Experimental Design and Chemical Bonding Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering the principles of experimental variables, scientific reliability, and the types/properties of chemical bonds (ionic, covalent, and metallic).

Independent variable

The variable that is deliberately changed in an experiment to test its effects.

Dependent variable

The factor that is measured or observed, such as plant height or temperature change, as a result of an action.

Controlled variables

Factors that must be kept constant to ensure a fair test and valid results.

Reliability

The quality of an investigation achieved by repeating trials and getting consistent results.

Valid investigation

An experiment where only one variable is tested at a time while others are kept constant.

Ionic bond

A type of chemical bond that forms between metals and nonmetals through the transfer of electrons.

Covalent bond

A chemical bond formed between nonmetals by the sharing of electrons.

Ionic compound properties

Characteristics including high melting points and the ability to conduct electricity when in a solution.

Covalent compound properties

Characteristics including low melting points; these compounds are typically formed between nonmetals only.

Metallic bonding

A type of bonding between metal atoms characterized by a sea of delocalized electrons.

Malleability

A property of metals resulting from the nature of metallic bonding.

Electrical conductivity in metals

The ability of metals to conduct electricity due to free-moving (delocalized) electrons.

Calcium chloride

An ionic compound with the chemical formula $CaCl_2$.

Sodium sulfate

The chemical name for the compound represented by the formula $Na_2SO_4$.

Aluminum oxide

A compound with the chemical formula $Al_2O_3$.

Dinitrogen tetroxide

A covalent compound with the chemical formula $N_2O_4$.

Tri-

A prefix used in naming covalent compounds that means "three".

Molecular compound

Compounds, such as $CO_2$, that are usually formed between nonmetals only.