Chemistry Lecture Fundamentals

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers organic chemistry prefixes, hydrocarbon types, structural formulas, polymers, molecular geometry, and stoichiometry concepts based on the lecture notes.

Meth-

A prefix indicating the presence of $1$ carbon atom in a chain.

Eth-

A prefix indicating the presence of $2$ carbon atoms in a chain.

Prop-

A prefix indicating the presence of $3$ carbon atoms in a chain.

But-

A prefix indicating the presence of $4$ carbon atoms in a chain.

Pent-

A prefix indicating the presence of $5$ carbon atoms in a chain.

Alkanes

Hydrocarbons that have single carbon bonds and are considered saturated.

Alkenes

Hydrocarbons that possess at least one double bond.

Alkynes

Hydrocarbons that possess at least one triple bond.

Structural formula

A graphic drawing that shows exactly how atoms are spatially arranged and bonded together in a molecule.

Monomers

Small, repeating molecular units that chemically link together to form a long-chain polymer.

LDPE

Low-Density Polyethylene, characterized by highly branched, flexible chains.

HDPE

High-Density Polyethylene, characterized by linear, tightly packed, rigid chains.

Lewis dot structure

A chemical diagram showing the valence electrons of an atom represented as dots surrounding its element symbol.

Empirical formula

The simplest whole-number ratio of atoms within a compound.

Molecular formula

A formula that shows the actual, exact number of atoms present in a molecule.

Monatomic ion

A single charged atom.

Diatomic molecule

A molecule consisting of two atoms.

Polyatomic ion

A charged group of covalently bonded atoms.

VSEPR Theory

Valence shell electron pairs repel each other and arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion and define molecular shape.

Polar molecules

Molecules with asymmetrical shapes and uneven electron distribution.

Non-polar molecules

Molecules that are symmetrical and cancel out individual dipoles.

Dispersion forces

Temporary, weak attractions present in all molecules.

Dipole-dipole forces

Permanent attractions that occur between polar molecules.

Percent (%) composition

The percentage by mass of each distinct element present within a chemical compound.

Relative atomic mass ($A_r$)

The weighted average mass of an atom of an element compared to $1/12\text{th}$ the mass of an atom of carbon-12.

Avogadro's constant

The total number of particles found in exactly one mole of a substance, which equals $6.022 \times 10^{23}\,particles/mol$.

Mole (mol)

The SI unit for the amount of substance, representing exactly Avogadro's number of chemical entities like atoms, molecules, or ions.