CHEMISTRY

DEFINATIONS

1.SYMBOL: -
A symbol - represents a specific element or one atom of an element. e.g. K, Na.
2.VALENCY: -
The number of hydrogen atoms which can combine with or displace - one atom of the element or radical
so as to form a compound. e.g. K1+, Cl1-
3.RADICAL: -
A radical-is a group of atoms of elements that behaves like a single unit and shows a valency. e.g. Positive
radicals -Ammonium [NH41+]. A simple radical may be made of one kind of atoms while a compound
radical of two or more.
4.CHEMICAL FORMULA: -
A molecule of a substance i.e., element or compound - could be represented by- symbols. Representation
known as 'Chemical formula'. e.g. KCI, NaCl
5.COMPOUND: -
A compound is a pure substance, composed of two or more elements, chemically combined - in a fixed
proportion. E.g. PbO, CaCO3
6.RELATIVE ATOMIC MASS: -
Relative atomic mass [RAM] of an element is the number of times one atom of an element is heavier than -
1/12 the mass of an atom of carbon [C12].
7.RELATIVE MOLECULAR MASS: -
Relative molecular mass [RMM] of an element-is the number of times one molecule of an element is
heavier than - 1/12 the mass of an atom of carbon [C12].
8.DIRECT COMBINATION REACTION: -
A chemical reaction in which two or more elements or compounds react -to form one new compound as a
product. Representation: X + Y XY
e.g. H2+Cl22HCl, 2H2+O22H2O
9.DECOMPOSITION REACTION: -
A chemical reaction in which a chemical compound decomposes or splits up -into two or more simpler
substances. Representation: XY  X+Y
e.g. CaCO3CaO+CO2, MgCO3 MgO+CO2
10.DISPLACEMENT REACTION: -
A chemical reaction which takes place when an element [or radical]-has replaced another element in a
compound. Representation: X+ YZ  Y+ XZ
e.g. Mg+CuSO4MgSO4+Cu, Fe+CuSO4FeSO4+Cu
11.DOUBLE DECOMPOSITION: -
A chemical reaction in which two reactants are both decomposed to form -new substances by exchanging
their radicals. Representation: XY + AB XB+AY
e.g. KCl+AgNO3KNO3+AgCl↓, NaOH+HClNaCl+H2O
12.PRECIPITATION: -
Reaction between two compounds in aqueous solution state-to give two new compounds-one of which is
insoluble called-precipitate.
e.g. KCl+AgNO3KNO3+AgCl↓, CaCl2+Na2CO3 2NaCl+ CaCO3↓
13.NEUTRALIZATION REACTIONS: -
Reaction between two compounds- base & acid to give two new compounds - salt & water - by
interchange of radicals.
e.g. NaOH+HClNaCl+H2O, . NaOH+HNO3NaNO3+H2O
14.REVERSIBLE REACTION: -
A chemical reaction in which the products formed react together to form -the original reactants depending
on conditions of the reaction. Representation: A + B C+D
e.g. 2H2+O2 2H2O, N2+3H2 2NH3
15.THERMAL DISSOCIATION: -
A reaction in which a substance dissociates into two or more simpler substances-on application of heat &
the reaction is reversible. Representation: XY X+Y.
16.EXOTHERMIC REACTION: -
A chemical reaction which proceeds with evolution of-heat energy is called an exothermic reaction.
eg.C+O2  CO+ ΔT
17.ENDOTHERMIC REACTION: -
A chemical reaction which proceeds with absorption of –heat energy is called an endothermic reaction.
e.g. N2 +O2 2NO-ΔT
18.PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTION: -
A chemical reaction which proceeds with absorption of - light energy is called photochemical reaction.
19.ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTION: -
A chemical reaction which proceeds with absorption of - electrical energy is called heat energy is called an
electrochemical reaction.eg. 2H2O 2H2+O2 [passage of electric current]
20.SOLVENT: -
The liquid [generally water] or medium of dissolution which allows- the solute to dissolve in it so as to form
a solution is called a solvent. e.g. water.
21.SOLUTE: -
The substance which dissolves in the solvent to form a solution is called a solute. e.g. NaCl.
22.SOLUTION: -
A homogenous mixture of a - solute in a solvent. e.g. NaCl dissolved in water.
23.UNSATURATED SOLUTION: -
A solution which can dissolve more of the solute at a given temperature is called an unsaturated solution at
that temperature.
