MR. bogo chem final

Flashcards created from the study guide to review key terms and definitions in preparation for the exam.

Scientific Method

The process involving background research, development of a hypothesis, testing via experiments, analyzing data, and sharing results.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about a particular causal relationship.

Theory

An explanation of a broad set of observations supported by evidence, such as natural selection.

Independent Variable

The variable being tested or manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable being measured in an experiment.

Control Group

A group used for comparison in an experiment to determine the effect of the independent variable.

Significant Figures

Digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision.

Atomic Number

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

Isotope

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Ion

A charged atom, resulting from the loss or gain of electrons.

Cation

A positively charged ion that has lost electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion that has gained electrons.

Effective Nuclear Charge (Zeff)

The net positive charge experienced by an electron in a multi-electron atom.

Ionization Energy

The minimum energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

Electronegativity

The tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond.

Electrolyte

A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Ionic Compound

A compound formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Allotrope

Different physical forms of the same element in the same state, like diamond and graphite.

Periodic Trend

A systematic pattern that describes various aspects of the elements in the periodic table.

Molecular Geometry

The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

Lewis Structure

A diagram that represents the valence electrons of atoms within a molecule.

Dimensional Analysis

A mathematical technique used to convert between units of measurement.

Half-life

The time required for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

Noble Gas Configuration

An electron configuration that reflects the electron arrangement of the nearest noble gas.

Absorption Spectrum

A spectrum resulting from the absorption of light by electrons moving to higher energy levels.

Emission Spectrum

A spectrum produced when electrons drop to lower energy levels, emitting light.

Molecular Compound

A chemical compound formed by covalent bonds between nonmetal atoms.