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Introductory Chemistry - 1st Canadian Edition: Glossary

Introductory Chemistry - 1st Canadian Edition
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table of contents
  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Table Of Contents
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. Dedication
  7. About BCcampus Open Education
  8. Chapter 1. What is Chemistry
    1. Some Basic Definitions
    2. Chemistry as a Science
  9. Chapter 2. Measurements
    1. Expressing Numbers
    2. Significant Figures
    3. Converting Units
    4. Other Units: Temperature and Density
    5. Expressing Units
    6. End-of-Chapter Material
  10. Chapter 3. Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
    1. Acids
    2. Ions and Ionic Compounds
    3. Masses of Atoms and Molecules
    4. Molecules and Chemical Nomenclature
    5. Atomic Theory
    6. End-of-Chapter Material
  11. Chapter 4. Chemical Reactions and Equations
    1. The Chemical Equation
    2. Types of Chemical Reactions: Single- and Double-Displacement Reactions
    3. Ionic Equations: A Closer Look
    4. Composition, Decomposition, and Combustion Reactions
    5. Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
    6. Neutralization Reactions
    7. End-of-Chapter Material
  12. Chapter 5. Stoichiometry and the Mole
    1. Stoichiometry
    2. The Mole
    3. Mole-Mass and Mass-Mass Calculations
    4. Limiting Reagents
    5. The Mole in Chemical Reactions
    6. Yields
    7. End-of-Chapter Material
  13. Chapter 6. Gases
    1. Pressure
    2. Gas Laws
    3. Other Gas Laws
    4. The Ideal Gas Law and Some Applications
    5. Gas Mixtures
    6. Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases
    7. Molecular Effusion and Diffusion
    8. Real Gases
    9. End-of-Chapter Material
  14. Chapter 7. Energy and Chemistry
    1. Formation Reactions
    2. Energy
    3. Stoichiometry Calculations Using Enthalpy
    4. Enthalpy and Chemical Reactions
    5. Work and Heat
    6. Hess’s Law
    7. End-of-Chapter Material
  15. Chapter 8. Electronic Structure
    1. Light
    2. Quantum Numbers for Electrons
    3. Organization of Electrons in Atoms
    4. Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
    5. Periodic Trends
    6. End-of-Chapter Material
  16. Chapter 9. Chemical Bonds
    1. Lewis Electron Dot Diagrams
    2. Electron Transfer: Ionic Bonds
    3. Covalent Bonds
    4. Other Aspects of Covalent Bonds
    5. Violations of the Octet Rule
    6. Molecular Shapes and Polarity
    7. Valence Bond Theory and Hybrid Orbitals
    8. Molecular Orbitals
    9. End-of-Chapter Material
  17. Chapter 10. Solids and Liquids
    1. Properties of Liquids
    2. Solids
    3. Phase Transitions: Melting, Boiling, and Subliming
    4. Intermolecular Forces
    5. End-of-Chapter Material
  18. Chapter 11. Solutions
    1. Colligative Properties of Solutions
    2. Concentrations as Conversion Factors
    3. Quantitative Units of Concentration
    4. Colligative Properties of Ionic Solutes
    5. Some Definitions
    6. Dilutions and Concentrations
    7. End-of-Chapter Material
  19. Chapter 12. Acids and Bases
    1. Acid-Base Titrations
    2. Strong and Weak Acids and Bases and Their Salts
    3. Brønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
    4. Arrhenius Acids and Bases
    5. Autoionization of Water
    6. Buffers
    7. The pH Scale
    8. End-of-Chapter Material
  20. Chapter 13. Chemical Equilibrium
    1. Chemical Equilibrium
    2. The Equilibrium Constant
    3. Shifting Equilibria: Le Chatelier’s Principle
    4. Calculating Equilibrium Constant Values
    5. Some Special Types of Equilibria
    6. End-of-Chapter Material
  21. Chapter 14. Oxidation and Reduction
    1. Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
    2. Balancing Redox Reactions
    3. Applications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
    4. Electrolysis
    5. End-of-Chapter Material
  22. Chapter 15. Nuclear Chemistry
    1. Units of Radioactivity
    2. Uses of Radioactive Isotopes
    3. Half-Life
    4. Radioactivity
    5. Nuclear Energy
    6. End-of-Chapter Material
  23. Chapter 16. Organic Chemistry
    1. Hydrocarbons
    2. Branched Hydrocarbons
    3. Alkyl Halides and Alcohols
    4. Other Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
    5. Other Functional Groups
    6. Polymers
    7. End-of-Chapter Material
  24. Chapter 17. Kinetics
    1. Factors that Affect the Rate of Reactions
    2. Reaction Rates
    3. Rate Laws
    4. Concentration–Time Relationships: Integrated Rate Laws
    5. Activation Energy and the Arrhenius Equation
    6. Reaction Mechanisms
    7. Catalysis
    8. End-of-Chapter Material
  25. Chapter 18. Chemical Thermodynamics
    1. Spontaneous Change
    2. Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
    3. Measuring Entropy and Entropy Changes
    4. Gibbs Free Energy
    5. Spontaneity: Free Energy and Temperature
    6. Free Energy under Nonstandard Conditions
    7. End-of-Chapter Material
  26. Appendix A: Periodic Table of the Elements
  27. Appendix B: Selected Acid Dissociation Constants at 25°C
  28. Appendix C: Solubility Constants for Compounds at 25°C
  29. Appendix D: Standard Thermodynamic Quantities for Chemical Substances at 25°C
  30. Appendix E: Standard Reduction Potentials by Value
  31. Glossary
  32. About the Authors
  33. Versioning History

6

Glossary

Jessie A. Key

TermDefinitionSection of Book
abbreviated electron configurationAn electron configuration that uses one of the noble gases to represent the core of electrons up to that element.Organization of Electrons in Atoms
absolute zeroThe minimum possible temperature, labeled 0 K (zero kelvins)Other Units: Temperature and Density
acidAn ionic compound of the H+ cation dissolved in waterAcids
acidA compound that increases the amount of H+ ions in an aqueous solutionNeutralization Reactions
acid dissociation constant (Ka)The equilibrium constant for the dissociation of a weak acid into ionsSome Special Types of Equilibria
acid saltAn ionic compound whose aqueous solution is slightly acidicStrong and Weak Acids and Bases and Their Salts
activated complexSee transition stateReaction Mechanisms
activation energy (Ea)The minimum amount of kinetic energy molecules must possess for an effective collision to occurFactors that Affect the Rate of Reactions
active siteArea of enzymatic action where substrate molecules reactCatalysis
activity seriesA list of elements that will replace elements below them in single-replacement reactionsTypes of Chemical Reactions: Single- and Double-Displacement Reactions
actual yieldThe amount that is actually produced in a chemical reactionYields
