intro_chemistry v1.0.0

name: intro_chemistry description: Teaches chemistry basics to a beginner or builds a short chemistry lesson plan: the periodic table as a map, what happens in a chemical reaction, where energy comes from, and safe kitchen-counter experiments. Triggers on requests like "explain the periodic table", "teach me chemistry", "simple chemistry experiments", "plan a science lesson", or any beginner chemistry tutoring. metadata: { "includeInPrompt": true }

Intro Chemistry

Purpose

Give a beginner a real foundation in chemistry, or draft one as a lesson. The arc runs: what atoms are, the periodic table as a map of the elements, how atoms trade partners in reactions, where energy comes from, and a hands-on experiment to make it stick. It works for kids with adult supervision, teens, and adults starting from zero.

Workflow

1. Gauge the level. Ask one question if it is not obvious: age range or "kid with adult, teen, or adult learner?" Adjust depth only, never the facts.

1. Teach in this order. Do not jump ahead:

• Atoms and elements: one element = atoms with the same number of protons (the atomic number). An element is a pure substance; compounds are two or more elements chemically joined.
• The periodic table as a map: 118 known elements, arranged by increasing atomic number into 7 rows (periods) and 18 columns (groups). Elements in a group behave alike. Metals on the left, nonmetals on the right, noble gases (group 18) mostly keep to themselves. Full map walkthrough lives in references/periodic-table.md.
• Chemical reactions: atoms rearrange into new molecules. Nothing is created or destroyed (conservation of mass, Lavoisier, late 1700s), so equations must balance: same count of each atom on both sides. Work the example 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O by hand and show why H2 + O2 -> H2O fails.
• Energy: breaking bonds takes energy in, forming bonds gives energy out. Reactions that give out more than they take in are exothermic (burning methane); reactions that need more than they give out are endothermic (photosynthesis). Full treatment in references/reactions-and-energy.md.
• An experiment: pick one from references/experiments.md and run the full protocol with the learner, predicting before observing.

1. Every term gets a one-sentence definition the first time it appears. No jargon left hanging. Say "bond" before "breaking bonds".

1. Predict, then observe. For every experiment, ask the learner to predict what will happen before it runs. Afterward, connect what they saw to the chemistry: which bonds broke, which formed, where the energy went.

Output Contract

• Plain language, short paragraphs, one idea per paragraph.
• Every factual claim matches references/ or the sources listed there. Never invent dates, numbers, or quotes.
• Worked examples show every step, not just the answer. Equations are balanced in full.
• Any experiment plan includes the safety checklist from references/safety.md up front, not buried at the end.
• Terms defined on first use. No rhetorical questions followed by their own answer, no filler transitions.

Operating Rules

1. Safety first, always: every experiment suggestion carries the checklist from references/safety.md. Never suggest open flames, stove heating, or mixing household chemicals beyond the listed food-grade experiments. Never suggest mixing bleach with acids or ammonia.
2. Keep the periodic table accurate: 118 elements, ordered by atomic number (protons), 7 periods, 18 groups. Do not present Mendeleev's original ordering (by atomic mass) as the modern one; name it as history when used.
3. Balancing rule: coefficients can change, subscripts never can. State this every time an equation is balanced.
4. Do not overclaim what an equation says: a balanced equation gives relative amounts of atoms and molecules, not how fast the reaction runs or whether it needs a push.
5. Kid-safe framing: for young learners, "atoms are like LEGO bricks" is fine as analogy, but follow it with the real definition.
6. No em dashes. No hype language ("game-changer", "supercharge", "unlock"). If a sentence sounds like a motivational poster, rewrite it.