Chemistry

a large molecule composed of repeating structural units, or monomers, covalently bonded together in a chain-like structure

Polyethylene is a common polymer used in the production of plastic bags, bottles, and various packaging materials.

each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, leading to variation in atomic mass

Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon, with the former having 6 neutrons and the latter having 8 neutrons.

acting in response to a situation rather than initiating or controlling it

The company remained reactive instead of taking a proactive approach.

containing or relating to a dangerous form of energy produced by nuclear reactions

Radioactive isotopes are used in medical imaging for diagnostic purposes.

a chemical bond where atoms share electrons to form a stable molecule

Covalent bonds are like atoms sharing electron hugs to stick together.

a type of chemical bond between two atoms involving the sharing of two pairs of electrons, resulting in a stronger and more stable connection than a single bond

Ethylene (C₂H₄) contains a double bond between two carbon atoms, allowing it to participate in polymerization reactions.

defining substances or surfaces that have a strong attraction to water molecules, allowing them to easily absorb or interact with water

The hydrophilic nature of cellulose fibers in paper towels makes them effective at absorbing spills.

characterized by substances or surfaces that repel water molecules, showing little or no affinity for water

The hydrophobic coating on a rain jacket causes water to bead and roll off its surface.

a chemical reaction that releases heat energy to its surroundings, typically resulting in a temperature increase

Combustion of propane in a gas stove is an exothermic reaction that releases heat and light.

a chemical process that absorbs heat energy from its surroundings, often resulting in a temperature decrease

When ammonium nitrate dissolves in water, the endothermic reaction causes the solution to cool.

the weighted average mass of an atom of an element, taking into account the masses of all its naturally occurring isotopes

The atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12.01 because it averages the masses of carbon-12 and carbon-13 isotopes.

the total mass of all the atoms in a single molecule of a substance

the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom

The mass number of carbon-12 is 12, as it has 6 protons and 6 neutrons.

a small mammal with velvety fur, tiny eyes and a long muzzle that lives underground and eats insects

a container usually made of glass or plastic used in chemistry and laboratory

a laboratory tool used to measure and transfer small volumes of liquid

She carefully calibrated the pipette before transferring the sample into the test tube.

to rotate a substance at high speed in order to separate its components based on density, typically isolating solids from liquids

The lab technician centrifuged the blood sample to extract plasma.

a special paper treated with chemicals that change color in response to certain conditions, used to test for the presence of specific substances or measure pH levels

a tabular arrangement of chemical elements organized based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties

The periodic table, devised by Dmitri Mendeleev, categorizes elements into rows and columns based on their properties.

to make a substance one with a liquid

The pharmacist instructed him to dissolve the medication in water before taking it.

the process of dispersing or dissolving a substance into a solvent to form a homogeneous solution

the arrangement, composition, and characteristics of a material at a microscopic level

denoting substances with a highly organized molecular structure, akin to crystals

The crystalline structure of snowflakes makes each one unique.

great and constant diligence and attention

a device used to analyze the chemical composition of small samples at a microscopic scale

a substance capable of absorbing and retaining a large amount of liquid relative to its own mass

a type of metallic material composed of three or more elements mixed together in varying proportions

a tiny, tube-shaped structure made of carbon atoms, with remarkable strength and electrical properties

Researchers are exploring the use of carbon nanotubes in the development of stronger, lighter materials.

heated to a liquid state due to high temperatures

The molten lava flowed down the mountainside during the volcanic eruption.

supporting total and extreme social or political changes

The radical activist advocated for the overthrow of the government to establish a new social order.

a distinct period or stage in a sequence of events or development

The project is currently in its planning phase.

the process where calcium or calcium salts accumulate in a tissue, making it hard and rigid

The calcification of bones is essential for maintaining their strength and structure.

the process by which microorganisms convert carbohydrates into alcohol, acids, or gases

The fermentation of dough by yeast produces carbon dioxide gas, causing the dough to rise and become light and airy when baked.

to eliminate or neutralize harmful substances

Environmental initiatives aim to detoxify polluted water sources for the well-being of aquatic ecosystems.

a careful examination or assessment, often used in literary, philosophical, or strategic contexts

His essay was an assay of modern political anxieties.

a scientist who studies the structure and properties of crystals

The crystallographer used X-ray diffraction to analyze the mineral samples.

a scientist who studies the chemical composition and processes of celestial bodies to understand the formation and evolution of the universe

a laboratory technique used to separate and analyze mixtures of substances based on their differential affinities for a stationary phase and a mobile phase

The scientist used chromatography to separate the pigments in a leaf extract.

a type of radioactive decay where a nucleus emits a beta particle (electron or positron) to transform a neutron into a proton or vice versa

Carbon-14 undergoes beta decay to nitrogen-14 with the emission of an electron.

not having an electrical charge

Water molecules are uncharged, consisting of neutral oxygen and hydrogen atoms.

a laboratory method used to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution by gradually adding a reagent of known concentration until a reaction is completed

In the chemistry lab, we used titration to find the concentration of acetic acid in vinegar.

a balanced state between opposing influences or powers

The tightrope walker maintained perfect equilibrium as they carefully balanced along the narrow line.

an electrical device characterized by its capacity to store an electric charge

a scientist or engineer who specializes in the study and production of metals and alloys, including their properties, processing methods, and applications

The metallurgist conducted experiments to determine the optimal alloy composition for the new aerospace material.

the process by which molecules of a substance adhere to the surface of a solid or liquid, forming a thin film or layer

Activated charcoal is known for its high adsorption capacity, making it effective in purifying water and air.

a renewable, alternative fuel made from organic materials such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease

The truck runs on biodiesel, which is better for the environment than regular diesel.

a method of permanent hair removal that uses electric currents to destroy hair follicles

She decided to undergo electrolysis to achieve long-lasting hair removal and enjoy smooth skin.

to temporarily put on hold a process or habit

The company decided to suspend production temporarily due to a supply chain issue.

a specific composition of a mixture of substances, typically metals or alloys, where the melting point is at its lowest possible temperature under atmospheric pressure

The eutectic composition of the alloy ensures it melts uniformly at a precise temperature suitable for casting.

to make a solution or mixture weaker or less concentrated by adding more liquid

To make it more palatable, you can dilute the juice with water.