24.SATURATED SOLUTION: -
A solution which cannot dissolve more of the solute at a given temperature -
is called a saturated solution at that temperature.
25.SOLUBILITY: -
The solubility of a solute in a solvent at a particular temperature-is the max. amount of the solute in grams
that will saturate 100 grams of the solvent at that temperature.
26.SOLUBILITY CURVE: -
If the solubility of a solute - in a given solvent - are plotted against their respective
temperatures-a graph showing the effect of temperature on solubility of the substance
is obtained. This graph is called the - solubility graph or curve.
27.WATER OF CRYSTALLIZATION: -
The fixed number of water molecules which enters into a loose chemical combination with the substance,
when the substance is crystallized from its hot saturated solution is called water of crystallization.
28.HYDRATED SUBSTANCES: -
Hydrated substances contain, fixed number of water molecules [as water of crystallization] in loose
chemical combination with the substance. e.g. CuSO4.5H2O.
29.ANHYDROUS SUBSTANCES: -
Anhydrous substances do not contain, any fixed number of molecules [as water of crystallization] in loose
chemical combination with the substance. e.g. KNO3
30.EFFLORESCENT CRYSTAL: -
Crystalline hydrated salts which on exposure to the atmosphere - lose their moisture partly or completely
and change into the amorphous state. E.g. washing soda
31.DELIQUESCENT CRYSTAL: -
Water soluble salts which on exposure to the atmosphere absorb moisture from atmosphere, dissolve in
the same and change into the liquid state e.g. Iron [I] chloride
32.HYGROSCOPIC SUBSTANCE: -
Are substances which- absorb moisture from the atmosphere when exposed air, but unlike deliquescent do
not change their state e.g. quicklime, anhydrous CaCl2
33.DRYING OR DESICCATING AGENTS: -
Are substances which - can readily absorb or remove moisture from other substances. E.g. fused calcium
chloride.
34.DEHYDRATING AGENTS: -
Are substances which remove chemically combined water or elements of water- from compounds, due to
their strong affinity for water. e.g. conc. H2SO4
35.HARD WATER: -
Water is said to be hard when it does not lather readily with ordinary soap and hence wastes soap.
36.SOFT WATER: -
Water is said to be soft when - it lathers readily with ordinary soap and hence - does not waste soap.
37.TEMPORARY HARD WATER: -
Temporary hard water is one whose hardness can be removed by boiling salts present - Ca (HCO3)2, Mg
(HCO3)2.
38.PERMANENT HARD WATER: -
Permanent hard water is one whose hardness cannot be easily removed by boiling salts present – CaCl2,
MgCl2, CaSO4, MgSO4].
39.SUBATOMIC PARTICLES: -
The three subatomic particles which are of great importance in the understanding of the structure of an
atom are - protons. electrons and neutrons where the subscript and the superscript represent the charge
and mass respectively
40.ATOMIC NUMBER [Z]: -
Atomic number of an element is the - number of protons in the nucleus of an atom: number of electrons in
the complete atom - & positive charges in the nucleus of its atom. e.g.
atomic number [Z]= no. of protons [p] = no. of electrons [e].
41.MASS NUMBER [A]: -
It is the total number of protons & neutrons in the atom of an element A=n+p.
42.ISOTOPES: -
Isotopes- are atoms of the same element having- same atomic number but different mass numbers.
43.CHEMICAL BOND & CHEMICAL BONDING: -
The force which acts between two or more atoms to hold them together as a stable molecule is called - a
chemical bond and the concept is called chemical bonding
44.ELECTROVALENT BOND: -
The chemical bond formed between the two atoms by transfer of one or more electrons from the atom of a
metallic element - to an atom of a non-metallic element is called an - electrovalent bond
45.ELECTROVALENT COMPOUND: -
The chemical compound -formed as a result of transfer of one or more electrons from the atom of a
metallic element to an atom of a non-metallic element- is called an - electrovalent compound. e.g. NaCI,
CaO, MgCl2
46.COVALENT BOND: -
The chemical bond - formed due to mutual sharing of electrons between the given pairs of atoms of non-
metallic elements is called a - covalent bond.
47.COVALENT COMPOUND: -
The chemical compound – formed due to mutual sharing of electrons between the given pair of non-
metallic elements is called a- covalent compound. e.g. H2, Cl2
48.DUPLET RULE: -
For an atom to achieve stable electronic configuration it must have - 2 electrons in the outermost shell [He]
Duplet rule
49.OCTET RULE: -
For an atom to achieve stable electronic configuration it must have -8 electrons in the outermost shell [all
noble gases other than He] - Octet rule
50.DOBEREINER'S LAW OF TRIADS: -
Chemically analogous elements arranged in increasing order of their atomic weights formed groups of
three called - "triads' in which atomic weight of the middle element was found to be the average of the
atomic weight of the first and third elements.
