The Properties of Minerals Kool!

The Properties of Minerals We have to start somewhere…. Atom –Comes from the Greek word ‘atomos’ meaning indivisible –The smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element.

The Properties of Minerals Groups of atoms form molecules. –The simplest unit of a chemical substance. A group of two or more atoms

The Properties of Minerals An atom consists of an electron(e-) cloud that surrounds a dense nucleus. The nucleus contains positively charged protons(P+) and electrically neutral neutrons. (N) The cloud is made up of negatively charged electrons.

The Properties of Minerals Element –A simple substance that can not be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means.

The Properties of Minerals Compound –A substance made of two or more elements that are chemically combined.

The Three States of Matter Solid –Particles are fixed in position but still vibrate –A solid is poorly compressed and changes volume only slightly. –Particles can not move past each other.

The Three States of Matter Liquid –Particles will flow and take the shape of any container. –A liquid is poorly compressed and changes volume only slightly. –Particles are free to move around each other.

The Three States of Matter Gas –Particles will flow and take the shape of any container. –Volume of a gas is dependent of the size of the contained and is easily compressed. –Particles are free to move around each other.

Chemical Symbols Chemical Symbol –The shorthand way of writing the name of an element.

Chemical Symbols

Chemical Formulas –Formula that shows the elements that make up a compound

Chemical Formulas Subscript –Number in a chemical formula that shows how many of each atom are in one molecule of a compound.

Chemical Formulas Let’s look at: H2O2H2O2 Hydrogen peroxide In the above chemical formula, the 2 after the H and the O indicate That there are 2 atoms of Hydrogen and 2 atoms of Oxygen in each Molecule of Hydrogen peroxide.

Chemical Formulas

Minerals –Naturally occurring inorganic solid from elements or compounds.

The Crust of the Earth About 75% of the Earths crust is made up of the elements oxygen and silicon. When oxygen and silicon combine they form silica Sand is mostly silica in the form of quartz.

The Crust of the Earth Chemical formula: –Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO 2 )

The Crust of the Earth