Chemistry Vocab unit 7

A set of flashcards to help reinforce understanding of essential chemistry vocabulary.

Atoms

The smallest unit of an element that maintains the chemical properties of that element.

Compounds

Pure substances made of two or more different elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio.

Subscript

The small number written to the lower right of a chemical symbol indicating the number of atoms of that element in a molecule or formula unit.

Coefficient

Large number (front) showing the total molecules/moles.

Chemical Bonds

Attractions holding atoms together.

Chemical Reaction

Breaking/forming bonds to create new substances.

Collision Theory

Reactions require particles to hit with enough energy and the right angle.

Activation Energy

The 'start-up' energy needed for a reaction.

Catalyst

Speed-up agent that lowers activation energy.

Potential Energy Diagrams

Graphs showing energy changes during a reaction.

Activated Complex

Unstable 'transition' state at the energy peak.

Chemical Equation

Written 'recipe' of a reaction using symbols.

Reactant

Starting materials (left side).

Product

Final substances (right side).

Endothermic

Absorbs heat; feels cold.

Exothermic

Releases heat; feels hot.

Diatomic Elements

Elements that travel in pairs.

Synthesis Reaction

Two things become one.

Decomposition Reaction

One thing breaks into two.

Single Replacement Reaction

One element swaps with another.

Double Replacement Reaction

Two compounds swap partners.

Combustion Reaction

Fuel + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water.

Hydrocarbon

Molecule made of only Carbon and Hydrogen.

Solubility

How well a substance dissolves.

Insoluble

Does not dissolve.

Precipitate

A solid formed by mixing two liquids.

Aqueous Solution

Substance dissolved in water.

Spectator Ions

Ions that stay in the liquid and don't actually react.

Net Ionic Equation

An equation showing only the particles that change.