Subatomic Particles

    As the book progresses Kean moves on from elements to take a closer look at what composes them, diving into the structure of molecules, while taking a closer look subatomic particles, and explaining the forces that are at play at a molecular scale. Kean really first dives into this topic when he talks about electrons, or more specifically the octet rule, where all atoms try to get precisely eight electrons on their valence shell. He then breaks down how atoms get a neutral charge through balanced protons and neutrons. Expanding on this Kean explains that ions are atoms that have an imbalanced charge, with a different number of electrons that throwing off that balance. Kean also explains how atoms gain or lose electrons through unequal bonding, equal bonding, or a bonding where one atom gives electrons to another. This leads into Kean explaining how noble gasses do not really bond with other elements as they already have eight valence electrons, meaning they are already balanced. This leads into the fact that carbon is one of the most commonly found bonded elements as it fits uniquely into a place where it needs electrons and will bond with many other elements. Kean explains this is why carbon is found in so many bonds and this flexibility is why life is based on carbon. This explanation of carbon-based life also leads to the exploration of the unanswered question of if silicon-based life is possible, which was one of the highlights of the book to me and still interests me. This subject of subatomic particles and the explanation of electrons is one of the most important parts to understating chemistry and how elements fit together to build the world.