addition reactionA reaction where atoms are added across a double or triple bondHydrocarbons
adhesionThe tendency of a substance to interact with other substances because of intermolecular forcesProperties of Liquids
adsorbBind to the surface of another substanceCatalysis
alcoholAn organic compound that contains an OH functional groupAlkyl halides and alcohols
aldehydeA compound that has a carbonyl functional group at the end of a chain of C atomsOther Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
aliphatic hydrocarbonsA hydrocarbon based on chains of C atomsHydrocarbons
alkaline batteryA type of dry cell that contains an alkaline (i.e., basic) moist paste, rather than an acidic pasteApplications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
alkaneAn aliphatic hydrocarbon with only single covalent bondsHydrocarbons
alkeneAn aliphatic hydrocarbon that contains a C–C double bondHydrocarbons
alkyl halideAn organic compound that contains a halogen atomAlkyl halides and alcohols
alkyneAn aliphatic hydrocarbon that contains a C–C triple bondHydrocarbons
alpha particleA type of radioactive emission equivalent to a helium nucleusRadioactivity
amide groupA functional group that is the combination of the amine and carbonyl functional groupsOther Functional Groups
amide bondThe bond between the N atom and the C atom in an amide.Other Functional Groups
amineAn organic derivative of ammoniaOther Functional Groups
amorphous solidA solid with no long-term structure or repetitionSolids
amphiproticA substance that can act as a proton donor or a proton acceptorBrønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
analyteThe reagent of unknown concentrationAcid-Base Titrations
angular momentum quantum number (ℓ)An index that affects the energy and the spatial distribution of an electron in an atom.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
anionA species with an overall negative chargeIons and Ionic Compounds
anodeThe half cell that contains the oxidation reactionApplications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
antibonding molecular orbitalA higher energy molecular orbital generated by destructive combination of atomic orbitalsMolecular Orbitals
aromatic hydrocarbonsFlat ring systems, which contain continuously overlapping p orbitals, such as benzeneHydrocarbons
Arrhenius acidA compound that increases the hydrogen ion concentration in aqueous solutionArrhenius Acids and Bases
Arrhenius baseA compound that increases the hydroxide ion concentration in aqueous solutionArrhenius Acids and Bases
atmosphere (atm)A unit of pressure equal to the average atmospheric pressure at sea level; defined as exactly 760 mmHgPressure
atomThe smallest piece of an element that maintains the identity of that elementAtomic Theory
atomic massThe sum of the number of protons and neutrons in a nucleusAtomic Theory
atomic massThe weighted average of the masses of the isotopes that compose an elementMasses of Atoms and Molecules
atomic mass unitOne-twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atomMasses of Atoms and Molecules
atomic numberThe number of protons in an atomAtomic Theory
atomic radiusAn indication of the size of an atom.Periodic Trends
atomic symbolA one- or two-letter representation of the name of an elementAtomic Theory
atomic theoryThe concept that atoms play a fundamental role in chemistryAtomic Theory
aufbau principleThe way that electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first. From the German for “building up.”Organization of Electrons in Atoms
autoionization constant of water (Kw)The product of the hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion concentrationsAutoionization of Water
autoionization of waterWater molecules act as acids (proton donors) and bases (proton acceptors) with each other to a tiny extent in all aqueous solutionsAutoionization of Water
Avogadro’s lawA gas law that relates number of particles to volumeOther Gas Laws
balanced chemical equationA condition when the reactants and products of a chemical equation have the same number of atoms of all elements presentThe Chemical Equation
baseA compound that increases the amount of OH− ions in an aqueous solutionNeutralization Reactions
basic saltAn ionic compound whose aqueous solution is slightly basicStrong and Weak Acids and Bases and Their Salts
becquerel (Bq)A unit of radioactivity equal to 1 decay per secondUnits of Radioactivity
beta particleA type of radioactive emission equivalent to an electronRadioactivity
boiling (or vaporization)The process of a liquid becoming a gasPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
boiling pointThe characteristic temperature at which a liquid becomes a gasPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
boiling point elevationThe increase of a solution’s boiling point because of the presence of soluteColligative Properties of Solutions
boiling point elevation constant (Kb)The constant that relates the molality concentration of a solution and its boiling point changeColligative Properties of Solutions
bond energyThe approximate amount of energy needed to break a covalent bondOther Aspects of Covalent Bonding
bond orderA method of evaluating bond strengthMolecular Orbitals
bonding electron pairA pair of electrons that makes a covalent bondCovalent Bonds
bonding molecular orbitalThe lower energy molecular orbital generated by constructive combination of atomic orbitalsMolecular Orbitals
Boyle’s lawA gas law that relates pressure and volume at constant temperature and amountGas Laws
branched hydrocarbonsA carbon compound that is not a straight chain, having substituents appended to the longest chainBranched Hydrocarbons
Brønsted-Lowry acidAny species that can donate a proton to another moleculeBrønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
Brønsted-Lowry baseAny species that can accept a proton from another moleculeBrønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
bufferA solution that resists dramatic changes in pHBuffers
buffer capacityThe amount of strong acid or base a buffer can counteractBuffers
burette or buretA precisely calibrated volumetric delivery tubeAcid-Base Titrations
calorieA unit of energy measurement originally defined in terms of warming up a given quantity of water. 1 cal = 4.184 JEnergy
calorimeterA container used to measure the heat of a chemical reaction.Enthalpy and Chemical Reactions
calorimetryThe process of measuring enthalpy changes in chemical reactions.Enthalpy and Chemical Reactions
capillary actionThe behavior of a liquid in narrow surfaces due to differences in adhesion and cohesionProperties of Liquids
carbonyl groupA functional group where an O atom and a C atom are joined with a double bondOther Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
