[NOTES] Chapter 1: Keys to Studying Chemistry - Definitions, Units, and Problem Solving Flashcards
Chemistry
The scientific study of matter and its properties, the changes that matter undergoes, and the energy associated with those changes
Matter
“stuff” of the universe, anything that has mass and volume
Composition (of matter)
The types and amounts of simpler substances that make it up
Substance
A type of matter that has a defined fixed composition
Solid (state of matter)
Defined by a fixed shape that does not conform to the container shape
Liquid (state of matter)
Defined by a varying shape that conforms to the container shape, but only to the extent of the liquid’s volume; that is, a liquid has an upper surface
Gas (state of matter)
Defined by a varying shape that conforms tot he container shape, but it fills the entire container
Properties (of matter)
The characteristics that give each substance its unique identity
Physical Properties (of matter)
Characteristics a substance shows by itself, without changing into or interacting with another substance
Physical Change
Occurs when a substance alters its physical properties, NOT its composition
Chemical Properties (of matter)
Characteristics a substance shows as it changes into or interacts with another substance (or substances)
Chemical Change/Chemical Reaction
Occurs with one or more substances are converted into one or more substances with difference composition and properties
Energy
The abilities to do work, ex. moving something
Potential Energy
The energy due to the position of the object relative to other objects
Kinetic Energy
The energy due to the motion of the object
Scientific Method
Not a step-by-step checklist, but rather a process involving creative proposals and tests aimed at objective, verifiable discoveries
Observations
Facts our ideas explain, ex. quantitative observations are best because it reveals trends leading to quantitative information (data). In continuation, this leads to a natural law after being mathematically summarized
Hypothesis
A proposal made to explain an observation, must be revised or discarded
Experiment
A set of procedural steps that tests a hypothesis; often contains two variables (quantities that can have more than one value) and a control to remain constant
Theory
Based on experiments that test hypothesis about observations distinguishing from scientific thinking from speculation
Combustion
The process of burning a material in air
SI Units
Based on 7 fundamental/base units, each identified with a physical quantity; all other units are derived
Volume (V)
The amount of space matter occupies, usually uppercase for non-SI unites like the liter (L) and milliliter (mL)
Conversion Factors
Ratios used to express a quantity in different units