Chemistry Introduction and The Scientific Method

These flashcards cover the fundamental concepts of chemistry, the scientific method, classification of matter, and physical and chemical changes based on the lecture notes.

Chemistry

The study of the composition of matter and the changes it undergoes.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Alchemy

The process of transforming one type of matter into another, often involving converting common metals into gold or finding elixirs to prolong life ($400BC$ - $1600AD$).

Robert Boyle

Known as the father of chemistry and the scientist most attributed to pioneering the Scientific method.

Scientific Method

A way of learning that emphasizes observation and experimentation to produce knowledge as the result of the senses.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for an observation, often expressed as an "if-then statement".

Quantitative Data

Experimental results that contain numerical values and quantities.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive information obtained from experiments that contains no numbers.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed or altered during an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is observed or measured in an experiment.

Law

A statement that summarizes the results of a large number of experiments.

Theory

A unifying principle to explain a body of facts that is not contradicted by known experiments and can predict unknown results.

Science

The experimental investigation and explanation of natural phenomena.

Technology

The application of scientific knowledge to practical applications.

Pure Substance

Matter that does not have a variable composition and cannot be divided into simpler components by physical means.

Mixture

A combination of two or more different particles that do not react with one another.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture with a uniform composition throughout, such as salt water or steel.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture with a nonuniform composition throughout, such as lake water, soda, or a lava lamp.

Element

A pure substance made of one type of atom that maintains its properties and is not dividable.

Compound

A substance made from atoms of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded.

Atoms

The smallest units of an element that maintain the properties of that element.

Molecules

Substances made from two or more atoms chemically bonded together.

Chemical Formulas

Symbols that show the number and type of atoms in a molecule and the relative ratio of atoms in a compound.

Plasma

A state of matter consisting of a high temperature gas in which atoms lose most of their electrons.

Physical Properties

Characteristics that can be observed without changing the substance's composition, such as state of matter, boiling point, color, or luster.

Chemical Properties

The ability of a substance to undergo specific interactions or changes, such as the ability to rust, corrode, or combust.

Physical Change

A change in a substance that does not involve a change in the identity of the substance, such as tearing paper or boiling water.

Chemical Change

A process in which one or more substances are converted into different substances, such as burning wood or baking a cake.

Reactants

The original substances that react or are consumed in a chemical change.

Products

The new substances that are formed as a result of a chemical change.

Sublimation

A phase change where a substance moves directly from a solid state to a gas state.

Deposition

A phase change where a substance moves directly from a gas state to a solid state.

Precipitate

A solid that settles out of a liquid mixture during a chemical reaction.

Law of Conservation of Mass

A principle stating that during a chemical reaction, the mass of the reactants always equals the mass of the products.

Organic Chemistry

The study of all chemicals that contain Carbon.

Inorganic Chemistry

The study of all chemicals that do not contain carbon.

Biochemistry

The study of chemical processes that take place in living organisms.

Analytical Chemistry

The area of chemistry that focuses on the composition of matter.

Physical Chemistry

The area of chemistry dealing with the mechanism, rate, and energy transfer that occurs when matter undergoes a change.