carboxyl groupA functional group composed of a carbonyl group and an OH groupOther Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
carboxylate ionA negatively charged ion derived from a carboxylic acidOther Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
carboxylic acidA molecule with a carboxyl groupOther Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
catalystA substance that increases the speed of a reactionShifting Equilibria: Le Chatelier’s Principle
catalystA substance thaty accelerates a reaction by participating in it without being consumedFactors that Affect the Rate of Reactions
catalystA substance that lowers the activation energy of a specific reaction by providing an alternate reaction pathwayCatalysis
cathodeThe half cell that contains the reduction reactionApplications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
cationA species with an overall positive chargeIons and Ionic Compounds
central atomThe atom in the center of a moleculeCovalent Bonds
Charles’s lawA gas law that relates volume and temperature at constant pressure and amountGas Laws
chemical bondThe connection between two atoms in a moleculeMolecules an Chemical Nomenclature
chemical changeThe process of demonstrating a chemical propertySome Basic Definitions
chemical equationA concise way of representing a chemical reactionThe Chemical Equation
chemical equilibriumThe point at which forward and reverse chemical reactions balance each other’s progressChemical Equilibrium
chemical nomenclatureA very specific system for naming compounds, in which unique substances get unique namesMolecules an Chemical Nomenclature
chemical propertyA characteristic that describes how matter changes form in the presence of other matterSome Basic Definitions
chemistryThe study of the interactions of matter with other matter and with energyIntroduction
coefficientThe part of a number in scientific notation that is multiplied by a power of 10Expressing Numbers
coefficientA number in a chemical equation indicating more than one molecule of the substanceThe Chemical Equation
cohesionThe tendency of a substance to interact with itselfProperties of Liquids
colligative propertyA property of solutions related to the fraction that the solute particles occupy in the solution, not their identityColligative Properties of Solutions
collision theoryThe theory that reactions occur when reactant molecules “effectively collide”Factors that Affect the Rate of Reactions
combined gas lawA gas law that combines pressure, volume, and temperatureOther Gas Laws
combustion reactionA chemical reaction in which a reactant combines with oxygen to produce oxides of all other elements as productsComposition, Decomposition, and Combustion Reactions
complete ionic equationA chemical equation in which the dissolved ionic compounds are written as separated ionsIonic Equations: A Closer Look
composition reactionA chemical reaction in which a single substance is produced from multiple reactantsComposition, Decomposition, and Combustion Reactions
compoundA combination of more than one elementSome Basic Definitions
compressibility factorA measure of the extent of deviation from ideal gas behaviour.Real Gases
concentrated solutionA solution with a lot of soluteSome Definitions
concentrationHow much solute is dissolved in a given amount of solventSome Definitions
concentration (verb)The removal of solvent, which increases the concentration of the solute in the solutionDilutions and Concentrations
condensationThe process of a gas becoming a liquidPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
condensed structureA listing of the atoms bonded to each C atom in a chainHydrocarbons
conjugate acid-base pairTwo species whose formulas differ by only a hydrogen ionBrønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
continuous spectrumAn image that contains all colours of light.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
conversion factorA fraction that can be used to convert a quantity from one unit to anotherConverting Units
covalent bondA chemical bond formed by two atoms sharing electrons.Covalent Bonds
covalent network solidsA crystalline solid composed of atoms of one or more elements that are covalently bonded together in a seemingly never-ending fashionSolids
critical pointThe point at the highest temperature and pressure at which liquids and gases remain distinguishableProperties of Liquids
crystalline solidA solid with a regular, repeating three-dimensional structureSolids
curieA unit of radioactivity equal to 3.7×1010 decays/sUnits of Radioactivity
d blockThe columns of the periodic table in which d subshells are being occupied.Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
Dalton’s law of partial pressuresThe total pressure of a gas mixture, Ptot, is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the components, PiGas Mixtures
daughter isotopeThe product left over from the parent isotope in a nuclear equationRadioactivity
decomposition reactionA chemical reaction in which a single substance becomes more than one substanceComposition, Decomposition, and Combustion Reactions
degreesThe unit of temperature scalesOther Units: Temperature and Density
densityA physical property defined as a substance’s mass divided by its volumeOther Units: Temperature and Density
depositionThe process of a gas becoming a solidPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
derived unitA unit that is a product or a quotient of a fundamental unitExpressing Units
diatomic moleculeA molecule with only two atomsMolecules an Chemical Nomenclature
diffusionThe movement of gas molecules through one or more additional types of gas via random molecular motionMolecular Effusion and Diffusion
diluteA solution with very little soluteSome Definitions
dilutionThe addition of solvent, which decreases the concentration of the solute in the solutionDilutions and Concentrations
dilution equationThe mathematical formula for calculating new concentrations or volumes when a solution is diluted or concentratedDilutions and Concentrations
dipole-dipole interactionsAn intermolecular force caused by molecules with a permanent dipoleIntermolecular Forces
dispersion force (or London dispersion force)An intermolecular force caused by the instantaneous position of an electron in a moleculeIntermolecular Forces
dissociationThe process of an ionic compound separating into ions when it dissolvesIonic Equations: A Closer Look
double bondA covalent bond composed of two pairs of bonding electronsCovalent Bonds
double-replacement reactionA chemical reaction in which parts of two ionic compounds are exchangedTypes of Chemical Reactions: Single- and Double-Displacement Reactions
