Science and Matter Practice Flashcards

Flashcards covering thermodynamics, ecology, states of matter, atomic structure, and biological processes based on the lecture notes.

Exothermic reaction

A reaction where energy is released, such as a hand warmer.

Endothermic reaction

A reaction where energy is absorbed, such as an ice pack.

Extinction

When a species no longer exists due to natural or human causes.

Competition

What animals must engage in when there are too many animals in one area and not enough food.

Ecosystem

A system where many things live, such as in or near the water of a pond.

Biotic component

A living part of an ecosystem, which includes even a dead tree in a forest.

Mass

The amount of matter in an object.

Weight

A measurement of the force of gravity on an object.

Temperature

A measurement of the average energy in a substance.

Freezing

The phase change when a liquid becomes a solid.

Melting

The phase change when a solid becomes a liquid.

Evaporation

The phase change when a liquid becomes a gas.

Condensation

The phase change when a gas becomes a liquid.

Soluble

The property of a substance, like sugar, that allows it to dissolve in water.

Atoms

The basic building blocks of all matter, from a Greek word meaning "uncuttable."

Nucleus

The center of an atom containing heavy particles like protons and neutrons; atoms are mostly empty space outside of this.

Protons

Particles found in the nucleus with a positive charge; their number determines the type of element.

Neutrons

Particles found in the nucleus with a neutral charge.

Electrons

Light particles that buzz around the nucleus at a huge distance; they have a negative charge and repel each other.

Atomic number

The number that represents the total number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Quarks

Small particles found inside protons and neutrons, studied by nuclear physicists.

Organic chemistry

The study of compounds containing the element Carbon, which is in every living thing.

Element

A substance that cannot be broken down into a simpler substance; about $92$ occur naturally.

Compound

A molecule made of two or more different elements chemically combined.

Mixture

A combination of substances that are NOT chemically combined.

Elemental Molecules

Compounds that are made of a single type of element.

Physical Properties

Characteristics observed without changing the identity of a substance, such as color, odor, density, solubility, melting point, and boiling point.

Chemical Properties

Characteristics describing how a substance changes into a new substance by combining with other elements or breaking apart.

Solid

The lowest energy state of matter where atoms are locked into place (vibrating) and have a defined shape and volume.

Liquid

A medium energy state of matter where atoms are in constant close contact and have a defined volume but no defined shape.

Gas

The highest energy state of matter where atoms are not in close proximity and have no defined volume or shape.

Sublimation

The phase change where a solid heats directly into a gas, such as with Dry Ice.

Deposition

The phase change where a gas becomes a solid, such as the formation of frost.

Plasma

An ionized or electrified gas with no electrons where positively charged atoms roam freely; examples include stars, lightning, and neon signs.

Villi

Tiny finger-like projections that line the small intestine and transport nutrients into the bloodstream.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell that uses glucose molecules to create ATP.

Cellular Respiration

The process where cells use glucose to create ATP.

Amylase

The enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into glucose molecules.

$$H_2O$$

The chemical formula for water, consisting of $2$ Hydrogen and $1$ Oxygen atoms.

$$CO_2$$

The chemical formula for carbon dioxide, consisting of $1$ Carbon and $2$ Oxygen atoms.

$$NaCl$$

The chemical formula for table salt (Sodium Chloride).