Definitions (2016 )

Topic No Term Definition

Technique of 1 Fractional The process of separating a mixture of liquids with different

separation Distillation boiling points by heating and condensation.

2 Element A substance which cannot be broken down into simpler

substances by chemical means. It consists of atoms which
has the same number of protons and electrons but may
have different number of neutrons.

3 Chromatography A method used to separate a mixture of solids which dissolve in a

common solvent. The component which has is more soluble in
the solvent travels further and has a greater Rf value.

4 Sublimation The process whereby a solid is changed into a gas without

passing through liquid state at a particular temperature.

Atomic 1 Compound A substance formed when two or more elements chemically

structure combined together.
and Bonding
2 Isotopes Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but
different number of neutrons.

3 Relative atomic Ar : the average mass of one atom of the element

mass 1/12 the mass of one atom of C-12

4 Relative Mr: the average mass of one molecule of a substance

Molecular mass 1/12 the mass of one atom of C-12

5 Nucleon The sum of the number of proton and neutrons in an atom.

(mass)
number
6 Alloy A mixture of a metal with other element (s)

7 Metallic bond The electrostatic forces of attraction between the positive ions
and the sea of negative electrons.

8 Covalent bond The electrostatic forces of attraction between nuclei of two

neighbouring atoms and the electrons they share.

9 Ionic bond The electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged

ions. It is formed by transfer of electrons from one atom ( usually
metal ) to another ( usually non-metal).

Acids, Bases 1 Acids A substance which produces H+ ions as the only positive ions
and Salts when it is dissolved in water.

2 Weak Acid A substance which ionizes/dissociates partially/incompletely in

water to liberate H+ ions.

3 Bases A substance that reacts with an acid to produce salt and water
only.
It consists of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and ammonia.
4 Alkali A substance which produces OH- ions when it dissolves in water.

5 Neutralisation The process whereby H+ ions and OH- ions react to form water.
Or
The reaction of an acid and a base to form salt and water.

6 Salt A compound obtained when the hydrogen of an acid is

partly or completely replaced by positive ion.

Metal 1 Sacrificial A rust-prevention method whereby an iron or steel object

protection is attached to block or strips of a more reactive metal at
regular interval. The more reactive metal corrodes in place
of iron.

Electrolysis 1 Electrolysis The conduction of electricity by an ionic compound when molten

or dissolved in water, leading to its decomposition is called
electrolysis.

Energy 1 Endothermic A reaction which takes in energy from the surrounding.

Change reaction The enthalpy change is positive.
The energy content of the reactants is lower than that of the
products. ( modifiy for exo )

2 Activation The minimal energy required for the reactants to break their
energy bonds in order to form products.

3 Fuel cell A chemical device in which a fuel such as hydrogen

/methane reacts with air to generate electricity directly.

Speed of 1 Catalyst A substance which speeds up the rate of a reaction but itself
reaction remains chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction.

Organic 1 Hydrocarbon Organic compounds that contain hydrogen and carbon only.

2 Homologous A series of organic compounds that conform to the same general

series formula. Each member differs from the next by a –CH2 group.

3 Isomer Compounds which have the same molecular formula but different
structural formula.

4 Unsaturated A compound that contains double bonds between carbon atoms,

C=C, is said to be unsaturated.

5 Polyunsaturated The presence of multiple C=C bonds in a molecule.

 6 Monomer The small molecules which can join up with each other to form a
polymer using specific linkage.

7 Polymer A large molecule made up of numerous repeat units joined

together. Different polymers have different repeat units but may
have the same linkage.

8 Polymerization A chemical reaction in which a large number of single

molecules, called monomers, join together to form large
molecules called polymers without elimination of small
molecules.

9 Addition A chemical reaction in which a large number of simple

polymerization unsarurated molecules, called monomers, react with each
other to form large molecules called addition polymers.

10 Condensation A chemical reaction in which a large number of simple

Polymerization molecule called monomers, react with each other to form
large molecules called condensation polymers with the
elimination of small molecules such as water.

11 Catalytic The breaking-down of a long-chain hydrocarbon into

cracking short-chain molecules with the help of a catalyst at high
temperature.

7/11/2016