I am an undergraduate working on a project for water purification in search of a water soluble compound (organic/inorganic salt, gas), preferably of low molecular weight, which can attain solubility of more than 3 Molar at Room Temperature and Pressure (Temp can be more or less...
  29. Sirsh

    Explaining How Temperature Change Affects Chemical Equilibrium

    Hey all the people reading this, Just wondering if anyone can explain how a equilibrium system changes with a increase/decrease in temperature occurs. I've been taught that: If my reaction is exothermic i.e. reactants -> products + energy; and i am going to decrease temperature it would be...
  30. D

    Voltaric Cell/Cell Chemical Reaction

    Homework Statement Which of the following are true statements about the above voltaric cell and the resulting cell chemical reaction ? a) The zinc electrode is the cathode b) Zinc will be consumed before copper c) Electrons flow from the copper electrode to the zinc electrode d) The half...
  31. J

    Mass lost in chemical reactions?

    Homework Statement In chemical reactions, when energy is released, mass is lost according to Einstein’s formula just as it is for nuclear energy (though the amounts lost are so small that for centuries scientists thought that mass was conserved). When a kilogram of coal is burned, it...
  32. K

    Chemical vs Physical change/property

    Homework Statement 5. [1pt] For each of the following, indicate whether the statement describes a physical (P) or a chemical (C) change. Answer, in order, with a single string, e.g. CPCPC -- NO SPACES, NO PUNCTUATION. a) A grease spot is removed with cleaning fluid. b) Sodium...
  33. C

    Chemical Engineering, but want to do physics too

    I am in a dilemma. Next fall I will be attending a university (as a freshman), and will be majoring in chemical engineering. Now my question is, I really LOVE physics, and how it relates to the real world. Is there anyway that I can pursue physics later in my career after I received a...
  34. C

    What Does (I) Stand for After a Chemical Compound?

    I was wondering what (I) means when it is written after a chemical compound, for example, H2SO4 (I). Thanks!
  35. D

    Entropy, free energy and chemical potential of mixtures

    Hi, Homework Statement Consider a mixture of different gases with N_i molecules each (i=1...k denotes the species). For ideal gases the following relation yields: S(T,V,N_1,...N_k)=\sum_{i=1}^k S_i(T,V,N_i) a)Give explicit expressions for the entropy, the internal energy, Helmholtz free...
  36. M

    Engineering Chemical engineering not as popular as other 3 big engineering branches?

    Chemical engineering not as popular as other 3 "big" engineering branches? It seems to me chemical engineering is not as popular as the other 3 "big" engineering branches (civil, mechanical, electrical). If true, what's the reason for this? Lower demand? More challenging? Less glamorous?
  37. C

    Atom's Chemical Fingerprint: Banding Pattern Explained

    What determines an atom's chemical fingerprint (banding pattern)?
  38. A

    I with chemical equilibrium problems

    [b]1. okay so the equation is: 3A+2B---->C+D K=1.00x10(to the negative third power) A=9.5-M C=0.0200-M D=0.0200 what is B ? [b]3. the answer is either 1.24: 0.0216: : 0.00180 : or 0.110 (i don't remember) so what i don't get is HOW DO I SET UP THE PROBLEM? :confused: go step...
  39. J

    Chemical Kinetics (Reaction Mechanisms)

    Can anyone please explain to me what is reaction mechanisms and intermediate? I have read my book many times, but I don't get it. Also, it would be great if you can me some examples about them. Thank you for your help!
  40. Char. Limit

    How Do You Write Chemical Equations for These Reactions?

    Homework Statement Give the formula to show the reactants and products for the following chemical reaction. The reaction occurs in aqueous solution unless otherwise indicated. Represent substances in solution as ions if the substance is extensively ionized. Omit formulas for any ions or...
  41. r-soy

    Blance the chemical by algebric method ?

    Hi all i wan check my answer Blance the chemical by algebric method ?
  42. T

    Kinetics in chemical reactions

    Can a catalyzer in a reaction be an intermediary as well? Im not sure, i don't think because it would have to consume it self...
  43. D

    How Does the Reaction Between Chemicals A and B to Form C Progress Over Time?

    Two chemicals, A and B, are combined, forming chemical C. The rate of the reaction is jointly proportional to the amounts of A and B not yet converted to C. Initially, there are 50 grams of A and 80 grams of B, and, during the reaction, for each two grams of A used up in the conversion, there...
  44. C

    How Do You Calculate the Initial Rate of H2O2 Disappearance?

    Homework Statement In the reaction between H2O2 and I-, 15 mL of 0.30M KI, 75. mL of 0.10M H2O2 and 21 mL of 0.020M Na2S2O3 were mixed in a flask containing starch and buffer and the total volume was made up to 500mL with distilled water. The solution turned blue (indicating the presence of...
  45. F

    Understand the Mystery of MgO: Magnesium + Oxygen Chemistry

    So I'm taking chemistry again after a five hear hiatus from the topic and I would really appreciate an explanation on a certain formula. magnesium +oxygen forms magnesium oxide Mg+O2=MgO My question is, what happened to the 1 of the oxygen atoms? Shouldn't it be MgO2?
  46. T

    Chemical Kinetics: Reaction Mechanism (My working attempt shown)

    Homework Statement 1. According to the mechanism below, what is the correct expression for the rate of consumption of A? In the mechanism, M is a molecule that collides with A and A* is a highly-energized form of A. Step 1 (reversible): A + M <---> A* + M rate constants k1 and k-1 Step...
  47. T

    Chemical Kinetics: Reaction Mechanism

    Homework Statement 1. According to the mechanism below, what is the correct expression for the rate of consumption of A? In the mechanism, M is a molecule that collides with A and A* is a highly-energized form of A. Step 1 (reversible): A + M <---> A* + M rate constants k1 and k-1 Step...
  48. W

    What is the Empirical Formula of a Chemical Compound Given Combustion Data?

    Homework Statement 35.0mg of C-H-N (the unknown is the empirical formula) combusts to produce 33.5mg CO2 + 41.4mg H2O Homework Equations I'm confused by the fact the product does not include N so I'm unsure how to figure for it. The Attempt at a Solution Using all the information...
  49. P

    Phase Transitions and Chemical Potential

    Hello, right now, I am learning thermodynamics with Reichl: "A modern Course in Statistical Physics" In chapter 3.C page 100 "classification of phase transitions", the text says: "As we change the independent intensive variables (p, T, x_1,... ,x_l) of a system, we reach values of the...
  50. N

    Engineering Chemical, Software or Electrical Engineering?

    Hi. This is to all the practicing EEs out there. What are some of the challenges of electrical engineering work? Is it varied? What is your role (esp. wrt to EE technologists/technicians)? Preferably, answers will come from various specialties and roles (please state them). For example...
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