Structure 1.1 - Introduction to the Particulate Nature of Matter

Element

A substance made from one kind of atom.

Compound

A substance made from two or more elements chemically combined.

Mixture

A combination of elements and compounds that are not chemically combined.

Fixed Ratios

Proportions in which atoms combine to create compounds, often resulting in full outer electron shells.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture with a uniform composition and properties throughout.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture with a non-uniform composition, where separate components can often be seen.

Filtration

A technique used to separate an undissolved solid from a liquid in a mixture.

Centrifugation

A separation technique that uses centrifugal force to separate components of different densities.

Crystallization

A process used to separate a dissolved solid from a solution as it cools.

Recrystallization

A method for purifying impure solids by dissolving them in a hot solvent.

Simple Distillation

A method used to separate a liquid from a solution based on boiling points.

Fractional Distillation

A more complex form of distillation used to separate mixtures of liquids with close boiling points.

Paper Chromatography

A technique for separating substances based on their solubilities in a solvent.

Kinetic Molecular Theory

The theory that explains the behavior of gases in terms of particles in constant motion.

Solid

A state of matter with a fixed volume and shape, characterized by tightly packed particles.

Liquid

A state of matter with a fixed volume but adaptable shape, where particles slide past each other.

Gas

A state of matter without fixed volume or shape, with particles moving randomly and rapidly.

Evaporation

The process of a liquid turning into a gas at temperatures below its boiling point.

Boiling

The rapid change of a liquid into vapor at a specific temperature when vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure.

Saturated Solution

A solution in which no more solute can dissolve at a given temperature.

Temperature (K)

The absolute temperature measurement in Kelvin, directly related to the kinetic energy of particles.

Absolute Zero

The lowest possible temperature, 0 K, where particles possess no kinetic energy.

Solubility

The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent.

Boiling Point

The temperature at which a liquid's vapor pressure equals the external pressure, causing it to boil.

Chemical Reaction

A process in which substances (reactants) undergo a change to form new substances (products).

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that retains its identity in a chemical reaction.

Energy Change

A variation in energy that occurs during chemical reactions or state changes.

Adsorption

The process by which atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid adhere to a surface.

Magnetism

The physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charge, resulting in attractive and repulsive forces.