Semester 1: Key Terms & Vocab Flashcards
Define Chemistry.
The science of materials and the changes that these materials undergo
What is the Scientific Method?
A process of studying natural phenomena that involves making observations, forming laws and theories, and testing theories by experimentation
What is a measurement as it relates to science?
a quantitative observation
What is a theory as it relates to science?
A set of assumptions put forth to explain some aspect of the observed behavior of matter
What is natural law?
a statement that summarizes generally observed behavior
Describe an engineer.
A person who applies scientific principles to solve problems and design systems, structures, and processes
Describe a Chemical Engineer.
A person who uses the principles of chemistry and the practices of engineering to develop processes and products that solve real-world problems
What is a Criterion?
A requirement or standard that a solution must meet
What is a Constraint?
A limitation on a solution
What is a trade-off?
An exchange of one advantage in favor of a different advantage.
What is Matter?
The material of the universe
What are Atoms?
The fundamental units of which elements are composed
What is a Compound?
A substance made of two or more different elements joined together in a specific way
What is a Molecule?
A collection of atoms bonded together that behave as a unit.
What is an Element?
A substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by chemical or physical means. It consists of atoms all having the same Atomic Number.
What is a Solid, in terms of Matter?
One of the Three States of Matter – it has a fixed shape and volume
What is a Liquid, in terms of Matter?
One of the Three States of Matter - it has a definite volume that takes the shape of its container.
What is a Gas, in terms of Matter?
One of the Three States of Matter - a substance with no definite shape or volume.
Define Physical Property
The characteristics of a substance that do not involve changing to another substance
Define Chemical Property
Characteristics that describe the ability of a substance to change to a different substance
Define Physical Change
A physical change involves a change in one or more physical properties but no change in composition.
Define Chemical Change
A chemical change transforms a substance into one or more new substances.
What is a Mixture?
a substance with variable composition
What is an Alloy?
A mixture of elements that have metallic properties
What is a Pure Substance?
A substance with constant composition - a pure element or a pure compound
What is a Homogeneous Mixture?
A mixture that is the same throughout
What is a Solution?
A homogeneous mixture
What is a Heterogeneous Mixture?
A mixture that has different properties in different regions of the mixture
What is the Law of Constant Composition?
A given compound always has the same proportion by mass of the elements of which it is composed
