Matter and Its Properties – General Chemistry 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to matter, its states, composition, separation methods, chromatography concepts, and physical vs. chemical properties.

Chemistry

The scientific study of matter and the changes it undergoes.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to research involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and theory development.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation for a set of observations, subject to experimental testing.

Scientific Law

A concise statement (verbal or mathematical) describing a constant relationship between phenomena under the same conditions.

Theory

A unifying principle that explains a body of facts and the laws based on them, supported by extensive evidence.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Solid

State of matter with tightly packed particles, fixed shape, very low kinetic energy, and definite volume.

Liquid

State of matter with loosely packed particles that flow, indefinite shape, almost incompressible, and definite volume.

Gas

State of matter with widely spaced particles, high kinetic energy, no definite shape or volume.

Plasma

Highly charged, high-energy state of matter common in the universe but rare on Earth.

Substance

Form of matter with definite composition and distinct properties.

Element

A substance that cannot be separated into simpler substances by chemical means.

Compound

A substance composed of atoms of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions.

Mixture

Combination of two or more substances in which each retains its identity.

Homogeneous Mixture

Mixture with uniform composition throughout (also called a solution).

Heterogeneous Mixture

Mixture with non-uniform composition and visibly distinct phases.

Suspension

Heterogeneous mixture with coarse particles that settle out over time.

Colloid

Mixture containing a dispersed phase evenly distributed in a continuous medium, particles do not settle.

Filtration

Separation technique that removes solid residue from a suspension using a porous barrier.

Residue (Filtration)

Solid material left on the filter during filtration.

Filtrate

Liquid that passes through the filter during filtration.

Separatory Funnel

Laboratory glassware used to separate immiscible liquids such as oil and water.

Sieving

Method of separating particles of different sizes using a mesh or sieve.

Decantation

Separation technique in which liquid (supernatant) is poured off after solid settles at the bottom.

Centrifugation

Process that uses centrifugal force to separate components of a mixture based on density.

Magnetic Separation

Technique for separating magnetic metals from a mixture using a magnet.

Sublimation

Phase change in which a solid converts directly to gas without passing through the liquid state.

Distillation

Method for separating components of a homogeneous mixture based on differences in boiling points.

Chromatography

Family of techniques for separating components of a mixture based on differential affinities between mobile and stationary phases.

Ascending Paper Chromatography

Chromatography where solvent travels upward on the paper, carrying sample components.

Descending Paper Chromatography

Chromatography where solvent flows downward on the paper from a reservoir at the top.

Circular Chromatography

Technique using circular filter paper; solvent moves outward forming concentric separation rings.

Adsorption

Adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules to a surface (e.g., activated carbon filters).

Absorption

Process in which particles penetrate into the bulk of a material (e.g., paper towel soaking water).

Retention Factor (Rf)

Ratio of the distance traveled by a solute to the distance traveled by the solvent in chromatography.

Physical Property

Characteristic that can be observed or measured without changing a substance’s composition.

Chemical Property

Characteristic observed when a substance undergoes a chemical change or reacts with another substance.

Intrinsic Property

Physical property independent of the amount of substance (e.g., density, boiling point).

Extrinsic Property

Physical property that depends on the amount or shape of substance (e.g., mass, volume).

Physical Change

Change in form or state where the substance’s internal composition remains the same.

Chemical Change

Process that converts substances into new substances with different properties, often involving energy change, gas formation, precipitate, or color change.