Section-by-Section Overview

Introductory Pages: These pages include the welcome page, introduction movie, and the home page. They present the purpose of the web site, let you know what web tools (ie: RealPlayer) you might want to have, and offer a brief list of features you'll enjoy in The Net Equation.

Site Map/Index: The Site Map is a table of all the pages in this web site. If you're looking for a specific page, such as the Interactive Periodic Table, but can't find it, this is the place to look. The Index presents a list of topics covered in the site, such as Reduction Potentials. Use this section like the index of a book--look here if you need information on a specific area.

Background Information: This chapter provides basic information necessary before an in-depth discussion of chemistry can occur, such as definitions of chemistry and international units of measurement. This is recommended for those who have never studied chemistry before; for current and past chemistry students, a quick skim is probably enough.

Chemical Reactions: This chapter discusses the processes of change, called reactions, that lie at the heart of chemical science. Topics covered include balancing equations, energy change, equilibrium, and rates of reactions.

States of Matter: This chapter discusses the four states of matter and explores each in detail.

Atoms and Molecules: This chapter delves into the tiny particles at the heart of all matter. Atoms and their electrons are covered first; later, the chapter discusses how atoms join together to form molecules and the forces involved in atomic bonding.

Acid/Base Reactions: One of the major areas of chemistry, the relations between acids and bases are covered in this section. Topics discussed include pH, K values for acids and bases, titrations, and precipitation reactions involving acids and bases.

Thermodynamics: The study of the transfer of energy in reactions is called thermodynamics. Includes discussions of heats of reaction, entropy (disorder in a system), and relations to equilibrium.

Oxidation/Reduction Reactions: Also referred to as "redox" reactions, this chapter covers electron transfers during chemical reactions. Balancing redox reactions, reduction potentials, Galvanic and electrolytic cells, and relations to equilibrium are some of the areas covered in this chapter.

Organic Chemistry: This chapter dicusses organic compounds (substances based on carbon), how to name them, and their shapes. This is an introduction only, and is no substitute for a college-level organic chemistry course.

Nuclear Chemistry: High-energy reactions involving the nuclei of atoms are dicussed in this chapter. Topics covered are radioactivity and half-lives, fission, fusion, and applications of these processes.

Help: This sections addresses any problems a user might encounter, including how to navigate and use the web site, and this Tour.

Features: Visit this section to learn about the many attractions of our web site, including the Interactive Periodic Table, interviews of real-world chemists, and the Message Board.

Reference: An essential part of The Net Equation, the Reference section includes hundreds of chemical constants, equations, conversions, and formulas. This area is also home to the Interactive Periodic Table.

ThinkQuest: Learn about the organization sponsoring this web site.

home site map/index background information chemical reactions states of matter acid/base reactions

thermodynamics redox reactions atoms and molecules organic chemistry nuclear chemistry

help features reference thinkquest