Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter 1: Some
Basic Concepts of Chemistry
1. Importance of Chemistry
Chemistry deals with the composition, structure, properties & reactions of matter.
It's central to medicine, biochemistry, nursing, food industry, etc.
2. Matter and Its Classification
Matter: Anything that has mass and occupies space.
Three physical states: Solid, Liquid, Gas
Pure substances (elements and compounds) vs mixtures (homogeneous and
heterogeneous)
3. Laws of Chemical Combination
Law of Conservation of Mass: Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical
reaction.
Law of Definite Proportions: A compound always contains the same elements in the
same proportion by mass.
Law of Multiple Proportions: If two elements form more than one compound, the mass
of one element that combines with a fixed mass of the other is in simple whole numbers.
Gay-Lussac’s Law: Gases react in whole-number volume ratios (if temp & pressure are
constant).
Avogadro’s Law: Equal volumes of all gases contain equal number of molecules at same
temp & pressure.
4. Dalton’s Atomic Theory
All matter is made up of indivisible atoms.
Atoms of the same element are identical.
Atoms combine in whole-number ratios.
Atoms are neither created nor destroyed.
5. Atomic Mass & Molecular Mass
1 amu = 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom.
Average Atomic Mass = Weighted average of isotopes.
Molecular Mass = Sum of atomic masses of atoms in a molecule.
Formula Mass = Used for ionic compounds (e.g., NaCl).
6. Mole Concept & Avogadro’s Number
1 mole = 6.022 × 10^23 particles (atoms, molecules, ions).
Molar mass: Mass of 1 mole of a substance (in g/mol).
Moles (n) = Given mass (g) / Molar mass (g/mol)
7. Empirical & Molecular Formula
Empirical Formula: Simplest whole-number ratio of atoms.
Molecular Formula: Actual number of atoms.
n = Molecular mass / Empirical formula mass
8. Percentage Composition
% Element = (Mass of element in 1 mol compound / Molar mass of compound) × 100
9. Stoichiometry and Limiting Reagent
Stoichiometry: Calculations using balanced chemical equations.
Limiting reagent: Reactant that gets used up first, limiting product formation.
10. Concentration Terms
Molarity (M) = moles of solute / volume (L)
Molality (m) = moles of solute / mass of solvent (kg)
Normality (N) = gram equivalents / volume (L)
Mass % = (mass of solute / total mass) × 100
Volume % = (volume of solute / total vol) × 100
11. Significant Figures & Scientific Notation
Non-zero digits are always significant.
Zeros between non-zero digits are significant.
Leading zeros are not significant.
Trailing zeros are significant only if there's a decimal point.
Add/Subtract → least decimal places.
Multiply/Divide → least significant figures.
12. Dimensional Analysis
Unit conversion using conversion factors.
Example: 1 hour = 60 minutes × 60 seconds = 3600 seconds
Quick Revision Tips
Learn all formulas and laws by heart.
Practice mole concept numericals daily.
Use flashcards for laws and definitions.
Solve at least 10 MCQs per concept.
