General Chemistry 1 – States & Properties of Matter

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture on states and properties of matter, experimental demonstrations, and classification of physical vs. chemical properties.

Chemistry

Known as the central science because it bridges the physical and life sciences.

States of Matter

The distinct physical forms—solid, liquid, gas—that a substance can take, distinguished by particle arrangement and energy.

Substance

A form of matter that has a specific composition and characteristic properties.

Electrical Conductors

Materials with freely moving electrons that readily transmit electrical or thermal energy.

Electrical Insulators

Materials that block the flow of electricity because their electrons are not free to move.

Density

Mass per unit volume of a substance; depends on the temperature and pressure at which it is measured.

Acidity (pH)

A measure of hydrogen-ion concentration; acidic solutions have more H⁺, basic solutions more OH⁻.

Flammability

The ease with which a substance ignites; often increases with higher carbon content.

Reactivity

A substance’s tendency to undergo chemical change, often releasing energy.

Malleability

Ability of a material to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.

Ductility

Ability of a material to be stretched into thin wires under stress.

Solubility

The capacity of a solute to dissolve in a given solvent.

Boiling Point

Temperature at which a liquid changes into a gas.

Melting Point

Temperature at which a solid changes into a liquid.

Polarity

Distribution of electrical charge in a covalent bond, affecting solubility and phase changes.

Elasticity

Tendency of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched.

Corrosiveness

Property that causes gradual destruction of materials via chemical reactions, e.g., strong acids or bases.

Physical Property

Characteristic measured without altering a substance’s chemical identity.

Chemical Property

Characteristic observable only when a substance undergoes a chemical change.

Intensive Property

Physical property independent of the amount of substance present, e.g., density or boiling point.

Extensive Property

Physical property that depends on the quantity of substance, e.g., mass or volume.

Magic Balloon Experiment

Activity where mixing baking soda and vinegar produces CO₂ that inflates a balloon.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Basic powder (NaHCO₃) that reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide gas.

Vinegar (Acetic Acid Solution)

Common household acid (≈5 % CH₃COOH) used in the balloon experiment.

Delocalized Electron

Electron in a metal lattice that is free to move, enabling electrical conductivity.

Laguna Lake Properties Task

Exercise requiring students to identify physical and chemical properties of materials found in Laguna Lake.