dry cellA modern battery that does not contain large amounts of aqueous solutionApplications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
dynamic equilibriumWhen a process still occurs but the opposite process also occurs at the same rate so that there is no net change in the system.Properties of Liquids
effective nuclear charge (Zeff)The net nuclear charge felt by valence electrons.Periodic Trends
effusionThe movement of gas molecules from one container to another via a tiny holeMolecular Effusion and Diffusion
electrodesThe cathode or anode of a voltaic cellApplications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
electrolysisThe process of making a nonspontaneous redox reaction occur by forcing electricity into a cellElectrolysis
electrolytic cellA cell into which electricity is forced to make a nonspontaneous reaction occurElectrolysis
electromagnetic spectrumThe full span of the possible wavelengths, frequencies, and energies of light.Light
electronA tiny subatomic particle with a negative chargeAtomic Theory
electron affinity (EA)The energy change when a gas-phase atom accepts an electron.Periodic Trends
electron configurationA listing of the shell and subshell labels.Organization of Electrons in Atoms
electron deficient moleculesA molecule with less than eight electrons in the valence shell of an atomViolations of the Octet Rule
electron group geometryhow electron groups (bonds and nonbonding electron pairs) are arrangedMolecular Shapes and Polarity
electron groupsA covalent bond of any type or a lone electron pairMolecular Shapes and Polarity
electron shellA term used to describe electrons with the same principal quantum number.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
electronegativityA scale for judging how much atoms of any element attract electronsOther Aspects of Covalent Bonding
electroplatingThe deposition of a thin layer of metal on an object for protective or decorative purposesElectrolysis
elementA substance that cannot be broken down into simpler chemical substances by ordinary chemical meansSome Basic Definitions
elementary stepEach event that occurs in a chemical reaction as a result of an effective collisionReaction Mechanisms
elimination reactionThe removal of a functional group (either X or OH) and a H atom from an adjacent carbonAlkyl halides and alcohols
endothermicA chemical reaction that has a positive change in enthalpy.Enthalpy and Chemical Reactions
energyThe ability to do work.Energy
enthalpy changeThe heat of a process at constant pressure. Denoted as ΔH.Enthalpy and Chemical Reactions
enthalpy of formationThe enthalpy change for a formation reaction; denoted as ΔHf.Formation Reactions
enthalpy of fusionThe amount of energy needed to change from a solid to a liquid or from a liquid to a solidPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
enthalpy of sublimationThe amount of energy needed to change from a solid to a gas or from a gas to a solidPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
enthalpy of vaporizationThe amount of energy needed to change from a liquid to a gas or from a gas to a liquidPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
entropyThe level of randomness (or disorder) of a system, or a measure of the energy dispersal of the molecules in the systemEntropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
enzymeProtein molecules which serve to catalyze biochemical reactionsCatalysis
enzyme-substrate complexThe binding of substrate to the enzymatic active siteCatalysis
equilibrium constant (Keq)A numerical value that relates to the ratio of products and reactants at equilibriumThe Equilibrium Constant
equivalence pointThe point of the reaction when all the analyte has been reacted with the titrantAcid-Base Titrations
ester groupA functional group made by combining a carboxylic acid with an alcoholOther Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
ether groupA functional group that has an O atom attached to two organic groupsOther Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
evaporationThe formation of a gas phase from a liquid at temperatures below the boiling pointProperties of Liquids
exact numberA number from a defined relationship that technically has an infinite number of significant figuresConverting Units
exothermicA chemical reaction that has a negative change in enthalpy.Enthalpy and Chemical Reactions
expanded valence shell moleculesA molecule with more than eight electrons in the valence shell of an atomViolations of the Octet Rule
experimentA test of the natural universe to see if a guess (hypothesis) is correctChemistry as a Science
exponentThe raised number to the right of a 10 indicating the number of factors of 10 in the original numberExpressing Numbers
f blockThe columns of the periodic table in which f subshells are being occupied.Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
fissionThe breaking apart of an atomic nucleus into smaller nucleiRadioactivity
formation reactionA chemical reaction that forms one mole of a substance from its constituent elements in their standard states.Formation Reactions
freezing point depressionThe decrease of a solution’s freezing point because of the presence of soluteColligative Properties of Solutions
freezing point depression constant (Kf)The constant that relates the molality concentration of a solution and its freezing point changeColligative Properties of Solutions
frequencyThe number of cycles of light that pass a given point in one second.Light
frequency factor (A)A factor that takes into account the frequency of reactions and the likelihood of correct molecular orientationActivation Energy and the Arrhenius Equation
frontier molecular orbitalsA term which refers to the HOMO and LUMO, the most likely orbitals to be involved in chemical reactions or processesMolecular Orbitals
functional groupA collection of atoms or bonds with certain characteristic reactionsAlkyl halides and alcohols
fundamental unitsOne of the seven basic units of SI used in scienceExpressing Units
gamma rayA type of radioactive emission that is a very energetic form of electromagnetic radiationRadioactivity
gas lawA simple mathematical formula that allows one to model, or predict, the behaviour of a gasGas Laws
Gay-Lussac’s lawA gas law that relates pressure with absolute temperatureOther Gas Laws
Geiger counterAn electrical device that detects radioactivityUnits of Radioactivity
Gibbs free energy (G)A measure of spontaneity which incorporates both enthalpy and entropyGibbs Free Energy
Graham’s law of effusionA law that relates the rate of effusion of a gas to the inverse of the square root of its molar mass.Molecular Effusion and Diffusion
