Regents Chemistry Study Pack Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Atomic Structure, Bonding, Matter and Energy, Chemical Reactions, Solutions, Acids/Bases, Kinetics, Organic Chemistry, and Nuclear Chemistry based on Regents Chemistry curriculum.

Protons

Positively charged particles (+) with a mass of $1\,amu$.

Neutrons

Neutral particles (0) with a mass of $1\,amu$.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles (-) with a mass of approximately $0\,amu$.

Atomic number

The total number of protons in an atom.

Mass number

The sum of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Isotopes

Atoms with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Ions

Charged particles where cations lose electrons and anions gain electrons.

Periodic Trends: Across a Period

The atomic radius decreases, while electronegativity and ionization energy increase.

Periodic Trends: Down a Group

The atomic radius increases, while electronegativity decreases and metallic character increases.

Transition metals

Elements characterized by their ability to form colored ions.

Ionic bonds

Bonds formed between a metal and a nonmetal involving the transfer of electrons.

Covalent bonds

Bonds formed between two nonmetals involving the sharing of electrons.

Metallic bonds

A bond characterized by a mobile "sea" of electrons.

Polarity

Nonpolar molecules have equal sharing and are symmetrical; polar molecules have unequal sharing and are asymmetrical.

Hydrogen bonding

A strong intermolecular force occurring between Hydrogen ($H$) and Fluorine ($F$), Oxygen ($O$), or Nitrogen ($N$).

Endothermic Phase Changes

Phase changes that absorb energy: melting, vaporization, and sublimation.

Exothermic Phase Changes

Phase changes that release energy: freezing, condensation, and deposition.

Heating Curve Slopes

Sloped lines indicate a change in temperature, while flat lines indicate a phase change.

Energy Formula (Temperature Change)

$$q = m c \Delta T$$

Energy Formula (Phase Change)

$q = m H_f$ or $q = m H_v$

Oxidation

The loss of electrons.

Reduction

The gain of electrons.

Electrolytes

Ionic compounds that are dissolved in water.

Molarity

The concentration of a solution expressed as $M = mol\,dm^{-3}$.

Colligative properties

Adding more solute results in a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point.

Neutralization

A reaction where an acid and base react to produce salt and water.

pH scale

A scale where each unit change represents a $\times 10$ change in $H^+$ concentration.

Equilibrium

The state where the forward reaction rate is equal to the reverse reaction rate.

Le Chatelier’s Principle

A rule stating that a system will shift to counteract stress applied to it.

Hydrocarbons

Alkanes contain single bonds, alkenes contain double bonds, and alkynes contain triple bonds.

Alpha Decay

Radioactive decay involving the emission of a $He-4$ nucleus.

Beta Decay

Radioactive decay involving the emission of an electron.

Half-life

The amount of time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay.

Fission vs Fusion

Fission is the splitting of heavy nuclei, while fusion is the combining of light nuclei.