Matter Vocabulary

Word Definition Image

atom the basic unit of a chemical element.

element a part or aspect of something abstract, 

especially one that is essential or 
characteristic.

constraint a limitation or restriction.

criteria a principle or standard by which 

something may be judged or decided.

atomic mass the mass of an atom of a chemical 

element expressed in atomic mass units. 
It is approximately equivalent to the 
number of protons and neutrons in the 
atom (the mass number) or to the 
average number allowing for the relative 
abundances of different isotopes.
Periodic table The periodic table, also known as the 
periodic table of elements, is a tabular 
display of the chemical elements, which 
are arranged by atomic number, electron 
configuration, and recurring chemical 
properties.

Chemical symbol n relation to the chemical elements, a 

symbol is a code for a chemical element

molecule 1. a group of atoms bonded 

together, representing the 
smallest fundamental unit of a 
chemical compound that can take 
part in a chemical reaction.

chemical bond a thing used to tie something or to fasten 

things together.

model a three-dimensional representation of a 

person or thing or of a proposed 
structure, typically on a smaller scale than 
the original
chemical (​chemistry​) The arrangement of 
structure chemical​ bonds between atoms in a 
molecule (or in an ion or radical with 
multiple atoms)

atomic Composition​ of the A​ tom​. The ​atom 

composition consists of a tiny nucleus surrounded 
by moving electrons. 

crystal A ​crystal​ or crystalline solid is a solid 

material whose constituents

extended The propensity of

structure polychalcogenide anions to
form extended structures
increases down group 16.
Polysulfides are discrete
acyclic
polymer a substance that has a molecular 
structure consisting chiefly or entirely of a 
large number of similar units bonded
macroscopic visible to the naked eye; not microscopic.

substance a particular kind of matter with uniform 

properties

property a thing or things belonging to someone; 

possessions collectively.

mass a coherent, typically large body of matter 

with no definite shape.

density the degree of compactness of a 

substance.
solubility the ability to be dissolved, especially in 
water.

state of matter In physics, a state of matter is one of the 

distinct forms in which matter can exist.

solid firm and stable in shape; not liquid or 

fluid.

liquid a substance that flows freely but is of 

constant volume, having a consistency 
like that of water or oil.

gas a substance or matter in a state in which 

it will expand freely to fill the whole of a 
container, having no fixed shape
boiling point the temperature at which a liquid boils 
and turns to vapor.

melting point the temperature at which a given solid will 

melt.

pressure continuous physical force exerted on or 

against an object by something in contact 
with it.

temperature the degree or intensity of heat present in 

a substance or object, especially as 
expressed according to a comparative 
scale and shown by a thermometer or 
perceived by touch.

Thermal energy Thermal energy​ is the ​energy​ that 

comes from h​ eat​. This ​heat​ is 
generated by the movement
heat the quality of being hot; high temperature.

sublime of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as 

to inspire great admiration or awe.

evaporate turn from liquid into vapor.

deposit a sum of money placed or kept in a bank 

account, usually to gain interest.

condense make (something) denser or more 

concentrated.
product an article or substance that is 
manufactured or refined for sale.

reactant a substance that takes part in and 

undergoes change during a reaction.

chemical a process that involves rearrangement of 

reaction the molecular or ionic structure of a 
substance, as opposed to a change in 
physical form or a nuclear reaction.

Scientific cientific evidence is evidence which 

evidence serves to either support or counter a 
scientific theory or hypothesis.

Clinical trial Clinical trials are experiments or 

observations done in clinical research. 

Chemical Scientists have found a temporary

equation "chemical equator" that separates the
heavily polluted air
Scientific law The laws of science, also called scientific 
laws or scientific principles, are 
statements that describe or predict a 
range of natural phenomena. 

Law of The ​law of conservation​ of mass or 

conservation of principle of mass​conservation​ states 
matter that for any system closed to all 
transfers of m
​ atter 

exothermic An exothermic reaction is a chemical 

reaction reaction that releases energy through 
light or heat.

endothermic An endothermic process is any process 

reaction which requires or absorbs energy from its 
surroundings, usually in the form of heat.

prototype a first, typical or preliminary model of 

something, especially a machine, from 
which other forms are developed or 
copied.
synthetic It was also the first chance to see nylon, the
material world’s first fully synthetic man-made fibre

natural materials or substances such as 

resource minerals, forests, water, and fertile land 
that occur in nature and can be used for 
economic gain.

food additive a substance added to food to enhance its 

flavor or appearance or to preserve it.

biodegradable (of a substance or object) capable of 

being decomposed by bacteria or other 
living organisms.