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SAT Natural Sciences - Chemical Substances and Properties

Here you will learn some English words related to chemical substances and properties, such as "saline", "buffer", etc. that you will need to ace your SATs.

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SAT Vocabulary for Natural Sciences
catalyst
catalyst
[noun]

(chemistry) a substance that causes a chemical reaction to happen at a faster rate without undergoing any chemical change itself

Ex: In the Haber process , iron is used as a catalyst to promote the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases .
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buffer
buffer
[noun]

a solution containing a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid, which maintains a stable pH when small amounts of acid or base are added

Ex: Buffers play a significant role in biochemical research by providing a controlled environment for reactions .
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reactant
reactant
[noun]

a substance that takes part in and undergoes a chemical reaction, leading to the formation of new products

Ex: When iron reacts with sulfur , the reactants are iron and sulfur .
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reagent
reagent
[noun]

a substance or compound used in a chemical reaction to detect, examine, or produce other substances

Ex: Reagents vary widely in their properties and are selected based on their compatibility with the reaction conditions and desired outcome .
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noble gas
noble gas
[noun]

any of the elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, including helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon, characterized by their inert nature and stable electron configurations

Ex: The noble gas configuration is characterized by a full outer electron shell , contributing to the stability and lack of reactivity .
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inert gas
inert gas
[noun]

a group of non-reactive gases that typically exhibit low chemical reactivity due to their stable electron configurations

Ex: Deep-sea divers breathe a mixture of oxygen and inert gases like helium to prevent nitrogen narcosis at great depths .
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halogen
halogen
[noun]

a type of chemical element found in Group 17 of the periodic table, known for being highly reactive and commonly used in disinfectants and lights

Ex: The halogens share common properties such as high electronegativity and the ability to gain an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration .
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polythene
polythene
[noun]

a durable plastic material used for packaging, bags, and various applications

Ex: She packed sandwiches in polythene bags for the picnic .
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polystyrene

a lightweight and versatile synthetic polymer used in packaging, insulation, and disposable products

Ex: Manufacturers recycle polystyrene to produce new products like picture frames and garden furniture .
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phosphorous
phosphorous
[Adjective]

referring to the essential chemical element phosphorus, which is vital in biological processes and various industrial applications

Ex: Phosphorous deficiency in soil can lead to stunted crop growth .
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acetone
acetone
[noun]

a colorless, volatile liquid solvent commonly used for removing nail polish and other substances from surfaces

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alginate
alginate
[noun]

a naturally occurring polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, commonly used in various industries for its thickening, gelling, and stabilizing properties

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silicate
silicate
[noun]

a compound containing silicon and oxygen atoms, often forming minerals or glasses, with diverse applications in industry and nature

Ex: Silicate ceramics are used in various high-temperature applications due to their heat-resistant properties.
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graphene
graphene
[noun]

a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice, known for its exceptional strength, electrical conductivity, and flexibility

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malic acid

a naturally occurring organic compound found in many fruits that contributes to their sour taste

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citric acid

a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes, commonly used as a food additive for flavoring and preserving

Ex: Some cosmetics and pharmaceuticals use citric acid for its antioxidant and pH-balancing effects .
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phosphate
phosphate
[noun]

a chemical compound that contains phosphorus and oxygen atoms, commonly found in salts or esters of phosphoric acid, important for biological processes and industrial applications

Ex: Sodium phosphate is used as a food additive and a laxative in medicine.
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charm quark

a type of elementary particle that is one of the six types, or flavors, of quarks that has an electric charge of +2/3 and participates in strong and electromagnetic interactions

Ex: Quarks like the charm quark play a crucial role in the formation of hadrons , such as the J / psi particle , which consists of a charm quark and an anti-charm quark bound together .
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disinfectant

something that has specific chemicals or causes a chemical reaction that destroys harmful microorganisms such as bacteria

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bicarbonate

a chemical compound important for regulating pH balance, found in baking soda and crucial for bodily functions

Ex: Agricultural practices may involve applying bicarbonate to soil to adjust pH for optimal crop growth .
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solute
solute
[noun]

a substance that is dissolved in a solvent, resulting in a solution

Ex: Dissolving a pain reliever ( e.g. , aspirin ) in water results in the drug acting as the solute in the liquid solvent .
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saturated
saturated
[Adjective]

having absorbed as much of a substance as possible at a given temperature, reaching its maximum concentration

Ex: The paper towel became saturated with spilled coffee, unable to absorb any more liquid.
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ethereal
ethereal
[Adjective]

(of a solution) containing volatile or highly flammable substances, such as diethyl ether

Ex: The ethereal nature of diethyl ether makes it a useful solvent for extracting natural products from plant materials .
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inorganic
inorganic
[Adjective]

describing chemical compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and are typically derived from minerals or non-living matter

Ex: Inorganic chemistry focuses on the study of compounds and elements that do not involve carbon-hydrogen bonds.
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solvent
solvent
[noun]

a liquid that is capable of dissolving another substance

Ex: Water is the universal solvent, capable of dissolving more substances like salt and sugar than any other liquid.
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alkaline
alkaline
[Adjective]

refering to substances that have a pH greater than 7, indicating a basic or non-acidic nature

Ex: Alkaline batteries use potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte to generate electricity.
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saline
saline
[Adjective]

containing or relating to salt

Ex: The saline soil in the coastal region affected the types of crops that could be grown successfully.
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