Physical Science Review: Key Terms and Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts in Physical Science based on the lecture notes provided for exam review.

Scientific Inquiry

A systematic approach to problem solving.

Ionization Energy

The energy needed to remove electrons from an atom.

Temperature

A measure of the average energy of motion of the particles of a substance.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Boiling

Occurs when a liquid changes to a gas below its surface as well as at the surface.

Liquid

A substance that does not have a definite shape, but has a definite volume.

Compound

A substance formed from two or more elements that are chemically combined in a set ratio.

Conversion Factor

A fraction that always equals one, used for unit conversions.

Milliliter (mL)

A metric measure of volume.

Evaporation

The process of a shrinking puddle on a warm afternoon.

Theory

A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations.

Density

The mass per unit volume of an object.

Viscosity

The resistance of a liquid to flowing.

Surface Tension

A property of liquids that causes the surface to act like a skin.

Inertia

The resistance of an object to change its state of motion.

Sublimation

The process where a solid changes directly to a gas without becoming a liquid.

Condensation

The phase change where vapor turns into liquid.

Corrosion

Chemical reaction of metals with water or atmospheric elements causing gradual wearing away.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that differ in the number of neutrons they contain.

Conductivity

The ability of a substance to transmit electricity and heat.

Malleability

The ability of a substance to be hammered into thin sheets.