Chemistry 1: SI Units, Scientific Notation, Prefix Multipliers, and Density

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes.

SI units (International System of Units)

Global standard system of measurement used in science; enables consistent communication (meter, kilogram, liter, second, etc.).

Meter (m)

SI base unit of length for measuring distance.

Kilogram (kg)

SI base unit of mass; 1 kg = 1000 g.

Gram (g)

Unit of mass; 1 g = 0.001 kg.

Liter (L)

Unit of volume; 1 L = 1000 mL; 1 L = 1 dm^3.

Cubic centimeter (cc)

Volume unit equal to 1 mL; 1 cm^3 = 1 mL.

Milliliter (mL)

Volume unit; 1 mL = 1 cm^3; 0.001 L.

Prefix multipliers

Set of SI prefixes that scale units by powers of ten (e.g., kilo, centi, milli, micro, nano, mega, giga).

Kilo-

Prefix meaning 10^3; 1 kilometer = 1000 meters.

Deci-

Prefix meaning 10^-1 (0.1); used in decimeters, deciliters.

Centi-

Prefix meaning 10^-2 (0.01); used in centimeters, centiliters.

Milli-

Prefix meaning 10^-3 (0.001); used in milliliters, millimeters.

Micro-

Prefix meaning 10^-6; used in micrometers, microliters.

Nano-

Prefix meaning 10^-9; used in nanometers, nanoliters.

Mega-

Prefix meaning 10^6 (one million).

Giga-

Prefix meaning 10^9 (one billion).

Tera-

Prefix meaning 10^12 (one trillion).

Scientific notation

Expressing numbers as a × 10^n; moves decimal to show large or small values; example 2.7 × 10^3 = 2700.

Standard notation

Conventional decimal form without an exponent.

Dimensional analysis

Method to convert units using conversion factors; cancel units to reach the desired unit.

Observation

Qualitative description of phenomena gathered by senses.

Hypothesis

Tentative or speculative explanation for an observation that can be tested.

Scientific method

Systematic process of acquiring knowledge through observation and experiment.

Scientific law

Concise statement describing observations that allows predictions but does not explain why.

Scientific theory

Well supported explanation of why phenomena occur; explains the mechanism behind observations.

Derived units

Units formed by combining base units, such as speed (distance per time) or density (mass per volume).

Density

Mass per unit volume; common units include g/mL or g/cm^3; an intensive property.

Intensive property

Property that does not depend on amount (e.g., temperature, boiling point, density).

Extensive property

Property that depends on the amount (e.g., mass, volume).

Archimedes' principle

A submerged object displaces a volume of water equal to its own volume; used to find volume.

Inorganic chemistry

Chemistry focused on nonliving matter; general chemistry, often studied in early courses.

Organic chemistry

Chemistry focused on carbon containing compounds and living systems; usually studied after inorganic.

Biochemistry

Chemistry of living systems; carbon-based chemistry with biological context.