Unit 1: Chemistry Part 1

These flashcards cover key concepts related to chemistry, including definitions of matter, elements, compounds, and various types of chemical reactions.

Matter

Matter occupies space and has weight; it can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas.

Element

A substance that cannot be broken down into different properties by chemical reactions.

Compound

A substance composed of two or more different elements.

Atom

The smallest particle of an element that retains the characteristics of that element.

Subatomic Particles

Particles smaller than atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Proton

A subatomic particle with a positive charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A subatomic particle with no charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A subatomic particle with a negative charge, found outside the nucleus.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

Ionic Bonding

The transfer of electrons from one atom to another resulting in the formation of ions.

Chemical Equation

A representation of a chemical reaction, showing the reactants and products.

Catabolic Reaction

A type of reaction where a large substance is broken down into smaller substances.

Anabolic Reaction

A type of reaction where small subunits are combined to form larger, more complex substances.

Exchange Reaction

A chemical reaction in which atoms are exchanged between reactants.

Redox Reaction

A reaction involving the transfer of electrons, where one reactant is oxidized and another is reduced.

Potential Energy

Energy stored in a system, which can be converted to kinetic energy.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion; the energy that an object has due to its motion.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that determine its bonding behavior.

Ionic Compound

A compound formed by ionic bonds, composed of cations and anions.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

Atomic Mass Unit (u)

A unit used to express the mass of subatomic particles, equivalently called daltons (Da).

Electron Shells

Regions of space around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found, with differing energy levels.