Unit 1: How Do We Distinguish Substances? - Module 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering differentiating characteristics, intensive vs. extensive properties, normal boiling points, phase changes, and heating curve concepts from Module 1.

Differentiating Characteristic

A unique property of a substance that can be used to identify or separate it, having values that are intensive and specific to that substance.

Intensive Property

A property that does not depend on the amount of substance present, such as density, melting point, boiling point, viscosity, and conductivity.

Extensive Property

A property that depends directly on the amount of substance present, such as mass, volume, and weight.

Normal Boiling Point of Nitrogen

The temperature at which nitrogen transitions between liquid and gas at $1\,\text{atm}$ (sea level), equal to $77.36\,\text{K}$ or $-195.79\,^\circ\text{C}$.

Normal Boiling Point of Argon

The temperature at which argon transitions between liquid and gas at $1\,\text{atm}$ (sea level), equal to $87.36\,\text{K}$ or $-189.35\,^\circ\text{C}$.

Normal Boiling Point of Oxygen

The temperature at which oxygen transitions between liquid and gas at $1\,\text{atm}$ (sea level), equal to $90.20\,\text{K}$ or $-182.95\,^\circ\text{C}$.

Temperature Conversion Equation

The mathematical equation used to convert temperature from degrees Celsius to Kelvin, expressed as $T(\text{K}) = T(^\circ\text{C}) + 273.15$.

Physical Change

A transition or alteration that affects the physical form or state of a substance without changing its underlying chemical nature.

Sublimation

The direct phase transition of a substance from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase, as observed in solid carbon dioxide (dry ice).

Deposition

The direct phase transition of a substance from a gas to a solid without passing through the liquid phase.

Heating Curve Plateau

A flat region on a heating curve indicating a phase change during which temperature remains constant because energy is used to break intermolecular forces rather than increase temperature.

Metformin

A drug prescribed to regulate blood glucose levels in patients presenting elevated fasting blood glucose higher than the normal reference range of $70\,\text{mg/dL}$ to $99\,\text{mg/dL}$.