Grade 10 Science: Classification of Matter, Kinetic Theory, and Chemical Formulae

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering kinetic theory of matter, states of matter, chemical formulae nomenclature, classifications of matter, and physical/electrical/magnetic properties.

Kinetic Theory of Matter

The theory stating that all matter is made of tiny particles with spaces between them, particles are constantly moving and lose no kinetic energy in collisions, temperature measures the particles' average kinetic energy, and attractive forces become stronger as particles move closer.

Diffusion

The movement of atoms or molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration, which occurs faster at higher temperatures.

Brownian motion

The random movement of microscopic particles suspended in a gas or liquid caused by continuous collisions with unseen, rapidly moving particles of the surrounding fluid.

Sublimation

The phase change directly from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid state.

Deposition

The phase change directly from a gas to a solid without passing through the liquid state.

Solid

A state of matter characterized by a fixed volume, fixed shape, particles packed close together in fixed positions in a set pattern, strong attractive forces, and particles that vibrate about fixed positions.

Liquid

A state of matter characterized by a definite volume, variable shape that takes the shape of the container, particles touching in a random pattern with medium forces, and particles that slide past each other switching places.

Gas

A state of matter with no definite shape or volume that expands to fill its container, where particles are far apart, have very weak forces, and move fast and free on their own.

Melting point

The temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid.

Boiling point

The temperature of a liquid at which its vapour pressure equals the external (atmospheric) pressure.

Law of conservation of matter

A scientific law stating that matter cannot be created or destroyed, merely transferred from one substance to another.

Monatomic ion

An ion composed of one single element only, whose electrical charge can be determined using the periodic table.

Polyatomic ion

A group of atoms bonded together that collectively carry an overall electrical charge.

Chemical equation

A symbolic representation of the chemical changes that occur during a reaction, showing reactants forming products with balanced atoms and indicated phases.

Aqueous solution $(aq)$

A phase subscript designating that a compound is dissolved in water.

Caustic soda

The common household or commercial name for sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$).

Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)

The common name for sodium hydrogen carbonate ($NaHCO_3$).

Washing soda

The common name for sodium carbonate ($Na_2CO_3$).

Chile saltpetre

The common name for sodium nitrate ($NaNO_3$).

Caustic potash

The common name for potassium hydroxide ($KOH$).

Saltpetre

The common name for potassium nitrate ($KNO_3$).

Gypsum

The common name for calcium sulphate ($CaSO_4$).

Epsom salts

The common name for magnesium sulphate ($MgSO_4$).

Blue vitriol

The common name for copper sulphate ($CuSO_4$).

Pure substance

A substance that cannot be separated into simpler components by physical methods.

Element

A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom that cannot be separated into simpler substances.

Compound

A pure substance consisting of two or more elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio, which can only be separated into simpler substances by chemical means.

Mixture

A material consisting of different particles mixed together that are not chemically joined, possessing no fixed ratio between particles, and separable by physical means.

Homogeneous mixture

A mixture of uniform composition in which all components are in the same phase (e.g., air, brine, steel).

Heterogeneous mixture

A mixture of non-uniform composition whose individual components can be easily identified (e.g., sand and rock mixture, pizza toppings).

Metal

An element that is a good electrical and thermal conductor, possesses lustre, is malleable and ductile, has high melting and boiling points, and is solid at room temperature (except mercury).

Non-metal

An element that is a poor electrical conductor (except graphite) and poor thermal conductor (except diamond), dull in appearance, brittle, with low melting and boiling points.

Metalloid

An element with intermediate properties: a poor electrical conductor at room temperature whose conductivity increases with temperature, with varied thermal conductivity, shiny lustre, brittle structure, and widely differing melting points.

Electrical conductor

A material that allows the flow of electrical charge (e.g., copper in electrical cables).

Insulator

A material that prevents the flow of electrical charge (e.g., plastic and rubber).

Semi-conductor

A substance that can conduct electricity under certain conditions, such as metalloids used in diodes, LEDs, and integrated circuits.

Ferromagnetic material

A material that can be influenced by a magnet due to the alignment of its magnetic domains.

Soft magnetic material

A material that is easily magnetised but loses its magnetism easily (e.g., iron, used in temporary electromagnets for scrap yards and loudspeakers).

Hard magnetic material

A material that is not easily magnetised but retains magnetism for a long time (e.g., cobalt, nickel, and steel, used in permanent magnets and compasses).

Strength

The physical ability of a material to resist stress and strain.

Thermal conductivity

The ability of a material to conduct heat.

Brittle

A physical property describing a material that is hard but likely to break.

Malleable

The ability of a material to be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking or cracking.

Ductile

The ability of a material to be stretched into a wire.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a substance.