Definitions
Isotopes
Isotopes are different atoms of the same element, which have the same
number of protons but different number of neutrons.
Relative atomic mass
The relative atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the
relative isotopic masses of all its naturally occurring isotopes based on the C =
12.00 scale.
Octet rule
When atoms form bonds with each other, they tend to combine in such a way
that each atom has eight electrons in its outermost shell (octet structure).
Dative covalent bond
A covalent bond in which the bond pair electrons are provided by one atom
only.
Empirical formulae and molecular formulae
The empirical formula is a chemical formula showing the simplest integer ratio
of atoms of each element present in a substance
Acid
An acid is a hydrogen-containing compound, which dissolves in water to give
hydrogen ion (H+(aq)) as the only positive ion.
Basicity of acid
The basicity of an acid is the total number of ionisable H atoms in one
molecule of an acid.
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Drying property
Absorbs moisture, which is a physical process.
Dehydrating property
Removes H and O atoms from compounds, which is a chemical reaction.
Strength of acid / alkali
The "strength" of an acid or alkali is the degree of ionisation in water and give
out H' / OH ions.
Standard solution
A standard solution is a solution with a precisely known concentration
Cracking
Cracking is a process of breaking down large hydrocarbon molecules into
smaller hydrocarbon molecules.
Addition polymerization
A chemical process in which monomer molecules are joined together to form a
polymer, without elimination of small molecules.
Condensation polymerization
A chemical process in which monomer molecules are joined together to form a
polymer, with the elimination of small molecules (such as H₂O, HCI or NH3).
Electronegativity
The ability of an atom to attract bond pair electrons toward itself in a
chemical bond.
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Polar bond
When two atoms with different electronegativies form a bond
Non-polar bond
Molecules with a zero net dipole moment are called non-polar molecules.
Oxidising agent
An oxidising agent can oxidize other substance in a reaction. The oxidizing
agent undergo reduction itself.
Reducing agent
A reducing agent can reduce other substance in a reaction. The reducing
agent undergo oxidation itself.
Exothermic reaction
A chemical reaction in which heat is released from the system to the
surroundings.
Endothermic reaction
A chemical reaction in which heat is absorbed from the surroundings to the
system.
Standard enthalpy changes
Standard enthalpy change is the heat change of a chemical reaction
proceeded under standard conditions. (295K, 1 atm)
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Standard enthalpy change of neutralisation
The enthalpy change when an acid and an alkali (or base) neutralise under
standard conditions to produce one mole of water.
Standard enthalpy change of combustion
The enthalpy change when one mole of a substance is burnt completely in
oxygen under standard conditions.
Standard enthalpy change of formation
The enthalpy change when one mole of a substance is formed from its
constituent elements under standard conditions.
Hess’s law
The overall enthalpy change of a chemical reaction is independent of the
reaction pathway.
Avogadro's Law
Under the same temperature and pressure, equal volumes of all gases contain
equal number of molecules．
Initial rate
The initial rate is the Instantaneous rate of a reaction when t = 0.
Catalyst
Catalyst is a substance which can alters the rate of reaction while itself
remains chemically unchanged after reactions
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Le Chaterlier's principle
The effect of a change in condition on the position of an equilibrium can be
generalized as a principle, called Le Chaterlier's principle. Le Chaterlier's
principle states that when a change is imposed on an equilibrium system, the
system will response in a way to minimize the effect of the change.
Isomerism
Isomerism is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more compounds have
the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms.
Stereoisomer
Stereoisomers have the same bonding arrangement but different spatial
arrangements of atoms in their molecular structure.
Enantiomerism
It is the relationship of a pair of molecules, they are the mirror image of each
other, but they are not superposable to each other.
Chiral centre
When a central carbon atom is bonded to 4 different atoms/ group of atoms,
the molecule will have no symmetric plane. In this case, the central carbon
atom is said to be a chiral carbon.
Markovnikov’s rule
In the addition of alkene and HX, the H atom will mainly attach to the C atom
of the C=C bond with larger number of H atoms.
Saytzff rule
In dehydration of alcohols, for the alkene product, the more substituted the
C=C. the more stable the alkene and it is the major product.
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Detergent
A detergent is a substance which increases the cleaning power of water to
remove dirt