Science Mixtures Test Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to matter, elements, compounds, mixtures, solutions, and separation techniques.

Atom

The building block of all matter.

Molecule

One or more atom chemically bonded together.

Element

A substance of the same type of atom.

Compound

Two or more elements chemically bonded.

Mixture

A mix of two or more elements or compounds that are not all chemically bonded.

Solvent

A substance in which the solute dissolves in.

Solute

A substance that is dissolved in a solvent.

Solution

A solute that has dissolved in a solvent.

Sediment

The solid layer that was not able to dissolve in the solvent and sinks to the bottom.

Suspension

A substance that has not dissolved in the solute but is temporarily floating.

Soluble

Means that the solute is dissolved and is able to dissolve inside a solvent.

Insoluble

Means that a substance is not able to dissolve in the liquid making it insoluble.

Homogeneous Mixture (Solution)

A mixture created by soluble substances where the composition is the same throughout and you cannot see the individual particles.

Heterogeneous Mixture (Suspension or Colloid)

A mixture created by insoluble substances where you can see separate parts and the particles do not blend evenly.

Dilute

Means that there is a low amount of solute or a low ratio.

Concentrated

Means that there is a high amount of solute or a high ratio.

Filtration

A mechanical or physical process used to separate an insoluble solid from a liquid or gas by passing the mixture through a porous material.

Filtrate

The fluid that successfully passes through the barrier during filtration.

Residue

The solid particles left trapped behind during filtration.

Sieving

A technique used when trying to make powders finer, remove small particles from larger particles, and to test the quality of some products that are powders.

Distillation

When you heat a liquid so it evaporates then quickly freezing it so it turns back into the liquid which purifies it.

Centrifuging

Using a machine that spins a mixture around at a high speed, separating the mixture into the denser heavier part at the bottom and the lighter part of the liquid at the top.

Decanting

Pouring a liquid gently so that the sediment does not flow out with the liquid.

Chromatography

Separating different fluids by their speed.

Crystallization

The natural or controlled process where atoms, ions, or molecules arrange themselves in an orderly, repeating pattern to form a rigid crystal lattice.