Scientific Measurements and Inorganic Chemistry

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to scientific measurements and basic concepts in inorganic chemistry.

Qualitative Measurements

Descriptive measurements that do not involve numbers (e.g., rough, heavy).

Quantitative Measurements

Measurements that involve numbers and units (e.g., 5 kg, 90°C).

International System of Units (SI)

A standardized system of measurement used in science, featuring units like meters (m), kilograms (kg), and Kelvin (K).

Error

The difference between accepted and experimental values in measurements.

Uncertainty

The degree of inexactness associated with measurements.

Accuracy

How close a measurement is to the true value.

Precision

The reproducibility of repeated measurements.

Vernier Calipers

A tool used for precise length measurements, combining a main scale and a vernier scale.

Micrometers

Instruments offering higher accuracy for measuring lengths than vernier calipers, using main scale and rotating scale readings.

Volume

The amount of three-dimensional space occupied by a substance, commonly measured in cubic meters (m³) and liters (L).

Meniscus

The curved surface of a liquid in a container, where measurements are taken at the bottom.

Density

Mass per unit volume, typically expressed in g/cm³ for solids and g/mL for liquids.

Specific Gravity

The ratio of a substance's density to that of water.

Celsius Scale

A temperature scale where 0°C is the freezing point of water and 100°C is its boiling point.

Thermometers

Devices used to measure temperature, including types like liquid-in-glass and digital thermometers.

Significant Figures

Digits in a measurement that contribute to its accuracy, starting from the first non-zero digit.

Atoms

The smallest particles of elements, made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.

Molar Mass

The mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol).

Dilution

The process of reducing the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent.

Solvent

The medium in which the solute dissolves, usually present in a larger quantity.

Solute

The substance that is dissolved in the solvent.

Pycnometer

An instrument used specifically for measuring the density or specific gravity of liquids.