gray (Gy)A unit of radioactive exposure equal to 100 radUnits of Radioactivity
half cellA part of a voltaic cell that contains one half reactionApplications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
half reactionThe individual oxidation or reduction reaction of a redox reactionBalancing Redox Reactions
half reaction methodThe method of balancing redox reactions by writing and balancing the individual half reactionsBalancing Redox Reactions
half-lifeThe amount of time it takes for one-half of a radioactive isotope to decayHalf-Life
half-lifeThe amount of time required for the concentration of a reactant to drop to one half of its initial concentrationConcentration-Time Relationships: Integrated Rate Laws
heatThe transfer of energy from one body to another due to a difference in temperature.Work and Heat
heating curveA plot of the temperature versus the amount of heat addedPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
Hess’s lawWhen chemical equations are combined algebraically, their enthalpies can be combined in exactly the same way.Hess’s Law
heterogeneous catalystA catalyst that is in a different phase from one or more of the reactantsCatalysis
heterogeneous equilibriumAn equilibrium in which more than one phase of reactants or products is presentThe Equilibrium Constant
heterogeneous mixtureA non-uniform combination of more than one substanceSome Basic Definitions
HOMOThe highest occupied molecular orbitalMolecular Orbitals
homogeneous catalystA catalyst that is present in the same phase as the reactant moleculesCatalysis
homogeneous mixtureA uniform mixture of more than one substance that behaves as a single substanceSome Basic Definitions
Hund’s ruleOne electron is placed in each degenerate orbital before pairing electrons in the same orbital.Organization of Electrons in Atoms
hybridizationA mathematical mixing of atomic orbitalsValence Bond Theory and Hybrid Orbitals
hydrocarbonsAn organic compound composed of carbon and hydrogenHydrocarbons
hydrogen bondingThe very strong interaction between molecules due to H atoms being bonded to N, O, or F atomsIntermolecular Forces
hydrogenation reactionThe reaction of hydrogen across a C–C double or triple bond, usually in the presence of a catalystHydrocarbons
hydronium ionThe actual chemical species that represents a hydrogen ion in aqueous solutionArrhenius Acids and Bases
hypothesisAn educated guess about how the natural universe worksChemistry as a Science
hyrolysisA reaction with waterBrønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
ICE chartA table used to calculate equilibria values featuring rows of initial, change and equlibria concentrationCalculating Equilibrium Constant Values
ideal gasA gas that conforms exactly to the tenets of the kinetic molecular theory.Real Gases
ideal gas lawA gas law that relates all four independent physical properties of a gas under any conditionsThe Ideal Gas Law and Some Applications
indicatorA substance whose color change indicates the equivalence point of a titrationAcid-Base Titrations
initial rateThe instantaneous rate at the start of a reactionReaction Rates
initial rates methodA method to determine the rate law from the instantaneous reaction rate upon mixing the reactantsRate Laws
instantaneous reaction rateThe rate of reaction at one instant in timeReaction Rates
intermediateA chemical species does not appear in the overall balanced equation and is generated in one elementary step but used up in a subsequent stepReaction Mechanisms
ionA species with an overall electric chargeIons and Ionic Compounds
ionic compoundA compound formed from positive and negative ionsIons and Ionic Compounds
ionic formulaThe chemical formula for an ionic compoundIons and Ionic Compounds
ionic solidA crystalline solid composed of ionsSolids
ionization energy (IE)The amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom in the gas phase.Periodic Trends
isolated systemA system that does not allow a transfer of energy or matter into or out of itself.Energy
isomerA molecule with the same molecular formula as another molecule but a different structureHydrocarbons
isothermalA process that does not change the temperaturePhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
isotopesAtoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutronsAtomic Theory
jouleThe SI unit of energy.Energy
kelvinThe fundamental unit of temperature in SIOther Units: Temperature and Density
ketoneA compound where the carbonyl carbon is attached to two carbon chainsOther Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups
kinetic energyEnergy due to motionKinetic-Molecular Theory of Gases
kinetic molecular theory of gasesA model that helps us understand gases at the molecular level and their physical propertiesKinetic-Molecular Theory of Gases
kineticsThe study of reaction rate and the factors that can influence reaction rateIntroduction to Kinetics
law of conservation of energyLaw of physics that states that the total energy of an isolated system does not increase or decrease.Energy
law of mass actionThe relationship of the amounts of reactants and products at equilibriumThe Equilibrium Constant
Le Chatelier’s principleIf an equilibrium is stressed, then the reaction shifts to reduce the stressShifting Equilibria: Le Chatelier’s Principle
Lewis diagramA representation of the valence electrons of an atom that uses dots around the symbol of the element.Lewis Electron Dot Diagrams
limiting reagentThe reactant that runs out first for a given chemical reactionLimiting Reagents
line spectrumAn image that contains only certain colors of lightQuantum Numbers for Electrons
locantThe numerical position of a substituentBranched Hydrocarbons
lock and key modelA simple model used to describe enzyme activity, where substrates must fit into appropriately shaped active sitesCatalysis
lone electron pairsA pair of electrons that does not make a covalent bondCovalent Bonds
LUMOThe lowest unoccupied molecular orbitalMolecular Orbitals
magnetic quantum number (mℓ)The index that determines the orientation of the electron’s spatial distribution.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
mass-mass calculationA calculation in which you start with a given mass of a substance and calculate the mass of another substance involved in the chemical equationMole-Mass and Mass-Mass Calculations
matterAnything that has mass and takes up space.Some Basic Definitions
mean free pathThe average distance travelled by a molecule between collisions.Molecular Effusion and Diffusion
meltingThe process of a solid becoming a liquidPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
melting pointThe characteristic temperature at which a solid becomes a liquidPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
