Mastering Chemistry Nomenclature: A Key to Success in Chemistry

[lLovePhysics]

Is hydrogen always a nonmetal or can it be a metal? What is it usually treated as? Thanks.

 

[vertciel]

Hello:

Hydrogen is not a metal; it is a gas at room temperature.

However, it has an unique chemical property. Like the alkali metals, it can lose its electron and just be a H⁺ proton (since it has no more electrons); or it can act like an halogen and gain an electron, to become H^-.

Hope this helps!

 

[lLovePhysics]

Thanks for your reply! :)

How important is having the nomenclature down? Will it be used throughout chemistry? How much should I practice it?

 

[yashx0x]

If you intend to understand any further class of Chemistry it is extremely important that you have a good grasp of the Nomenclature widely used. Any professor, coursework, and books will assume that you have a fair understanding of the chemistry nomenclature and they will rarely simplify or state axiomatic standards.

The advantage of basic chemistry nomenclature is that is fairly simple and easy to memorize. I would recommend you to practice a few end of chapter questions in your book or look online for a few sites which would help you with learning the material. It helps to have a small copybook where you store information while you go on standards. for e.g naming standards of ions, the charges of some atypical ions, etc... Keep building on it and soon nomenclature won't even be an issue; it will be something that naturally comes to you :)