Types of Matter and Scientific Measurements

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the types of matter, physical and chemical properties, and measurement techniques.

Types of matter

Pure substances (elements, compounds) and mixtures.

Element

Pure substance made of one type of atom; cannot be chemically broken down.

Compound

Pure substance of two or more elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio.

Homogeneous mixture

Uniform throughout; same composition everywhere (solution).

Heterogeneous mixture

Not uniform; different parts are visible.

Filtration

Separates solid from liquid using a filter.

Chromatography

Separates substances based on different movement speeds through a medium.

Distillation

Separates liquids by different boiling points.

Physical change

Changes form or state, not identity.

Chemical change

Produces new substances.

Accuracy

How close a measurement is to the true value.

Precision

How close repeated measurements are to each other.

Intensive property

Does not depend on amount (density, color).

Extensive property

Depends on amount (mass, volume).

Dimensional analysis

Uses conversion factors to cancel units and convert measurements.

Scientific notation

A number written as a\times10^n where 1\le a<10.

Converting to scientific notation

Move decimal so one nonzero digit is left; exponent shows moves.

Significant figures

Digits that show measurement certainty.

Leading zeros

Not significant.

Zeros between nonzero digits

Significant.

Trailing zeros with a decimal

Significant.

Sig figs in multiplication/division

Answer has the fewest sig figs.

Sig figs in addition/subtraction

Answer has the fewest decimal places.

Density formula

D=\text{m}/V

Solving for mass

m=D\times V

Solving for volume

V=m/D

Water displacement

Volume = final water level - initial water level.

Mass

Amount of matter; constant; measured in grams.

Weight

Force of gravity on mass; changes with gravity.

DMV triangle

D on top, M and V on bottom; cover the variable you want.