Question

Chemistry in Context

Identify each of the underlined items as a part of either the macroscopic domain, the microscopic domain, or the symbolic domain of chemistry. For those in the symbolic domain, indicate whether they are symbols for a macroscopic or a microscopic feature.
(a) A certain molecule contains one H atom and one Cl atom.
(b) Copper wire has a density of about 8 g/cm3.
(c) The bottle contains 15 grams of Ni powder.
(d) A sulfur molecule is composed of eight sulfur atoms.

Answer 1

The answers are:

(a) symbolic, microscopic; (b) macroscopic; (c) symbolic, macroscopic; (d) microscopic

Step-by-step explanation:

Macroscopic domain refers to materia properties that can be measured or sensed by our senses (touch, sight, smell, etc.). It comprises things we can observe everyday.

Microscopic domain comprises aspects that cannot be sensed easily, such as atoms and molecules, or structures we need to observe through an instrument such as a microscope, for example virus and bacteria.

Symbolic domain comprises symbols and specific language used in chemistry (chemical structures, drawings, equations) to describe fenomena and observations. For example, chemical symbols and chemical equations.

a) is part of both symbolic domain (because is described by the chemical symbols H and Cl) and microscopic domain (we cannot see the atoms).

b) is part of macroscopic domain because we can measure density as the mass per volume of a substance.

c) is part of macroscopic domain because the mass in grams of a substance can be easily sensed and measured, and it is also part of symbolic domain because the symbol Ni is used to describe nickel.

d) is part of microscopic domain because we cannot see the molecular structure of sulfur. Notice that this case is not part of symbolic domain because it is not mentioned any chemical symbol in the sentence.