English Words for "Chemistry" | SAT Vocabulary

polymer

noun

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

Example

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

Nylon, a synthetic polymer, is widely used in the production of textiles, carpets, and other materials.

isotope

noun

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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

radioactive

Adjective

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

nonradioactive

covalent bond

noun

/kˈoʊveɪlənt bˈɑːnd/

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

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

double bond

noun

/dˈʌbəl bˈɑːnd/

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

hydrophilic

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

hydrophobic

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

hydrophilic

exothermic reaction

noun

/ɛɡzəðˈɜːmɪk ɹɪˈækʃən/

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

endothermic reaction

noun

/ˌɛndoʊθˈɜːmɪk ɹɪˈækʃən/

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

atomic mass

noun

/ɐtˈɑːmɪk mˈæs/

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

mass number

noun

/mˈæs nˈʌmbɚ/

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

mole

noun

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a fundamental unit in chemistry that represents the amount of substance containing as many entities (atoms, molecules) as there are in 12 grams of carbon-12

pipette

noun

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

What is a "pipette"?

A pipette is a small, tube-like tool used to transfer or measure liquids in precise amounts. It is typically made of glass or plastic and has a narrow, long shape with a bulb at one end. The bulb is squeezed to draw liquid into the pipette, which can then be released by squeezing the bulb again. Pipettes are commonly used in laboratories, especially in experiments that require accurate measurements of liquids, such as in chemical reactions or medical testing. Some pipettes are graduated to show different volumes, while others are used for transferring a fixed amount of liquid.

centrifuge

noun

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a device that spins samples to separate components based on density

What is a "centrifuge"?

A centrifuge is a device used in laboratories to separate substances of different weights from a liquid mixture. It does this by spinning the mixture very quickly, causing heavier materials to move outward and leaving lighter materials closer to the center. This process allows scientists and researchers to separate and study substances like cells, proteins, or DNA in biological samples. Centrifuges are essential tools in various scientific fields for performing tests, experiments, and analyses efficiently.

periodic table

noun

/pˌiəɹɪˈɑːdɪk tˈeɪbəl/

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

calcification

noun

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

titration

noun

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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

fermentation

noun

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

What is "fermentation"?

Fermentation is a natural metabolic process that converts sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol, often with the help of microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria. In the context of food and beverages, fermentation is commonly used to produce a wide variety of products, including bread, cheese, yogurt, beer, wine, and sauerkraut, among others. During fermentation, microorganisms break down the sugars present in the starting material, releasing energy and producing byproducts such as carbon dioxide, alcohol, or lactic acid. These byproducts often contribute to the flavor, texture, and preservation of the final product. Fermentation can occur spontaneously in some cases, but it is often carefully controlled and monitored in food production to achieve consistent results and ensure food safety.

concentration

noun

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the measure of how much of a substance is present in a certain volume of solution

radical

noun

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a group of atoms bonded together that behaves as a single unit within a molecule

assay

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a test that measures the presence, amount, or activity of a specific substance in a sample, often used in scientific and medical research

equilibrium

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a state in a chemical reaction where the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, resulting in no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products

electrolysis

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(chemistry) the process of separating a liquid or solution into its parts by passing electricity through it

to dissolve

Verb

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(of a solid) to become one with a liquid

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to dilute

Verb

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

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to suspend

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to disperse fine particles throughout a fluid so they remain evenly distributed without settling

Grammatical Information:

transitive

nanotube

noun

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

molten

Adjective

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heated to a liquid state due to high temperatures

phase

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a phase is a distinct form of matter with uniform chemical and physical properties, separated from other forms by boundaries

to detoxify

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to eliminate or neutralize harmful substances

Grammatical Information:

transitive

crystalline

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

noncrystalline

crystallographer

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a scientist who studies the structure and properties of crystals

chromatography

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

beta decay

noun

/bˈeɪɾə dᵻkˈeɪ/

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

uncharged

Adjective

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not having an electrical charge

charged

condenser

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a device that turns vapor into liquid by cooling it

What is a "condenser"?

A condenser is a laboratory device used to cool and condense vapors back into liquid form. It typically consists of a tube through which vapor passes, surrounded by a layer of cold water that cools the vapor as it moves through. The cooled vapor then turns back into liquid and can be collected in a separate container. Condensers are commonly used in distillation processes, where heat is applied to a liquid to separate its components, and in other experiments that involve heating and cooling substances. The cold water helps ensure the vapor does not escape.

van der waal's forces

noun

/vˈændɜː wˈɑːlz fˈoːɹsᵻz/

weak attractive forces between molecules or atoms, arising from temporary or induced dipoles

metallurgist

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

adsorption

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

biodiesel

noun

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

What is "biodiesel"?

Biodiesel is a type of fuel made from natural oils, such as vegetable oil or animal fat, that can be used in diesel engines. It is considered a cleaner alternative to regular diesel because it produces fewer harmful gases. Biodiesel can be used on its own or mixed with regular diesel. Since it is made from renewable sources, it helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, producing biodiesel requires land and resources, which can affect food production and the environment.

eutectic

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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

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