Section 1: Foundation

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We begin as a starting point with the atomic molecular theory. We thus assume that most of the common elements have been identified, and that each element is characterized as consisting of identical, indestructible atoms. We also assume that the atomic weights of the elements are all known, and that, as a consequence, it is possible via mass composition measurements to determine the molecular formula for any compound of interest. In addition, we will assume that it has been shown by electrochemical experiments that atoms contain equal numbers of positively and negatively charged particles, called protons and electrons respectively. Finally, we assume an understanding of the Periodic Table. In particular, we assume that the elements can be grouped according to their common chemical and physical properties, and that these chemical and physical properties are periodic functions of the atomic number.