Chapter 1: Matter, Measurement, and Problem Solving

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1 on matter, measurement, and problem solving.

Matter

Anything that occupies space (volume) and has mass.

Atom

The smallest particle of an element that retains its unique chemical characteristics.

Molecule

A collection of atoms chemically bonded together, in fixed proportions and arrangement.

Chemistry

The science that seeks to understand the behavior of matter by studying the behavior of atoms and molecules.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation for a set of observations.

Scientific Law

A statement that summarizes past observations and predicts future ones.

Scientific Theory

A general explanation of widely observed phenomena that has been extensively tested.

Pure Substance

Matter that has a uniform and definite composition.

Mixture

Two or more substances physically combined that retain their individual properties.

Homogeneous Mixture

A uniform composition throughout.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A non-uniform composition.

Crystalline Solid

A solid with atoms or molecules arranged in a long-range, repeating order.

Amorphous Solid

A solid with no long-range, repeating order of its atoms or molecules.

Physical Properties

Characteristics that can be observed without changing the substance.

Chemical Properties

The tendency of a substance to undergo chemical changes.

Kinetic Energy

Energy associated with motion.

Potential Energy

Energy associated with position or composition.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

SI Base Units

Standardized units used in scientific measurements.

Significant Figures

Digits in a number that contribute to its precision.

Dimensional Analysis

A method used to convert units using conversion factors.