Matter, Energy, and Elements

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic chemistry concepts from the lecture notes, including states of matter, forms of energy, elements, and atomic properties.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Solid

A state of matter that has a definite shape and volume.

Liquid

A state of matter that has a definite volume, but a changeable shape.

Gas

A state of matter that has a changeable shape and volume.

Energy

The capacity to do work (put matter in motion).

Kinetic energy

Energy in action.

Potential energy

Energy of position; stored (inactive) energy.

Chemical energy

Energy stored in the bonds of chemical substances.

Electrical energy

Energy resulting from the movement of charged particles.

Mechanical energy

Energy directly involved in moving matter.

Radiant or electromagnetic energy

Energy traveling in waves.

Element

Unique substances that cannot be broken down by ordinary chemical means.

Major elements of the body

Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Physical properties

Properties detected with our senses.

Chemical properties

Properties pertaining to the way atoms interact with one another.

Atomic number

Equal to the number of protons.

Mass number

Equal to the mass of protons and neutrons.

Isotope

Atoms with the same atomic number, but a different mass number.