Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Chemistry” ESL Discussion Questions

1. What is an element and why is it important to understand elements in chemistry?
2. How many electrons are there in an atom?
3. What is the name of the liquid that boils at room temperature?
4. What is an isotope?
5. How are atoms arranged in molecules?
6. What is a chemical bond?
7. What is energy?
8. How do you describe the state of matter of an element in the periodic table?
9. Can you tell me about the chemical reactions that occur when you burn a candle?
10. What does a chemical reaction involve?
11. How do atoms bond together to form molecules?
12. How are mixtures different from solutions?
13. What is matter?
14. What is the law of conservation of matter?
15. What is the difference between a solution and a mixture?
16. What is the pH of water?
17. How do you measure the mass of an object?
18. What is the periodic table of elements?
19. What is an atom?
20. What are some of the things you should do to protect yourself from chemical exposure?
21. How do you measure the temperature of something?
22. What is the best way to dispose of hazardous waste?
23. How many elements are there on the periodic table?
24. What are matter and energy?
25. Why does water have a boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius and not 50 degrees Celsius?
26. How can we protect ourselves from harmful chemicals?
27. How do you describe the physical and chemical properties of an element in the periodic table?
28. What are the three states of matter?
29. What is the difference between an element and a compound?
30. Why do atoms want to bond with each other?
31. What are ionic bonds? Covalent bonds? Metallic bonds?
32. What is a molecule?
33. What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?
34. How can you determine how many atoms are in a molecule?
35. What are atoms made up of?
36. How do you describe the position of an element in the periodic table?