meniscusThe curved surface a liquid makes as it approaches a solid barrierProperties of Liquids
metalAn element that conducts electricity and heat well and is shiny, silvery, solid, ductile, and malleableSome Basic Definitions
metallic solidA solid with the characteristic properties of a metalSolids
microstate (W)A term used to describe different possible arrangements of molecular position and kinetic energy, at a particular thermodynamic stateEntropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
millimeters of mercury (mmHg)The amount of pressure exerted by a column of mercury exactly 1 mm highPressure
mixtureA physical combination of more than one substanceSome Basic Definitions
molality (m)The number of moles of solute per kilogram of solventQuantitative Units of Concentration
molar massThe mass of 1 mol of a substance in gramsThe Mole
molar volumeThe volume of exactly 1 mol of a gas; equal to 22.4 L at STP.The Ideal Gas Law and Some Applications
molarity (M)The number of moles of solute divided by the number of liters of solutionQuantitative Units of Concentration
moleThe number of things equal to the number of atoms in exactly 12 g of carbon-12; equals 6.022×1023 thingsThe Mole
mole fractionThe ratio of the number of moles of a component in a mixture divided by the total number of moles in the sampleGas Mixtures
mole fractionThe ratio of the number of moles of a component to the total number of moles in a systemColligative Properties of Solutions
molecular formulaA formal listing of what and how many atoms are in a moleculeMolecules an Chemical Nomenclature
molecular geometryhow the atoms in a molecule are arrangedMolecular Shapes and Polarity
molecular massThe sum of the masses of the atoms in a moleculeMasses of Atoms and Molecules
molecular orbital theory (MO theory)A more sophisticated model  of chemical bonding where new molecular orbitals are generated using a mathematical process called Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO)Molecular Orbitals
molecular polarityThe vector sum of the individual bond dipolesMolecular Shapes and Polarity
molecular solidA crystalline solid whose components are covalently bonded moleculesSolids
molecularityThe total number of molecules that participate in the effective collision of the elementary stepReaction Mechanisms
moleculeThe smallest part of a substance that has the physical and chemical properties of that substanceMolecules an Chemical Nomenclature
mole-mass calculationA calculation in which you start with a given number of moles of a substance and calculate the mass of another substance involved in the chemical equation, or vice versaMole-Mass and Mass-Mass Calculations
mole-mole calculationA stoichiometry calculation when one starts with moles of one substance and convert to moles of another substance using the balanced chemical equationThe Mole in Chemical Reactions
monomerThe repeated unit of a polymerPolymers
net ionic equationA chemical equation with the spectator ions removedIonic Equations: A Closer Look
neutral saltAn ionic compound that does not affect the acidity of its aqueous solutionStrong and Weak Acids and Bases and Their Salts
neutralization reactionThe reaction of an acid with a base to produce water and a saltNeutralization Reactions
neutronA subatomic particle with no chargeAtomic Theory
node (nodal plane)An area of zero electron densityMolecular Orbitals
nomenclatureThe rules of naming in organic chemistryBranched Hydrocarbons
nonmetalAn element that exists in various colors and phases, is brittle, and does not conduct electricity or heat wellSome Basic Definitions
nonpolar covalent bondThe equal sharing of electrons in a covalent bondOther Aspects of Covalent Bonding
normal boiling pointThe characteristic temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas when the surrounding pressure is exactly 1 atmPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
nuclear energyThe controlled harvesting of energy from fission reactionsNuclear Energy
nuclear equationA chemical equation that emphasizes changes in atomic nucleiRadioactivity
nuclear modelThe model of an atom that has the protons and neutrons in a central nucleus with the electrons in orbit about the nucleusAtomic Theory
nucleusThe centre of an atom that contains protons and neutronsAtomic Theory
odd-electron moleculesA molecule with an odd number of electrons in the valence shell of an atomViolations of the Octet Rule
orbitalThe specific set of principal, angular momentum, and magnetic quantum numbers for an electron.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
osmosisThe tendency of solvent molecules to pass through a semipermeable membrane due to concentration differencesColligative Properties of Solutions
osmotic pressureThe tendency of a solution to pass solvent through a semipermeable membrane due to concentration differencesColligative Properties of Solutions
oxidationThe loss of one or more electrons by an atom; an increase in oxidation numberOxidation-Reduction Reactions
oxidation numberA number assigned to an atom that helps keep track of the number of electrons on the atomOxidation-Reduction Reactions
oxidation-reduction (redox) reactionsA chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electronsOxidation-Reduction Reactions
p blockThe columns of the periodic table in which p subshells are being occupied.Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
parent isotopeThe reactant in a nuclear equationRadioactivity
parts per billion (ppb)Ratio of mass of solute to total mass of sample times 1,000,000,000Quantitative Units of Concentration
parts per million (ppm)Ratio of mass of solute to total mass of sample times 1,000,000Quantitative Units of Concentration
parts per thousand (ppth)Ratio of mass of solute to total mass of sample times 1,000Quantitative Units of Concentration
Pauli exclusion principleNo two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers.Organization of Electrons in Atoms
percent yieldActual yield divided by theoretical yield times 100% to give a percentage between 0% and 100%Yields
percentage composition by mass (or mass percentage, % m/m)Ratio of mass of solute to the total mass of a sample times 100Quantitative Units of Concentration
periodic tableA chart of all the elementsAtomic Theory
periodic trendsThe variation of properties versus position on the periodic table.Periodic Trends
pHThe negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentrationThe pH Scale
pH scaleThe range of values from 0 to 14 that describes the acidity or basicity of a solutionThe pH Scale
phaseAn important physical property that defines whether matter is a solid, liquid, gas or supercritical fluidSome Basic Definitions
