Matter And Measurement - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on matter, chemistry, and measurement.

Chemistry

The science that studies matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Atom

The fundamental unit of an element; the basic building block that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Molecule

A group of two or more atoms bonded together; the smallest unit of a substance that retains its properties.

Element

A substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances; made of only one kind of atom.

Compound

A substance composed of two or more elements in a fixed ratio and can be decomposed into simpler substances.

Mixture

A combination of two or more substances that are physically blended and can vary in composition.

Pure substance

A substance with a uniform and definite composition; includes elements and compounds.

Substance

Matter with a definite composition and distinct properties (includes elements and compounds).

Heterogeneous

A mixture with nonuniform composition; the different parts are visible.

Homogeneous

A mixture with uniform composition throughout; also called a solution.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture; the dissolved state of a solute in a solvent.

State of matter

The physical form of matter: solid, liquid, or gas.

Solid

State of matter with definite shape and volume.

Liquid

State of matter with definite volume but takes the shape of its container.

Gas

State of matter with no definite shape or volume; expands to fill its container.

Law of Constant Composition (Definite Proportions)

A given compound has a fixed ratio of elements by mass in all samples.

Multiple Proportions Law

Elements can combine in different proportions.

Symbol (element symbol)

One- or two-letter abbreviation for an element; the first letter is capitalized.

Physical property

A property that can be observed without changing the substance into another substance (color, odor, density, melting/boiling point, hardness).

Chemical property

A property observed during or after a chemical change (e.g., flammability, forming gas, color change, change temp, precipitate, light)

Intensive property

A property that does not depend on the amount of substance present (e.g., density, boiling point, color).

Extensive property

A property that depends on the amount of substance (e.g., mass, volume, energy).

Physical change

A change that alters the form or state of a substance without changing its composition.

Chemical change

A process that transforms one or more substances into new substances.

Chromatography

Separation based on differences in solubility or adsorption onto a stationary phase.