Chemistry Fundamentals and Atomic Structure Review

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers essential chemistry concepts from measurement and the metric system to atomic theory and periodic trends, based on the provided lecture review notes.

Scientific notation

A method of converting numbers from decimal notation into a format using a coefficient and a power of $10$.

SI units

The International System of Units used for measurement, including the specific base units for the metric system as listed in Table 2.1.

Significant figures (sig figs)

Digits in a measurement that carry meaning toward its precision, subject to specific rules for identification, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Exact number

A value that is known with complete certainty and does not limit the number of significant figures in a calculation.

Metric prefixes

Terms such as those found in Table 2.5 that indicate powers of $10$ in the Metric System; these must be memorized for the exam.

Dimensional Analysis

A problem-solving method used to convert from one unit to another, also known as the factor label or criss-cross method.

Density

A property of an object calculated using its mass and volume, often solved using the density triangle.

Types of matter

The three physical states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.

Pure substance vs Mixture

The primary classifications of matter, which include various sub-classifications for different types of substances.

Physical property/change

Characteristics and transitions of matter that do not alter the chemical identity of the substance.

Chemical property/change

Characteristics and transitions that describe how a substance changes into a different substance during a chemical reaction.

Temperature conversion

The process of switching between different temperature units using specific algebraic equations.

Potential energy

The stored energy of an object based on its position or composition.

Kinetic energy

The energy of an object in motion.

Heat

A form of energy defined by its specific units and its role in temperature change.

Specific heat equation

The formula used to calculate heat energy: q = mc\text{\textDelta}T, representing heat, mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change.

Phase changes

Transitions between different states of matter, such as melting, freezing, or boiling.

Families (groups)

Vertical columns on the Periodic Table that identify elements with similar properties.

Dalton's atomic theory

A scientific theory regarding the nature of matter and atoms, including the concepts known to Dalton prior to its formulation.

Subatomic Particles

Protons, neutrons, and electrons; study includes their discovery by specific scientists and techniques to determine their quantities in an element.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that differ in their number of neutrons, often represented by specific chemical and atomic symbols.

Quantum Numbers

A set of values used to determine the valid energy state and the shapes of subshells for electrons in an atom.

Electron Configurations

The distribution and arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals.

Periodic Trends

Specific patterns in element properties that occur throughout the periodic table.