Chemistry Final Exam Study Guide

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and definitions necessary for understanding chemistry principles related to the final exam.

Chemical Change

A process that involves a change in the chemical composition of a substance, resulting in the formation of new substances.

Physical Change

A change that does not affect the chemical composition of a substance, often involving changes in state or appearance.

Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment

An experiment that demonstrated the existence of a nucleus within the atom, leading to the nuclear model of the atom.

(s), (l), (g), (aq)

(s) solid, (l) liquid, (g) gas, (aq) aqueous - indicating the state of matter in a chemical equation.

Sublimation

The process by which a solid changes directly into a gas without first becoming a liquid.

Density

Mass per unit volume of a substance; calculated by dividing mass by volume.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Atomic Orbital

A region in an atom where there is a high probability of finding electrons; different types include s, p, and d orbitals.

Electron Configuration

The arrangement of electrons in an atom, described by the energy levels and sublevels.

Ionization Energy

The amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion.

Electronegativity

A measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.

Cation

A positively charged ion that is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion that is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Flame Test

A qualitative analysis technique used to identify the presence of certain metal ions based on the color emitted when heated.

Noble Gas Configuration

The electron configuration that corresponds to the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas, often associated with stability.

Periodic Trend for Atomic Radii

Atomic radii generally decrease across a period from left to right and increase down a group in the periodic table.

Phase Diagram

A graphical representation showing the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the conditions (temperature and pressure) at which they exist.

Oxidation Number

A number that represents the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses to form a chemical bond.

Electrons in Atoms

Electrons occupy specific energy levels and can move between these levels, releasing or absorbing energy in the form of light.

Neon Gas Properties

Neon gas is a noble gas used in lights; it is chemically unreactive and emits light when an electric current passes through it.