Science Exam Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts in chemistry, focusing on the properties of matter, bonding, reactions, and elements essential for understanding basic scientific principles.

What are the three states of matter?

Solid, Liquid, Gas

In which state of matter are particles tightly packed?

Solid

What property of solids is fixed?

Shape and Volume

What happens to particles during melting?

They gain kinetic energy, vibrate faster, and move further apart to become a liquid.

What is the key characteristic of gases regarding shape and volume?

They take the shape and volume of their container.

What is evaporation?

The process where liquid changes to gas at all temperatures, occurring at the surface.

What is boiling?

The rapid vaporization of a liquid that occurs at the boiling point.

What is a solvent?

The liquid in which a solute is dissolved to make a solution.

Define 'solute'.

The substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.

What is crystallization?

The process in which crystals form from a saturated solution as it cools.

What are isotopes?

Different atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

What is ionic bonding?

The transfer of electrons from metal to non-metal, forming strong electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions.

What is a covalent bond?

A bond formed when a pair of electrons is shared between two non-metals.

What is the definition of equilibrium?

A reversible reaction in which the rate of forward reaction equals the rate of backward reaction, and amounts of all substances remain constant.

What is an exothermic reaction?

A reaction that releases energy, causing the reaction mixture to become hot.

What is an endothermic reaction?

A reaction that absorbs energy, resulting in a cold reaction mixture.

Define empirical formula.

The simplest whole number mole ratio of the different elements in a compound.

What is the purpose of catalytic converters in cars?

To convert toxic gases from engine exhaust into less harmful emissions.

What is the reactivity series?

A list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity.

What phenomenon occurs during rusting?

Iron reacts with oxygen and water to form hydrated iron (III) oxide.

What does photosynthesis produce?

Glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water, using energy from sunlight.

What is a polymer?

A large molecule made by joining many smaller molecules called monomers.

Define 'fuel'.

Any substance that provides energy.

What is the primary component of the air we breathe?

Nitrogen (78%), followed by Oxygen (21%).