States of Matter, Separation Techniques, and Chemical Reactions

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes on states of matter, phase changes, separation techniques, and the distinction between mixtures and compounds.

Solid

A state of matter where particles are in a fixed vibrational pattern; it is the densest state and possesses the lowest internal energy.

Liquid

A state of matter where particles are less dense than in a solid and move more freely.

Gas

A state of matter where particles are spread out, exhibiting the lowest density and the highest internal energy.

Internal energy

A form of energy that increases as a substance moves from solid to gas; it is lowest in solids where particles vibrate in place and highest in gases where particles move freely.

Mass and energy equivalence

A principle linking chemistry, physics, and biology which suggests that a heavier object stores more internal energy.

Melting

The vocabulary term for the change of state from solid to liquid.

Freezing

The vocabulary term for the change of state from liquid to solid.

Evaporation

The vocabulary term for the change of state from liquid to gas.

Condensing/Condensation

The vocabulary term for the change of state from gas to liquid.

Sublimation

The process where a solid changes straight to a gas, such as with dry ice (frozen $CO_2$).

Filtration

A separation technique used to separate solids from liquids, utilized for sand and water, pasta and water, or car oil filters.

Distillation

A separation technique that separates liquids based on different boiling points by evaporating the substance with the lower boiling point and then condensing it back into a liquid.

Crystallisation

A separation technique that separates dissolved solids from liquid through evaporation, such as the production of sea salt in Maldon.

Mixture

A substance where components are not chemically combined and are always separable, such as Ribena in water or a smoothie.

Compound

A substance formed from components that are chemically combined to create a new substance, such as $Na + Cl \rightarrow NaCl$ (table salt).

Signs of a chemical reaction

Indicators that a reaction has occurred, including heat, bubbles, smell, and changes in shape or volume (such as bread dough rising).