An Introduction to Chemistry: States and Classification of Matter

Vocabulary flashcards covering the nature of chemistry, physical states of matter, and the classification and separation of pure substances and mixtures.

Chemistry

The science of matter, dealing with the composition, structure, properties, reactions, and energetics of matter.

Matter

Any object that has mass and occupies space.

Atom

A discrete, tiny fundamental particle that composes all matter on the microscopic level.

Scanning Tunneling Microscope

An instrument capable of viewing and configuring individual atoms into specific arrangements.

Solid

A physical state of matter characterized by a definite shape and volume that can be independent of its container.

Crystalline Solids

The most common solids, characterized by regular, repeating three-dimensional geometric patterns and rigidly held particles.

Amorphous Solids

Solids, such as plastics, glass, and gels, that lack regular, internal geometric patterns; the name means "without shape or form."

Liquid

A physical state of matter that has a definite volume but no definite shape, whose fluid particles are held by strong attractive forces but remain free to slide over one another.

Gas

A physical state of matter that has an indefinite volume and no fixed shape, consisting of particles that move independently and are relatively far apart.

Attractive Forces (in Matter)

Forces that hold particles together and give matter the appearance of continuity; they are strongest in solids, intermediate in liquids, and weakest in gases.

Pure Substance

A category of matter that possesses a definite, fixed composition and consists of either an element or a compound.

Mixture

A combination of two or more pure substances in variable proportions, which can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture that is uniform in appearance and exhibits the same composition and properties throughout; also referred to as a solution.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture that consists of two or more physically distinct phases and has a composition that varies depending on where a sample is taken.

Phase

A homogeneous part of a system separated from other parts by a physical boundary.

Alloy

A solid homogeneous mixture of metals, such as brass or bronze.

Physical Separation Methods

Techniques—such as boiling, filtration, floatation, and magnetism—used to separate the components of a mixture without altering their individual identities.

Filtration

A common physical separation method used to separate the components of a heterogeneous mixture consisting of a solid in a liquid.