Chemistry -- all topics(except ions)

solid

A state of matter characterized by fixed shape and volume, where atoms or molecules are closely packed together in a structured arrangement.

liquid

A state of matter that has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container, where atoms or molecules are less tightly packed than in solids and can move past one another.

gas

A state of matter that has neither a fixed shape nor a definite volume, with atoms or molecules that are far apart and move freely, allowing them to expand to fill their container.

property

A characteristic or attribute of a substance that can be observed or measured, such as color, density, and boiling point.

acid

A solution in water that has a pH of less than 7

base

A substance that reacts with an acid to produce salt and water(and sometimes carbon dioxide)

alkali

A soluble base containing a hydroxide ion and has a pH greater than 7

carbonate

A base containing the ion (CO3^2-) that can react with acids to produce carbon dioxide.

effervescence

The bubbling or fizzing that occurs when a gas is released from a liquid, often seen in reactions between acids and carbonates.

electrolysis

The process of using electrical current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, often used for decomposition of compounds. It uses two electrodes

anode

the positively charged electrode in electrolysis where oxidation occurs. It attracts anions

cathode

the negatively charged electrode in electrolysis where reduction occurs. It attracts cations

sulfate

a polyatomic ion with the formula SO₄²⁻, commonly found in various salts and minerals.

nitrate

a polyatomic ion with the formula NO₃⁻, commonly found in fertilizers and explosives.

H₂SO₄

sulfuric acid formula

HNO₃

nitric acid formula

HCl

hydrochloric acid formula

NaOH

sodium hydroxide formula

KOH

potassium hydroxide formula

LiOH

lithium hydroxide formula

CuO

copper(II)oxide formula

Ca(OH)₂

calcium hydroxide formula

MgO

magnesium oxide formula

CaCO₃

calcium carbonate formula

HI

hydroiodic acid formula

displacement reaction

a chemical reaction when a reactive metal is placed in a less reactive salt solution to swap them around(e.g. Fe + CuSO₄ →Cu + FeSO₄)

corrosion

the deterioration of materials due to chemical reactions, often with environmental factors such as moisture or oxygen.

rusting

a specific type of corrosion that occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture, forming rust (iron oxide).

filtration

Separating an insoluble solid from a liquid(e.g. sulfur from water) using a filter to allow only the liquid to pass through. The liquid passed is called the filtrate and the solid is called the residue

decanting

Separating an insoluble solid from a liquid by carefully pouring off the liquid, leaving the solid behind after being centrifuged

evaporation

Separating a soluble solid from a solution(e.g. NaCl from water). This process involves heating the solution until the liquid turns to vapor, leaving the solid residue behind.

crystallisation

Separating a soluble solid from a solution by cooling and evaporating, allowing pure solid crystals to form while leaving impurities in the solution. (e.g. CuSO₄ from water)

distillation

Separating a solvent from a solution(e.g. water from NaCl solution). The solution is heated in a round-bottomed flask and the solvent comes out through a water-cooled condenser

fractional distillation

Separating two miscible liquids in a round-bottomed flask(e.g. petrol from diesel). The liquid with the lower boiling point boils first

separating funnel

Separating two immiscible liquids in a funnel(e.g. oil from water). The liquid with the lower density is at the top

chromatography

Separating dissolved liquids(e.g. inks, dyes)