Regents Chemistry Study Pack

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering major Regents Chemistry topics including atomic structure, bonding, matter, reactions, solutions, and organic chemistry.

Protons

$$(+, 1\,amu)$$

Neutrons

$$(0, 1\,amu)$$

Electrons

$$(-, \sim 0\,amu)$$

Atomic number

The number of protons in an atom

Mass number

The sum of protons + neutrons

Isotopes

Atoms with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons

Cations

Ions formed when an atom loses electrons

Anions

Ions formed when an atom gains electrons

Electron configuration

The distribution of electrons in an atom, which can be in ground vs excited state

Periodic trends (Across a period)

Atomic radius $\downarrow$, electronegativity $\uparrow$, and ionization energy $\uparrow$

Periodic trends (Down a group)

Atomic radius $\uparrow$, electronegativity $\downarrow$, and metallic character $\uparrow$

Group 1

Alkali metals

Group 2

Alkaline earth metals

Group 17

Halogens

Group 18

Noble gases

Transition metals

Elements that form colored ions

Ionic bonds

Bonding between a metal + nonmetal involving electron transfer

Covalent bonds

Bonding between a nonmetal + nonmetal involving electron sharing

Metallic bonds

Bonding characterized by a mobile "sea" of electrons

Nonpolar molecules

Molecules with equal sharing of electrons and symmetrical structures

Polar molecules

Molecules with unequal sharing of electrons and asymmetrical structures

London dispersion

The weakest type of intermolecular force

Hydrogen bonding

Intermolecular force occurring between H and F, O, or N

Endothermic phase changes

Melting, vaporization, and sublimation

Exothermic phase changes

Freezing, condensation, and deposition

Heating curve: Sloped lines

Represent a temperature change

Heating curve: Flat lines

Represent a phase change

q = mc\Delta T

Formula used to calculate energy during a temperature change

q = mH_f

Formula used to calculate energy during melting or freezing (heat of fusion)

q = mH_v

Formula used to calculate energy during vaporization or condensation (heat of vaporization)

Oxidation

The loss of electrons

Reduction

The gain of electrons

Oxidizing agent

The substance that is reduced in a redox reaction

Reducing agent

The substance that is oxidized in a redox reaction

Electrolytes

Ionic compounds dissolved in water

Molarity

Concentration expressed as $M = mol/dm^3$

Solubility of solids

Increases with temperature

Solubility of gases

Decreases with temperature and increases with pressure

Colligative properties (Solute effect)

More solute leads to a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point

Acids

Substances with a $pH < 7$ that donate $H^+$

Bases

Substances with a $pH > 7$ that donate $OH^-$

Neutralization

acid + base $\rightarrow$ salt + water

pH scale step

Each unit change on the scale equals a $\times 10$ change in $H^+$ concentration

Equilibrium

A state where the forward reaction rate = reverse reaction rate

Le Chatelier’s Principle

A system at equilibrium shifts to counteract stress

Alkanes

Hydrocarbons containing only single bonds

Alkenes

Hydrocarbons containing double bonds

Alkynes

Hydrocarbons containing triple bonds

Alcohol group

$$-OH$$

Organic acid group

$$-COOH$$

Ester group

$$-COO-$$

Amine group

$$-NH_2$$

Amide group

$$-CONH_2$$

Alpha decay

Decay by emitting an $^4\text{He}$ nucleus

Beta decay

Decay by emitting an electron

Gamma radiation

High-energy radiation emitted during nuclear decay

Half-life

The time required for half of a sample to decay

Fission

The splitting of heavy nuclei

Fusion

The combining of light nuclei

Table T

Reference table used for formulas

Table S

Reference table used for periodic trends

Table J

Reference table used for redox activity

Table F

Reference table used for solubility rules

Table G

Reference table used for solubility curves