Chemical Reactions and Homeostasis Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the Law of Conservation of Mass, balancing chemical equations, factors affecting reaction rates, endothermic and exothermic reactions, and biological homeostasis.

Law of Conservation of Mass

A scientific law demonstrating that total mass remains constant during a chemical reaction in a closed container, meaning matter is neither created nor destroyed.

Coefficient

A number placed in front of chemical formulas to balance an equation without changing the chemical formulas or identities of the compounds.

Subscript

A number in a chemical formula indicating the ratio of atoms; changing a subscript alters the identity of the compound.

Balanced Chemical Equation

An equation such as $2\text{Mg} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{MgO}$, where the number of atoms for each element is equal on both the reactant and product sides.

Temperature (Factor in Reaction Rate)

A variable affecting reaction rate; higher temperatures cause particles to move faster and collide more, speeding up the reaction.

Surface Area (Factor in Reaction Rate)

A variable affecting reaction rate; using powdered reactants instead of large pieces provides greater exposed surface area, increasing the reaction rate.

Catalyst

A substance added to a reaction to increase the reaction rate and decrease reaction time without changing the temperature.

Exothermic Reaction

A chemical reaction that releases heat energy into its surroundings, causing the temperature of the container to increase.

Endothermic Reaction

A chemical reaction that absorbs heat energy from its surroundings, causing the temperature of the container to decrease.

Combustion of Fuel

A process serving as an example of an exothermic reaction, releasing heat into the surroundings during burning.

Instant Cold Pack

A device that operates via an endothermic process, absorbing heat when its chemicals are mixed to produce a cooling effect.

Homeostasis

The process by which body systems continuously make adjustments to keep internal conditions within a suitable, balanced range.

Sweating

A physiological response activated when the body becomes too hot, cooling the body as liquid evaporates from the skin.

Shivering

A response where muscles contract to generate heat when the body becomes too cold.

Insulin

A hormone released by the pancreas after eating that helps body cells take up glucose and returns blood glucose levels toward normal.