51.NEWLAND'S LAW OF OCTAVES: -
Elements when arranged in increasing order of their atomic weights showed resemblance in physical &
chemical properties between the -eighth and the first element. e.g. Lithium [Li] & Fluorine [F].
52.MENDELEEFF'S PERIODIC LAW: -
The physical &e chemical properties of elements are -periodic functions of their - atomic weights.
53.MODERN PERIODIC LAW: -
The physical & chemical properties of elements are -periodic functions of their - atomic numbers.
54.ALKALI METALS: -
They are present in group 1 [IA] - of the modern periodic table. The elements present are light metals from-
Li [lithium] to Fr [francium]. Group I elements- have one valence electron in outer shell & hence are -
univalent. They are strong| reducing agents and highly reactive electropositive metals.
55.ALKALINE EARTH METALS: -
They are present in group 2 [IITA] - of the modern periodic table. The elements are light metals from - Be
[beryllium to Ra [Radium]. Group 2 elements – have two valence electrons in outer shell & hence are -
divalent. They have properties similar to alkali metals.
56.HALOGENS: -
They are present in group 17 [VIA] - of the modern periodic table. The elements are non-metals F [fluorine]
to 53 [iodine] from [At Astatine's nature is still under research]. Group 17 elements have seven
valence electrons in outer shell & hence are univalent. They are strong oxidizing agents and highly
reactive, electronegative non-metals.
57.NOBLE GASES: -
They are present in group 18 [0]- of the modern periodic table. The elements are |non-metals from -He
[helium] to Rn [radon]. Group 18 elements - have eight valence electrons in outer shell (except helium (He)
which has only two]. Valency or combining capacity of noble gases is - zero. They have stable electronic
configuration. They are inert, unreactive - monoatomic gases. Noble gases
58.HYDROGENATION: -
Addition of hydrogen to organic compounds in the presence of a catalyst
e.g. platinum or nickel is called - Hydrogenation
e.g., hydrogenation of oils.
59.OXIDATION: -
Reaction involving addition of oxygen to a substance, removal of hydrogen from a substance, addition of
electronegative element, removal of electropositive element, loss of electrons from an atom or ion.
60.REDUCTION: -
Reaction involving removal of oxygen from a compound, addition of hydrogen to a compound, removal of
electronegative element, addition of electropositive element, gain of electrons from an atom or ion.
61.REDOX REACTION: -
A chemical reaction involving - oxidation of one substance and reduction of the other is called a - redox
reaction. All chemical reactions involving loss or gain of electrons are considered redox reactions where-
oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. E. g. Cl2+ H2S 2HCI +S
62.OXIDISING AGENTS: -
Loses oxygen or electronegative radical, gains hydrogen or electropositive radical &accepts electrons from
an atom or an ion. E.g. O2, conc. HNO3, MnO2, PbO, etc.
63.REDUCING AGENTS: -
Gains oxygen or electronegative radical, 1loses hydrogen or electropositive radical & donates electrons to
an atom or an ion. E.g. H2, HCl, NH4, C [coke], etc.
64.BOLYE’S LAW: -
Temperature remaining constant the volume of a given mass of dry gas is inversely proportional to if's
pressure.
65.CHARLE’S LAW: -
Pressure remaining constant- the volume of a given mass of a dry gas is directly proportional to its
absolute [Kelvin] temperature.
66.GAS EQUATION: -
The gas equation - is an equation used in chemical calculations for -calculating the change in volumes of
gases when pressure & temperature both - undergo a change thereby giving a simultaneous effect of -
changes of temperature and pressure on the volume of a given mass of a dry gas.
[In all practical situations all the variables together change]
67.STANDARD TEMPREATURE & PRESSURE: -
Volumes of gases change with temperature & pressure hence a standard value of temperature and
pressure is chosen- to which gas volumes are referred. Hence volumes of gases are converted to -
Standard temperature & pressure conditions [S.T.P] & then compared easily.
Standard temperature = 0°C= 273 KK
Standard pressure = 760 mm Hg = 76 cm of Hg =1 atmos.
