Basic Chemistry Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to basic chemistry concepts presented in the lecture.

Atom

The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Element

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

Molecule

A group of two or more atoms bonded together.

Periodic Table

A table that organizes all known elements by their properties.

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A negatively charged subatomic particle found in the orbital shells of an atom.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element.

Atomic Mass

The weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu).

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that can participate in chemical bonding.

Ionic Bond

A type of chemical bond formed through the transfer of electrons, resulting in charged ions.

Covalent Bond

A type of chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

Polar Molecule

A molecule that has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution.

Acid

A substance that donates hydrogen ions (H+) in solution.

Base

A substance that donates hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution.

pH Scale

A scale measuring how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 to 14.

Ion

An atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a charge.

Iodized Salt

Table salt mixed with a small amount of potassium iodide to prevent iodine deficiency.