Chemistry Definitions Quiz

Study Notes

Solute: A substance that dissolves in a solvent.
Solvent: A substance that dissolves a solute.
Precipitate: A solid that forms from a liquid during a chemical reaction.
Catalyst: A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the reaction.
Liming: Using lime or calcium oxide to neutralize acidity in lakes.
Smelting: Using heat and chemicals to extract a metal from its ore.
Flash smelting: A method of separating a metal from its ore by heating it in an atmosphere of pure oxygen. This process reduces fuel costs and pollution.
Metallurgy: The technology of obtaining and refining metals.
Flotation: A method used to concentrate ore.
Mining: The process of extracting useful minerals from the Earth's surface.
Remediation: The process of cleaning up contaminated land or water to make it safe for use.
Ore: Rock containing a high proportion of a desirable mineral.
Mineral: A naturally occurring solid with a definite crystal structure and chemical composition.

The mass of the products in a chemical reaction must always equal the mass of the reactants.

These elements always exist as pairs when they are by themselves: H, O, F, Br, I, N, Cl.
Bromine (Br) is a liquid at room temperature, and iodine (I) is a solid.

Complete combustion: A reaction that occurs when a hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. This reaction is very efficient and produces a clean flame as it has a full supply of oxygen.
Incomplete combustion: A reaction that occurs when a hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen to produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water, carbon particles, and energy. This reaction is less efficient and produces a sooty flame due to a limited supply of oxygen.
**Incomplete combustion is dangerous as it produces carbon monoxide (CO) which is poisonous.
Combustion formulas
- Complete Combustion: CxHy + O2 → CO2 + H2O + energy
- Incomplete Combustion: CxHy + O2 → CO + CO2 + H2O + C + energy

Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
- CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 (carbonic acid)
- H2CO3 → H+ + HCO3- (carbonic acid breaks down in water)
Nitrogen Oxides(NOx):
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2):

Acids: Substances that contain hydrogen and can react with other substances to form salts.
Bases: Substances that can accept hydrogen ions in water and neutralize an acid.

Synthesis: Two or more substances combine to form a single compound.
Decomposition: A single compound breaks down into two or more substances.
Single Displacement: One element replaces another element in a compound.
Double Displacement: The positive and negative ions of two reactants switch places.