Improving the Understanding of Chemistry by Using the Right Words: A Clear-Cut Strategy to Avoid Misconceptions When Talking about Elements, Atoms, and Molecules

Abstract

A language is a system of communication, consisting of a set of sounds or written symbols that enable people to communicate. In chemistry, a particular language is required in order to represent the phenomenological world by means of symbols. Choosing the right words and knowing the precise definitions for chemical concepts is needed for avoiding misconceptions. Despite the creation of International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), fundamental notions are still undergoing constant debate, in particular concerning the conceptual distinction between element, atom, molecule, compound, chemical species and substance. In this article, we propose to better distinguish categories of chemical objects and their element, and to define a molecule as a stable and electrically neutral chemical entity that exists with a finite number of chemical bonds (0 to n, with n finite number). This new definition implies that noble gases, i.e., reduced to one isolated atom, are made of molecules, that all bonded atoms are atoms, and enables distinguishing both of these from compounds. We insist that chemical education makes a clear difference between objects and categories, emphasizing the importance of understanding that elements and compounds represent categories of nuclei, whereas chemical entities and substances are a sample of matter. We also point out a number of nuances in chemical language, primarily in order to avoid misconceptions regarding the macroscopic physical properties relating to chemical substances and chemical objects.

Unit Kemps: A Matching Card Game to Learn Physical Quantities, Units, and Symbols

“…Each one of the sets of 4 cards is constituted by its physical magnitude, its symbol, its unit, and measurement equipment. In this context, students can also analyze that chemistry occurs at three levels of understanding: the phenomenological world, its representation at the microscopic level, and its transcription into symbolic language. − As previously stated, the task of relating and associating physical quantities and their symbols and units is not always trivial; thus, the game especially focuses on the interconnection between phenomenological world, (measurement equipment), and the symbolic language (names of physical quantities, symbols, units, equations). Among students, it can also be challenging when distinguishing between the unit symbol and the symbol of the physical magnitude.…”

Using the Right Words in the Right Way: Atom, Molecule, Element, and Compound

“…It is proposed in ref to limit the use of element to the abstract entity. While this would in principle reduce confusion due to the ambiguity in the present definition of element, it would again run contrary to widespread common usage and understanding of chemists; furthermore, no suitable term is offered to take up the discarded simple substance aspect of the current concept.…”

“…Diagram based on Figure 3 of ref illustrating the concepts atom, molecule, and compound as defined in ref .…”

“…I read with interest the recent article in this Journal on "Improving the Understanding of Chemistry by Using the Right Words...". 1 The authors raise several thought-provoking philosophical and pedagogical questions of word usage and of categories around the fundamental terms atom, molecule, element, and compound; however, I believe that their specific suggestions are counterproductive. I hope that the following comments contribute to critical and analytical thinking about these key terms.…”

Reply to “Using the Right Words in the Right Way: Atom, Molecule, Element, and Compound”

“…As clearly demonstrated in the comparison of molecular oxygen with ozone, or diamond with fullerene, a substance constituted by atoms from the same nuclei cannot be termed as an element. 1 Let us say it differently: there are material objects (substances, or atoms, or molecules) and categories (elements). If this concept is contrary to widespread common usage and understanding on the part of chemists, we have to stand and fight against a widespread misconception.…”