Chemistry Fundamentals Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet covers essential concepts in chemistry, including ionic and molecular compounds, types of chemical reactions, and the properties and naming conventions of acids and bases.

Core Principles

Ionic compounds form from electrostatic attraction between ions.
Molecular compounds share electrons between atoms.
Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms and molecules.
Acids donate protons (H+) and bases accept protons.
The pH scale measures acidity and alkalinity.

Key Terms

Ionic Compound: A compound formed by electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Molecular Compound: A compound formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.
Synthesis Reaction: Two or more reactants combine to form a single product.
Decomposition Reaction: A single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances.
Single Displacement: One element replaces another in a compound.
Double Displacement: Ions of two compounds exchange places to form two new compounds.
Acid: A substance that donates a proton (H+) in a chemical reaction.
Base: A substance that accepts a proton (H+) in a chemical reaction.
pH scale: A scale from 0 to 14 used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution.

Real World Examples

Table salt (NaCl): An example of an ionic compound formed from sodium and chloride ions.
Water (H2O): A common molecular compound formed by covalent bonds between hydrogen and oxygen.
Vinegar (acetic acid): An acidic solution commonly used in cooking and cleaning.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): A basic compound used in baking and as a cleaning agent.