Unit 2: Properties of Matter Vocabulary Flashcards

Comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards for Unit 2: Properties of Matter, covering states of matter, separation methods, periodic trends, atomic concepts, phase changes, and physical vs. chemical changes.

Plasma

A phase of matter similar to a gas, but composed of charged particles (e.g., fluorescent lights).

Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT)

The theory stating that all particles (atoms, molecules, and ions) are in constant motion at room temperature, and particle motion stops at absolute zero ($-273.15\,^\circ\text{C}$ or $0\text{ Kelvin}$).

Melting Point (mp) / Freezing Point (fp)

The characteristic temperature at which a solid melts into a liquid and a liquid solidifies.

Boiling Point (bp) / Condensing Point (cp)

The characteristic temperature at which a liquid vaporizes to a gas and a gas condenses to a liquid.

Pure Substance

Matter containing only 1 kind of matter that is homogeneous and has definite, constant, and unique properties such as melting point, boiling point, and density.

Atom

Small particles that make up all matter and are chemically indivisible, where atoms of 1 element differ from atoms of all other elements.

Element

Pure substances containing only 1 type of atom that cannot be chemically decomposed into anything simpler (about 118 are currently known).

Compound

Pure substances containing 2 or more different elements in a constant, definite composition that can be chemically decomposed into elements.

Law of Definite Composition

Principle stating that compounds are made up of a definite ratio of elements, combining in definite proportions.

Law of Multiple Proportions

Principle stating that the same elements can combine in different ratios, forming different compounds with different properties.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture containing 2 or more substances that is not uniform throughout, allows visible recognition of different parts, and scatters light.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture that is uniform throughout, where differences in parts cannot be seen, and whose liquid solutions do not scatter light.

Solvent

The substance in a solution present in the greatest amount; usually the substance doing the dissolving.

Solute

The substance in a solution being dissolved, present in a lesser amount.

Alloy

Solid solutions composed of homogeneous mixtures of metals, such as brass and steel.

Filtration

A physical separation technique useful for large volumes of solid/liquid mixtures using a porous filter on the basis of particle size.

Centrifugation

A physical separation method useful for smaller volumes of solid/liquid mixtures using a spinning platform on the basis of density.

Chromatography

A separation technique that moves substances along a medium using a fluid, separating components on the basis of size and attraction to the medium and fluid.

Distillation

A physical separation technique for liquid/liquid mixtures based on boiling point differences, involving evaporation and subsequent condensation.

Separatory Funnel

A separation tool used for immiscible liquids (liquids that do not mix) on the basis of their solubility.

Electrolysis

A chemical separation method that uses electrical energy to decompose compounds into elements.

Metal

An element type that is shiny (lustrous), bendable, ductile, malleable, a good conductor of heat and electricity, and mostly solid at room temperature.

Non-Metal

An element type located in the upper right hand of the periodic table that is not shiny, brittle when solid, a poor conductor, and mostly gaseous at room temperature.

Metalloid

A small group of elements (B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te, Po, At) dividing metals and non-metals that tend to be hard with high melting points and act as non-conductors or semi-conductors.

Physical Change

A change in matter occurring without alteration of chemical composition, where molecules separate from each other without breaking atomic bonds.

Chemical Change

A change producing a new kind of matter with new properties, where bonds between atoms in molecules split apart to form new substances.

Sublimation

The phase change where a solid transforms directly into a gas as heat is added.

Deposition

The phase change where a gas transforms directly into a solid as heat is removed.

Ionization

The phase change where a gas transforms into a plasma as heat is added.

Recombination

The phase change where a plasma transforms into a gas as heat is removed.