properties of matter 2 vocab

Compressibility

Ease at which the particles of a substance are compacted close together

Thermal expansion

When particles break free from CF; where heated objects tend to expand

Thermal contraction

When an object gets cold, it tends to shrink (opposite of expansion)

Proximity

Closeness

Thermal conductor

Particles are close together — transfers heat

Thermal insulator

Material that reduces transfer of heat between objects

Electrical conductor

A material allows electricity to flow through it

Electrical insulator

Resists flow of electrical energy

Combustion

Reaction that produces heat and light

Flammability

The ease at which a substance interacts with fire

Inflammable

object can catch fire (same as flammable)

Reactivity

How easily a substance reacts with a specific separate substance

Oxidation state

Common charge that an atom of a specific element takes on

Radioactivity

The spontaneous emission of radiation as an unstable nucleus breaks down

Radiation

Energy of subatomic particles given off by radioactive material

Half-life

As radioactive isotopes break down, they eventually become stable.

Kinetic energy

Energy of motion

Isotope

Some numbers of p+ and different numbers of like atoms