Definitions and Concepts for AQA Chemistry GCSE Topic 2 - Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter in AQA Chemistry GCSE.

Coarse particles

Particles with diameters between 1 x 10^-5 m and 2.5 x 10^-6 m, often referred to as dust.

Conductor

A material containing charged particles which can move to carry electrical or thermal energy.

Covalent bond

A shared pair of electrons between two non-metals.

Diamond

A giant covalent structure made up of carbon atoms, each forming four covalent bonds with four other carbon atoms.

Electrostatic forces

Strong forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Empirical formula

The smallest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.

Fine particles

Particles with diameters between 100 and 2500 nm (1 x 10^-7 m and 2.5 x 10^-6 m).

Fullerenes

Molecules of carbon atoms with hollow shapes, based on hexagonal and occasional pentagonal or heptagonal rings.

Gas

The state of matter with the most energy, where particles are spread out and move randomly in all directions.

Graphene

A single layer of graphite with properties that make it useful in electronics and composites.

Graphite

A giant covalent structure made up of carbon atoms that form three covalent bonds with three other carbon atoms, creating layers of hexagonal rings.

Ion

An atom or molecule with an electric charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.

Ionic bond

A bond formed between oppositely charged ions when a metal atom loses electrons and a non-metal gains them.

Ionic compound

A chemical compound formed of ions held together by strong electrostatic forces.

Intermolecular forces

The forces that exist between molecules, impacting physical properties like boiling and melting points.

Lattice

A repeating regular arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules, typically found in crystal structures.

Liquid

The state of matter where particles are randomly arranged and close together, able to move past each other.

Metallic bond

The bonds present in metals between positive metal ions and negatively charged electrons.

Metals

Elements that react to form positive ions, located towards the left and bottom of the periodic table.

Molecular formula

The actual ratio of atoms of each element present in a compound.

Nanoparticles

Particles with diameters between 1 nm to 100 nm, exhibiting different properties compared to bulk material.

Nanoscience

Structures that are 1–100 nm in size, often of the order of a few hundred atoms.

Non-metals

Elements that react to form negative ions, found toward the right and top of the periodic table.

Particle theory

The theory modeling the three states of matter by representing particles as small solid spheres.

Polymers

Large long-chain molecules made up of small monomers joined together by covalent bonds.

Repeat unit

The part of a polymer whose repetition would produce the complete polymer chain.

Solid

The state of matter where particles hold a regular arrangement and possess the least energy.

State symbols

Symbols used in chemical equations to denote the states of reacting chemicals: (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, (g) for gas, (aq) for aqueous solution.