68.ACID RAIN: -
The various ways in which acids formed in the atmosphere condense and fall on the earth as wet deposits
e.g. rain, snow, fog or dry deposits e.g. particles.
69.GREENHOUSE EFFECT: -
It is the warming up of the earth's surface, due to the concentration or blanketing effect of the greenhouse
gases e.g. CO2, CH4.The greenhouse effect results in rise in atmospheric temperatures, which has a
global impact and is termed -global warming
70.OZONE LAYER: -
Ozone gas[O3]is present as a layer in the stratosphere above the earth. It's destruction
by certain chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons is responsible for ozone depletion.
71.PERIOD: -
Seven horizontal rows of elements- arranged in increasing order of atomic numbers.
72.GROUP: -
Eighteen vertical columns- [with eight main groups] in the periodic table.
73.IONIC BOND: -
Ionic bond is a type of chemical bonding that involves the electrostatic attraction between oppositely
charged ions.
74.BALANCED EQUATION: -
A balanced equation is one in which the- number of atoms of each element is- the same on the side of the
reactants and on the side of products.
75.ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION: -
Electronic configuration is the distribution of electrons of an atom or molecule in an atomic or a molecular
orbit.
76.CATALITIC CONVERTOR: -
A catalytic convertor in internal combustion engines that helps reduce pollution.
77.LEACHING: -
Leaching is a process of a solute being detached from its carrier substance by way of a solvent.
78.EUTROPHICATION: -
Eutrophication is a process of depletion of oxygen from water bodied due to natural or human factors such
as oil spill.
79.UNIVERSAL SOLVENT: -
Universal solvent is a solvent that can dissolve most of the solute. Water is a universal solvent because it
can dissolve almost every common substance.
80.BOSCH PROCESS: -
An industrial process for manufacturing hydrogen by the catalytic reduction of steam with carbon monoxide.
81.MONTREAL PROTOCOL: -
Montreal protocol is the substance that depletes the ozone layer – is an international treaty designed to
protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that was responsible for
ozone depletion.
82.POLLUTION: -
Any activity that violates the original character of nature and leads to its degradation is called pollution.
83.POLLUTANTS: -
A substance that causes pollution is called a pollutant.
84.STRATOSPHERE: -
The stratosphere is the second major layer of the Earth’s atmosphere and located just below the
mesosphere and above the troposphere.
85.OZONE DEPLETION: -
The balance distribution by release of chemicals- such as chlorofluorocarbons containing atomic chlorine
or bromine and other free radicals which break the ozone molecule causing ozone depletion.
86.NUCLEUS: -
The center of an atom which has protons and neutrons is called nucleus.
87.IRREVERSIBLE REACTION: -
A chemical reaction in which the products formed react together, but do not form -the original reactants.
Representation: A + B C+D
88.ATOM: -
An atom is the smallest particle of an element which can take part in a chemical reaction and is considered
the basic unit of matter.
89.ELEMENT: -
An element is a pure substance made up of one kind of atoms having the same atomic number and which
cannot be broken down into simpler parts by any physical or chemical means.
90.PROTON: -
The positively charged sub atomic particle that is present in the nucleus of an atom is called neutron.
91.NEUTRON: -
The neutrally charged sub atomic particle that is present is the nucleus of an atom is called neutron.
92.ELECTRON: -
Negatively charged subatomic particle present out of the nucleus of an atom what revolves around the
nucleus is called electron.
93.CATHODE RAYS: -
A beam of electrons emitted from cathode of a high vacuum tube.
94.ANODE RAYS: -
Anode rays is a beam of positive ions that is created by certain types of gas-discharge tube.
95.MOLECULE: -
A group of atoms bonded together, representing the fundamental unit of a chemical compound.
96.MATTER: -
Anything that occupies space and has mass is called matter.
97.ENERGY LEVELS: -
Electrons revolve around the nucleus in definite orbits called shells or energy levels.
98.CATION: -
A positively charged ion that would be attracted to the cathode in electrolysis.
99.ANION: -
A negatively charged ion that would be attracted to the anode in electrolysis.
100.CHEMICAL EQUATION: -
A chemical equation is a – shorthand form for a chemical change. A chemical equation shows -the result of
a chemical change in which- reactants and products are represented by-symbols and formula.
101.LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MASS: -
Law of conservation of mass explains- matter can neither be created nor be destroyed in the course of a
chemical reaction.
102.GREENHOUSE GASES: -
A gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range are called greenhouse
gases.