Importance of Chemistry to Daily Life (Video Notes)

80 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes.

Chemistry

The science that studies matter, its properties, and how substances combine or separate to form new substances.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space; the focus of study in chemistry.

Substances

Pure materials with fixed composition, either elements or compounds.

Properties

Characteristics used to describe matter, such as color, odor, melting point, and reactivity.

Elements

The simplest pure substances that cannot be broken down by chemical methods and are listed on the periodic table.

Compounds

Substances made of two or more elements in definite proportions.

Mixtures

Combinations of two or more substances that can be separated by physical methods.

Pure Substances

Substances with fixed composition, including elements and compounds.

Element

A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Periodic Table

A table that organizes elements by atomic number and properties.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that retains its properties.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

Homogeneous Mixture

A uniform mixture with the same composition throughout (examples include solutions).

Heterogeneous Mixture

A nonuniform mixture with visibly different parts.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture where a solute dissolves in a solvent.

Solvent

The substance that dissolves the solute in a solution.

Solute

The substance dissolved in the solvent.

Alloy

A mixture of two or more elements, usually metals, to improve properties.

Chemical Reaction

A process where substances react to form new substances with different properties.

Reactant

A substance that participates in a chemical reaction.

Product

The new substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen using light.

Glucose

A simple sugar produced during photosynthesis used for energy.

Carbon Dioxide

A gas involved in respiration and photosynthesis; a reactant in photosynthesis.

Water (H2O)

A universal solvent involved in many chemical reactions.

Amylase

An enzyme that digests starch in the mouth.

Hydrochloric Acid

A strong acid in the stomach that aids digestion.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions.

Acid Rain

Rain formed when pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react in the atmosphere.

Sulfur Dioxide

A pollutant gas that contributes to acid rain.

Nitrogen Oxides

Gases that contribute to acid rain formation in the atmosphere.

Sodium Benzoate

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in foods.

Sorbic Acid

A preservative used to prevent mold and microbial growth.

Propanoic Acid

A preservative used in foods.

Preservatives

Substances added to foods to prevent spoilage by microbes.

Toothpaste

A paste used to clean teeth, containing multiple chemicals for cleaning and whitening.

Calcium Carbonate

An abrasive in toothpaste that helps remove plaque.

Sorbitol

A sugar alcohol used as a humectant in toothpaste.

Carrageenan

A thickening agent derived from seaweed used in toothpaste.

Glycerin

A humectant that helps keep toothpaste from drying.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

A detergent that creates foam and helps loosen plaque.

Titanium Dioxide

A white pigment used to brighten toothpaste.

Triclosan

An antibacterial agent used in some toothpastes.

Sodium Fluorophosphate

A fluoride compound that strengthens tooth enamel to prevent cavities.

Methyl Salicylate

A wintergreen flavoring agent used in toothpaste.

Cosmetics

Substances used to enhance appearance or odor of the body.

Make-up

A subset of cosmetics designed to change or enhance appearance.

Lipstick

A cosmetic for coloring and finishing the lips.

Nail Polish

A cosmetic coating for nails containing polymers and solvents.

Mascara

A cosmetic that enhances eyelashes; contains pigments and polymers.

Beeswax

A natural wax used in cosmetics and products.

Iron Oxide

A pigment used to color cosmetics.

Film-forming Polymers

Polymers that form a film on the skin or nails in cosmetics.

Volatile Solvent

A solvent that readily evaporates in cosmetics.

Environmental Issues

Problems related to the environment, including pollution and sustainability.

Pollutant

A substance that harms the environment or health.

Nutrient

Substances needed by living organisms for growth and metabolism.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Ozone Layer

A protective atmospheric layer that shields Earth from UV radiation.

Bio-fuels

Renewable fuels produced from biological sources.

WMDs

Weapons of Mass Destruction (nuclear, chemical, biological).

RDX

An explosive used in some weapons; an example of high-energy material.

Medicine

Substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.

Diagnostics

Tools and tests used to identify diseases.

Blood Test

A laboratory test analyzing substances in blood.

Potassium

An essential mineral (K) found in bodily fluids.

Sodium

An essential mineral (Na) needed in bodily fluids.

Vitamins

Organic compounds that support health and metabolism.

Supplements

Additional nutrients or substances taken to improve health.

Drugs

Substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease or influence physiology.

Cleaning Agents

Substances used for cleaning such as soaps and bleaches.

Bleach

A chemical used to whiten or disinfect; often sodium hypochlorite.

Disinfectants

Chemicals that kill germs on surfaces.

Soap

A cleaning agent formed from fats and bases.

Experimental Control

The standard for comparison in an experiment; a constant baseline.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation or educated guess tested by experiments.

Observations

Information gathered through senses or instruments.

Scientific Method

A systematic process of asking questions, forming hypotheses, testing them, and drawing conclusions.

Scientific Attitudes

Qualities scientists should exhibit, such as honesty, curiosity, and open-mindedness.

Experiments

Systematic investigations to test hypotheses and gather data.