Principles of Chemistry - States of Matter

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the principles of chemistry, focusing on the states of matter, interconversions, diffusion, and solutions.

Solid

A state of matter where particles are closely arranged, vibrating in fixed positions, and have the least amount of energy.

Liquid

A state of matter where particles are closer together than in a gas, have more energy than solids but less than gases, and are arranged randomly.

Gas

A state of matter where particles are widely spaced apart, have the most energy, and are randomly arranged.

Melting

The process of a solid transforming into a liquid at its melting point.

Freezing

The process of a liquid transforming into a solid at its freezing point.

Boiling

The process of a liquid changing into a gas at its boiling point.

Condensing

The process of a gas changing into a liquid.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Solvent

The liquid in which a solute dissolves.

Solute

The substance that dissolves in a liquid to form a solution.

Solution

A mixture formed when a solute has dissolved in a solvent.

Saturated solution

A solution in which no more solute can be dissolved in a solvent.

Solubility

The measure of how many grams of a solute can dissolve in 100 grams of solvent.

Supersaturated solution

A solution that contains more solute than can be completely dissolved at a specific temperature.

Unsaturated solution

A solution that contains less solute than can be dissolved at a specific temperature.