Basic Chemistry Concepts: Atoms, Bonds, Solutions, and pH

Atom

The basic unit of matter

Element

Pure substance that consists entirely of one type of atom

Molecule

Smallest unit of most compounds that displays all the properties of that compound

Compound

Substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements in definite proportions

Reactant

Elements or compounds that enter into a chemical reaction

Product

Elements or compounds produced by a chemical reaction

Covalent Bond

A type of bond between atoms in which the electrons are shared

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed when one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to another

Ions

An atom that has a positive or negative charge

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a Hydrogen atom and another atom

Cohesion

Attraction between molecules of the same substance

Adhesion

Force of attraction between different kinds of molecules

Solution

Type of mixture in which all the components are evenly distributed

Solute

Substance that is dissolved in a solution

Solvent

Dissolving substance in a solution

Mixture

Material composed of two or more elements or compounds that are physically mixed together but not chemically combined

pH scale

Scale with values from 0 - 14

Acid

A compound that forms Hydrogen ions (H+) in solution; a solution with a pH of less than 7

Base

A compound that produces Hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution; a solution with a pH of more than 7.

Buffer

A compound that prevents sharp, sudden changes in pH