Chemistry Regents Review - Topic 1: Matter

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers states of matter, physical and chemical changes/properties, classification of matter, separation techniques, and significant figure rules based on the Chemistry Regents Review notes.

Solid

A state of matter characterized by a definite shape, a definite volume, vibrating particle movement, and strong intermolecular forces (IMFs).

Liquid

A state of matter characterized by an indefinite shape, a definite volume, flowing particle movement, and moderate intermolecular forces (IMFs).

Gas

A state of matter characterized by an indefinite shape, an indefinite volume, movement in straight random directions, and weak intermolecular forces (IMFs).

Chemical Change

A transformation that involves breaking bonds, rearranging atoms, and forming new bonds and a new substance (e.g., $H_{2} + I_{2} \rightarrow HI$).

Physical Change

A transformation that only changes the form of a substance, such as melting.

Physical Properties

Characteristics such as color, density, boiling point, mass, melting point, and volume.

Chemical Properties

Characteristics such as toxicity, flammability, stability, and heat of combustion.

Pure Substance

A category of matter that includes elements and compounds.

Element

A pure substance composed of ONE type of atom, such as $Fe_{(s)}$, $H_{2(g)}$, or $Ar_{(g)}$.

Compound

A substance composed of two or more different elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio, such as $C_{12}H_{22}O_{11(s)}$, $NaCl_{(s)}$, or $CO_{2(g)}$.

Mixture

Two or more pure substances physically combined in a variable ratio, such as $KCl_{(aq)}$ or Air.

Diatomic

Refers to elements that are present only as an element with two atoms.

HOF BrINCl

The acronym used to identify the diatomic elements.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture with a uniform composition that looks like one substance.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture with an uneven distribution where multiple substances can be seen.

Filtration

A separation technique that separates mixtures (like sandy water) by particle size.

Evaporation

A separation technique that separates mixtures (like salt water) by boiling point.

Distillation

A separation technique that separates mixtures (like petroleum) by boiling point.

Significant Figure Rule: Addition and Subtraction

Round the result to the lowest shared decimal place (e.g., $1.50 + 2.2 = 3.7$).

Significant Figure Rule: Multiplication and Division

Round the result to the same number of sig figs as the value with the lowest number of sig figs (e.g., $3.60 \times 12.50 = 45.0$).