Chemistry Problem Solving: Units, Formulas, and Significant Figures

Chemistry

The study of matter and its interactions.

Phases of Matter

Matter is classified into three primary phases: solid, liquid, and gas.

Solid

A phase of matter with a fixed shape and volume.

Liquid

A phase of matter with a fixed volume that takes the shape of its container.

Gas

A phase of matter with neither fixed shape nor volume.

Pure Substance

A material that consists of only one type of particle, either an element or a compound.

Physical Properties

Characteristics that can be observed without changing the substance's identity.

Chemical Properties

Characteristics that describe a substance's ability to undergo chemical changes.

Measurement Uncertainty

The doubt that exists about the result of any measurement.

Accuracy

How close a measurement is to the true value.

Precision

The reproducibility of measurements.

Significant Figures

Digits in a number that contribute to its precision, including all known digits plus one estimated digit.

Dimensional Analysis

A mathematical technique used to convert units and ensure that equations are dimensionally consistent.

Factor-Label Method

An organized method used for unit conversions.

Scientific Notation

A way to express very large or very small numbers using powers of 10.

Density Formula

Expressed as d = m/V, where d is density, m is mass, and V is volume.