Chemical compound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids  |
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| Pure water (H2O) is an example of a compound: the ball-and-stick model of the molecule (below) shows the spatial association of two parts hydrogen (white) and one part(s) oxygen (red) |
A chemical compound is a special kind of substance. It is made when atoms from different chemical elements join together. These atoms are held tightly by strong links called chemical bonds. Because they are so strongly connected, the compound acts like one new substance.
The type of chemical compound depends on which atoms are used and how they are linked. For example, water is a compound. It is made when atoms of hydrogen and oxygen join up. Water is a liquid. Another example is sodium chloride, which is a solid. It is made from sodium and chlorine atoms.
We can find chemical compounds in nature, like in plants. We can also make them in labs. When scientists make compounds, they are called synthetic chemicals.
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What Happens When Compounds Mix?
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When different compounds are put together, they can have a chemical reaction. This means they change. Sometimes, the compounds join to make one new compound. Other times, they might change into several different new compounds.
Who Studies Chemical Compounds?
Chemists are people who study compounds. They learn how compounds work and find new ways to make them react. They create chemicals to solve problems or invent new things. For example, chemists might make better glues, new medicines, or products to help us clean things. They also use compounds to understand the basic rules of chemistry.
Are All Chemicals Dangerous?
Some people think the word 'chemical' means something dangerous. It is true that many chemical compounds can be harmful. But they are safe if they are used correctly. We use chemicals every day in our lives. All these chemicals are tested to make sure they are safe for us.
Most dangerous chemicals are only used by scientists. These scientists have special training on how to handle them safely. Some chemicals can be poisonous, or they might eat away at things. Others can be explosive, catch fire easily, or react strongly with other substances.
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People who work in factories might be around chemicals. If these chemicals are dangerous, workers must take special steps to stay safe. They sometimes wear special clothes to protect their bodies from harm.
See also
In Spanish: Compuesto químico para niños
