Module 1 Intro

Module 1—Chemical Foundations

Module Glossary

 

atom: the smallest entity of an element that is characteristic of that element

 

binary ionic compound: a compound that contains only two kinds of monatomic ions

 

CANDU: Canadian Deuterium-Uranium reactor; a type of nuclear reactor

 

chemical formula: a series of symbols representing the atoms/ions, and their proportions, present in a pure substance

 

coefficient: a number used to represent the quantity of molecules or the formula unit of a substance; a number that precedes a chemical formula

 

compound: a pure substance that can be separated into its elements by heat or electricity; a substance containing atoms/ions of more than one element in a definite fixed proportion

 

ecological perspective: a perspective, either pro or con, referring to the relationships among living organisms and the environment

 

economic perspective: a perspective, either pro or con, relating to the production, distribution, and consumption of wealth

 

electron: a small, negatively charged subatomic particle; has a specific energy within an atom

 

electronegativity: a value that describes the relative ability of an atom to attract a pair of electrons

 

element: a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler chemical substances by any physical or chemical means; consists of only one kind of atom

 

empirical knowledge: knowledge gained through observation

 

endothermic process: a change in matter that requires an input of energy to occur

 

energy level: a specific energy an electron can have in an atom or ion

 

ethical perspective: a perspective that bases decisions around accepted beliefs of a group

 

exothermic process: a change in matter that releases energy when it occurs

 

family: see group

 

group: a set of elements with similar chemical properties; the elements in a vertical column in the main part of the periodic table; also called a family

 

hydrate: a substance containing loosely bonded water molecules

 

intermolecular: existing or acting between molecules

 

intramolecular force: the relatively strong bonds or forces of attraction and repulsion within a molecule; typically covalent bonds

 

ion: an entity with a net positive or net negative electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons

 

ionic bond: the simultaneous attraction among positive and negative ions

 

ionic compound: a pure substance formed from the bond between a metal and a non-metal

 

kinetic molecular theory: the idea that the smallest entities of a substance—atoms, ions, or molecules—are in continuous motion, colliding with each other and objects in their path

 

molecular compound: a pure substance formed by covalently bonded non-metal atoms

 

molecule: an entity consisting of a group of non-metal atoms held together by covalent bonds

 

monatomic ion: a positively or negatively charged particle formed from a single atom by the loss or gain of electrons; also known as a simple ion

 

multiperspective view: a view based upon many perspectives on an issue, including both pro and con statements from each perspective

 

multi-valent: the ability of an atom to exist as ions with different charges

 

neutral: having neither acidic nor basic properties; having a net charge of zero (electrically neutral)

 

neutron: an uncharged subatomic particle present in the nuclei of most atoms

 

noble gas: elements listed in column 18 of the periodic table that demonstrate limited chemical reactivity

 

nuclear change: a process that causes an alteration to the composition of an atom’s nucleus

 

period: a horizontal row of elements in the periodic table whose properties gradually change from metallic to non-metallic from left to right along the row

 

physical change: any change in the form of a substance in which the chemical composition does not change

 

political perspective: a perspective, either pro or con, relating to vote-getting actions or campaigning

 

polyatomic ion: a combination of two or more non-metal atoms that have a net charge not equal to zero

 

protons: positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus

 

radiation: energy released or transmitted in the form of rays, waves, or particles 

 

scientific perspective: a perspective, either pro or con, relating to researching (describing, explaining, and predicting) natural and technological phenomena

 

societal perspective: a perspective that focuses on ways in which society functions and the ways in which people interact

 

solubility: the concentration of a saturated solution at a specified temperature

 

technological perspective: a perspective, either pro or con, referring to the development and use of machines, instruments, and processes that have a social purpose

 

water of crystallization: water within a crystal, which is necessary for the maintenance of crystalline properties but capable of being removed by sufficient heat

 

Chemistry 20 © 2008 Alberta Education