phase diagramA graphical representation of the equilibrium relationships that exist between the phases of a substance under specified pressures and temperaturesProperties of Liquids
photonThe name of a discrete unit of light acting as a particle.Light
physical changeA change that occurs when a sample of matter changes one or more of its physical propertiesSome Basic Definitions
physical propertyA characteristic that describes matter as it existsSome Basic Definitions
pi bond (π bond)The sideways overlap of p orbitals, placing electron density on opposite sides of the inter-nuclear axis – a double or triple bondValence Bond Theory and Hybrid Orbitals
Planck’s constantThe proportionality constant between the frequency and the energy of light: 6.626 × 10 to the power of −34 J·s.Light
pOHThe negative logarithm of the hydroxide ion concentrationThe pH Scale
polar covalent bondA covalent bond between different atoms that attract the shared electrons by different amounts and cause an imbalance of electron distributionOther Aspects of Covalent Bonding
polarityA measure of the unequal sharing of electrons which has resulted in a dipole momentOther Aspects of Covalent Bonding
polyatomic ionsAn ion that contains more than one atomIons and Ionic Compounds
polymerA long molecule made of many repeating unitsPolymers
polymerizationThe process of making a polymerPolymers
polyprotic acidAn acid capable of donating more than one H+ ionSome Special Types of Equilibria
precipitateA solid that falls out of solution in a precipitation reactionTypes of Chemical Reactions: Single- and Double-Displacement Reactions
precipitation reactionA chemical reaction in which two ionic compounds are dissolved in water and form a new ionic compound that does not dissolveTypes of Chemical Reactions: Single- and Double-Displacement Reactions
prefixA prefix used with a unit that refers to a multiple or fraction of a fundamental unit to make a more conveniently sized unit for a specific quantityExpressing Units
pressureForce per unit areaPressure
primary batteryA battery that cannot be rechargedApplications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
principal quantum number (n)The index that largely determines the energy of an electron in an atom.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
productA final substance in a chemical equationThe Chemical Equation
protonA subatomic particle with a positive chargeAtomic Theory
qualitativeA description of the quality of an objectChemistry as a Science
quantitativeA description of a specific amount of somethingChemistry as a Science
quantizationWhen a quantity is restricted to having only certain values.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
quantum mechanicsThe theory of electrons that treats them as a wave.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
quantum numberAn index that corresponds to a property of an electron, like its energy.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
radA unit of radioactive exposure equal to 0.01 J/g of tissueUnits of Radioactivity
radioactive decayThe spontaneous change of a nucleus from one element to anotherRadioactivity
radioactivityEmanations of particles and radiation from atomic nucleiRadioactivity
Raoult’s lawThe mathematical formula for calculating the vapor pressure of a solutionColligative Properties of Solutions
rate constant (k)A proportionality constant specific to each reaction at a particular temperatureRate Laws
rate-determining stepThe slowest step in a multistep mechanismReaction Mechanisms
rate lawA mathematical relationship between the reaction rate and the reactant concentrationsRate Laws
reactantAn initial substance in a chemical equationThe Chemical Equation
reaction mechanismThe bond making and bond breaking steps which occur at the molecular level during a chemical reactionReaction Mechanisms
reaction orderThe sum of the concentration term exponents in a rate law equationRate Laws
reaction rateThe speed of a chemical reactionIntroduction to Kinetics
real gasA gas that deviates from ideal behaviour.Real Gases
redox reactionA chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electronsOxidation-Reduction Reactions
reductionThe gain of one or more electrons by an atom; a decrease in oxidation numberOxidation-Reduction Reactions
remA unit of radioactive exposure that includes a factor to account for the type of radioactivityUnits of Radioactivity
ribozymeRibonucleic acid (RNA) molecules capable of catalyzing certain chemical reactionsCatalysis
root-mean-square (rms) speed (urms)The speed of molecules having exactly the same kinetic energy as the average kinetic energy of the sampleKinetic-Molecular Theory of Gases
s blockThe columns of the periodic table in which s subshells are being occupiedElectronic Structure and the Periodic Table
saltAny ionic compound that is formed from a reaction between an acid and a baseNeutralization Reactions
saltAny ionic compound that is formed from a reaction between an acid and a baseArrhenius Acids and Bases
salt bridgeA part of a voltaic cell that contains a solution of some ionic compound whose ions migrate to either side of the voltaic cell to maintain the charge balanceApplications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
saturated hydrocarbonsA carbon compound with the maximum possible number of H atoms in its formulaHydrocarbons
saturated solutionA solution with the maximum amount of solute dissolved in itSome Definitions
scienceThe process of knowing about the natural universe through observation and experimentChemistry as a Science
scientific lawA specific statement that is thought to be never violated by the entire natural universeChemistry as a Science
scientific notationAn expression of a number using powers of 10Expressing Numbers
screeningThe repelling valence electrons by core electronsPeriodic Trends
second law of thermodynamicsA spontaneous process will increase the entropy of the universeEntropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
secondary batteryA battery that can be rechargedApplications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
semimetalAn element that has properties of both metals and nonmetalsSome Basic Definitions
semipermeable membraneA thin membrane that will pass certain small molecules but not othersColligative Properties of Solutions
SI unit International System of Units used by all scientists, literally translated from “le Système International d’unités.”Expressing Units
Sievert (Sv)Sievert (Sv) is a related unit and is defined as 100 remUnits of Radioactivity
sigma bond (σ bond)Orbital overlap to form a bond which has cylindrical symmetry – a single bondValence Bond Theory and Hybrid Orbitals
