This page discusses Antoine Lavoisier's contributions to chemistry, particularly his study of decomposition reactions, where compounds break down into simpler substances, often requiring energy. Examp...This page discusses Antoine Lavoisier's contributions to chemistry, particularly his study of decomposition reactions, where compounds break down into simpler substances, often requiring energy. Examples include the decomposition of mercuric oxide into mercury and oxygen and calcium carbonate into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide, along with reactions involving metal hydroxides and unstable acids.
A chemical formula is a format used to express the structure of atoms. The formula tells which elements and how many of each element are present in a compound. Formulas are written using the elemental...A chemical formula is a format used to express the structure of atoms. The formula tells which elements and how many of each element are present in a compound. Formulas are written using the elemental symbol of each atom and a subscript to denote the number of elements. This notation can be accredited to Swedish chemist Jons Jakob Berzeliu. The most common elements present in organic compounds are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.