Chapter 1: Introduction to Chemistry and Measurements

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1: Introduction to Chemistry and Measurements.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Chemistry

The study of matter and its properties, composition, structure, and interactions.

Biochemistry

Study of chemical processes that occur in living organisms.

Organic chemistry

Study of carbon-containing compounds, including polymers, pharmaceuticals, and other substances.

Polymers

Large molecules formed by repeating subunits; a focus within organic chemistry.

Chemical engineering

Field applying chemistry to design and optimize processes for manufacturing and technology.

Composition

What a substance is made of.

Structure

How the atoms or molecules in a substance are arranged.

Physical properties

Observable without changing composition (color, texture, odor, etc.).

Chemical properties

How a substance reacts or changes when it interacts with other substances.

Reactions

Processes where substances transform into new substances.

Sodium in water

Sodium metal reacts vigorously with water, illustrating high reactivity.

Photosynthesis

Natural process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.

Chlorophyll

Green pigment in plants that absorbs light for photosynthesis.

Leaves changing color

Change in leaf color due to pigments (e.g., chlorophyll) and other pigments as conditions change.

Science

Study of knowledge about the natural world through observations, testing, and models.

Observations

Qualitative data gathered using the senses (color, texture, smell, etc.).

Testing

Experiments conducted to verify hypotheses or explanations.

Scientific method

A guideline of steps used to investigate questions; not a rigid recipe.

Hypothesis

An educated guess about why or how something occurs, tested by experiments.

Experiment

A planned procedure to test a hypothesis.

Theory

A well-supported explanation derived from repeated experiments; may be revised with new evidence.

Law

A descriptive generalization that remains true under specified conditions (e.g., conservation laws).

Measurement

The process of obtaining a quantity expressed with a number and a unit.

Unit

A standard that gives meaning to a number (e.g., g, L, °C).

Qualitative data

Descriptive observations (color, texture, smell, etc.).

Quantitative data

Numerical measurements obtained from calculations or instruments.

Measuring device

Tools used to measure quantities, such as a scale, balance, thermometer, graduated cylinder, or ruler.