Chemistry Fundamentals from Zero

A complete beginner path taking you from matter and measurement through bonding, stoichiometry, and equilibrium with no prerequisites.

Intended learner

Absolute beginners with high-school mathematics; no prior chemistry required.

Prerequisites

• No prerequisites — suitable for beginners.

Outcomes

• Explain matter, units, and measurement uncertainty
• Describe atomic structure and periodicity
• Apply stoichiometry and gas laws
• Relate bonding to properties
• Summarize equilibrium and acid–base basics

Ordered modules

1. Foundations

Matter, measurement, units

• what is chemistry
• scientific method
• si units
• significant figures
• dimensional analysis

2. Atomic Structure

Atoms, orbitals, configurations

• atomic models
• protons neutrons electrons
• isotopes
• average atomic mass
• orbitals quantum numbers
• electron configuration orbital diagrams

3. Periodicity & Bonding

Trends and bonding

• periodic table organization
• periodic trends overview
• why bonds form
• ionic covalent metallic bonding
• lewis symbols structures
• vsepr molecular shapes
• intermolecular forces hydrogen bonding

4. Quantitative Chemistry

Formulas, equations, mole

• reading formulas
• naming ionic compounds
• balancing equations
• mole avogadro
• molar mass
• grams moles particles
• mole ratios stoichiometry
• limiting excess reactants
• theoretical actual percent yield

5. States & Solutions

Gases, phases, solutions

• pressure units
• ideal gas law
• partial pressures
• heating curves phase diagrams
• solutes solvents solutions solubility electrolytes
• molarity
• preparation dilution

6. Energy & Equilibrium

Thermo, kinetics, equilibrium, acids

• calorimetry
• enthalpy hess formation
• entropy gibbs energy
• reaction rate collision theory
• dynamic equilibrium kc kp q
• ph poh
• buffers henderson hasselbalch

Estimated time

~28 hours. Progress is stored locally; completion is self-reported.

Completion rules

Complete lessons in order; each module requires passing its check. Progress stored locally. No certificate — completion is self-reported.

Related topics

• chemistry-foundations
• atomic-structure
• periodic-table-trends
• chemical-bonding
• molecular-geometry-forces
• chemical-names-formulas
• chemical-reactions-equations
• mole-stoichiometry
• gases-gas-laws
• solutions-concentration
• thermochemistry-thermodynamics

Review

• Last reviewed: 2026-08-21
• Review due: 2027-08-21
• Author: Chemistry Fundamentals Editorial Team
• Reviewer: Dr. Example Reviewer (PhD Chemistry — placeholder reviewer)
• Sources: NIST 2022-CODATA via nist-2022.

Curriculum note

Frameworks are stored separately in src/content/curriculum/ with framework name, version/year, standard ID, and source URL. No official affiliation is implied.