This free online chemistry course explores the structure of matter and atoms as well as the configuration of electrons.

‘CLEP Chemistry: Structure of Matter’ is a free online course that has been specially prepared to take you through the properties of compounds, mixtures, metals, non-metals, and metalloids. It distinguishes between physical and chemical properties. What is matter? Every day, we find many varieties of things with various colours, sizes and shapes. Everything is made up of material in this universe, which scientists have named ‘matter’. Particles of matter have a force of attraction between them. We can say that matter is present in three different states: solid, liquid, and gaseous. The states of matter are interconvertible: we can convert matter in one physical state to another by changing either the pressure or the temperature (for example, changing solid water in the form of ice into liquid by melting it). This course highlights the heat of fusion, freezing points, sublimation, the heat of vaporization and condensation. It explores the complex nature of matter and atomic numbers. Energy is required for life and there are various forms available. A course module discusses the forms and transfer of energy.

Physicist Ernest Rutherford came up with a new model for an atom called the planetary model. He introduced the concept of sub-atomic particles and their position and arrangement inside the atom. If you want to learn about Dalton's theory, Thomson’s model, and the experiments carried out to find the arrangement of electrons inside the atom, this course covers in detail the discovery of the three various subatomic particles; protons, neutrons and electrons. It also specifies how to determine the number of each particle an atom contains. It is possible to argue that the periodic table is the most important part of chemistry as it organizes all of the known elements. The evolution of the modern periodic table of elements demonstrates the logical consequence of the electronic configuration of atoms. This course takes you through classifying the elements of the periodic table by groups and periods. You will learn how to predict the physical properties of an element based on the physical properties of other elements in the same group.

It is very important to understand the periodic table because the placement of the various elements on it gives rise to several periodic trends, including atomic radius, metallic character, electronegativity and ionization energy. This course describes the electron configuration of an element, and shows you how to predict the ionic charge as well as the electron configuration of cations and anions. It also covers valence electrons and the properties of elements. In general, metals lose electrons, while non-metals gain electrons. The gained and lost electrons play a vital role in chemical bonding. There are three major types of radioactivity with each having its composition, charge and mass. The learning contents in this course are crucial for students undertaking CLEP chemistry or anyone else who wants to improve their understanding of the structure and states of matter.