significant figuresThe limit of the number of places a measurement can be properly expressed withSignificant Figures
siliconesA polymer based on a silicon and oxygen backbonePolymers
single bondA covalent bond composed of one pair of electronsCovalent Bonds
single-replacement reactionA chemical reaction in which one element is substituted for another element in a compoundTypes of Chemical Reactions: Single- and Double-Displacement Reactions
solidificationThe process of a liquid becoming a solidPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
solubilityThe maximum amount of a solute that can be dissolved in a given amount of a solventSome Definitions
solubility rulesGeneral statements that predict which ionic compounds dissolve and which do notTypes of Chemical Reactions: Single- and Double-Displacement Reactions
soluteThe minor component of a solutionSome Definitions
solutionSee homogeneous mixtureSome Basic Definitions
solventThe major component of a solution.Some Definitions
specific heat capacityThe proportionality constant between heat, mass, and temperature change; also called specific heat.Work and Heat
spectator ionAn ion that does nothing in the overall course of a chemical reactionIonic Equations: A Closer Look
spin quantum number (m_s)The index that indicates one of two spin states for an electron.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
spontaneous processA process that occurs without the influence of external forces or a change that moves a system towards equilibriumSpontaneous Change
standard molar entropy  (So)The entropy of 1 mole of a substance in its standard state, at 1 atm of pressureMeasuring Entropy and Entropy Changes
standard notationA straightforward expression of a numberExpressing Numbers
standard temperature and pressure (STP)A set of benchmark conditions used to compare other properties of gases: 100 kPa for pressure and 273 K for temperatureThe Ideal Gas Law and Some Applications
stoichiometryThe relating of one chemical substance to another using a balanced chemical reactionStoichiometry
strong acidAny acid that is 100% dissociated into ions in aqueous solutionStrong and Weak Acids and Bases and Their Salts
strong baseAny base that is 100% dissociated into ions in aqueous solutionStrong and Weak Acids and Bases and Their Salts
sublimationThe process of a solid becoming a gasPhase Transitions: Melting, Boiling and Subliming
subshellA term used to describe electrons in a shell that have the same angular momentum quantum number.Quantum Numbers for Electrons
substanceMatter that has the same physical and chemical properties throughout.Some Basic Definitions
substituentA branch off a main chain in a hydrocarbonBranched Hydrocarbons
substrateThe reactants which are specific for a biological catalystCatalysis
supercritical fluidA phase beyond the critical point, where liquid and gas phases are no longer distinctProperties of Liquids
supersaturated solutionA unstable solution with more than the normal maximum amount of solute in itSome Definitions
surface tensionAn effect caused by an imbalance of forces on the atoms at the surface of a liquidProperties of Liquids
surrounding atomsAn atom that makes covalent bonds to the central atom(s)Covalent Bonds
systemThe part of the universe that is under study.Energy
temperatureA measure of the average amount of kinetic energy a system containsOther Units: Temperature and Density
theoretical yieldAn amount that is theoretically produced as calculated using the balanced chemical reactionYields
theoryA general statement that explains a large number of observationsChemistry as a Science
thermochemical equationA chemical equation that includes an enthalpy change.Enthalpy and Chemical Reactions
thiolThe sulfur analog of an alcoholOther Functional Groups
third law of thermodynamicsAt absolute zero the entropy of a pure, perfect crystal is zeroMeasuring Entropy and Entropy Changes
titrantThe reagent of known concentrationAcid-Base Titrations
titrationA chemical reaction performed quantitatively to determine the exact amount of a reagentAcid-Base Titrations
torrAnother name for a millimeter of mercuryPressure
tracerA substance that can be used to follow the pathway of that substance through a structureUses of Radioactive Isotopes
transition stateThe highest energy transitional point in the elementary stepReaction Mechanisms
triple bondA covalent bond composed of three pairs of bonding electronsCovalent Bonds
unsaturated hydrocarbonsA carbon compound with less than the maximum possible number of H atoms in its formulaHydrocarbons
unsaturated solutionA solution with less than the maximum amount of solute dissolved in itSome Definitions
valence electronAn electron in the highest-numbered shell or in the last unfilled subshell. Valence electrons are those that are most likely to be involved in chemical reactions.Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
valence shellThe highest-numbered shell in an atom that contains electrons.Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
valence shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR)The general concept that estimates the shape of a simple molecule:  electron pairs repel each other to get as far away from each other as possibleMolecular Shapes and Polarity
van der Waals equationAn equation that compensates for deviations from ideal gas behaviour, correcting for intermolecular forces and the volume of gas molecules.Real Gases
van’t Hoff factor (i)The number of particles each solute formula unit breaks apart into when it dissolvesColligative Properties of Ionic Solutes
vaporMaterial in the gas phase due to evaporationProperties of Liquids
vapor pressureThe partial pressure exerted by evaporation of a liquidGas Mixtures
vapor pressure depressionThe decrease of a solution’s vapor pressure because of the presence of a soluteColligative Properties of Solutions
vector quantityA quantity which has both a magnitude and directionMolecular Shapes and Polarity
voltaic (galvanic) cellAn apparatus that allows for useful electrical work to be extracted from a redox reaction.Applications of Redox Reactions: Voltaic Cells
wavelengthThe distance between corresponding points in two adjacent light cycles.Light
weak acidAny acid that is less than 100% dissociated into ions in aqueous solutionStrong and Weak Acids and Bases and Their Salts
weak baseAny base that is less than 100% dissociated into ions in aqueous solutionStrong and Weak Acids and Bases and Their Salts

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Copyright © 2014

                                by Jessie A. Key

            Introductory Chemistry - 1st Canadian Edition by Jessie A. Key is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
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