Physical Science Chapter 3 Vocab

Front 1

matter

Back 1

Physical substance in general, as distinct from mind and spirit; (in physics) that which occupies space and possesses rest mass, especially as distinct from energy.

Front 2

Atom

Back 2

Atoms as a source of nuclear energy.

Front 3

Law Of Conservation Of Matter

Back 3

A fundamental principle of classical physics that matter cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system.

Front 4

Electrons

Back 4

A stable subatomic particle with a charge of negative electricity, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids.

Front 5

Nucleus

Back 5

The central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth.

Front 6

Protons

Back 6

A stable subatomic particle occurring in all atomic nuclei, with a positive electric charge equal in magnitude to that of an electron, but of opposite sign.

Front 7

Neutrons

Back 7

A subatomic particle of about the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge, present in all atomic nuclei except those of ordinary hydrogen.

Front 8

Element

Back 8

A part or aspect of something abstract, especially one that is essential or characteristic.

Front 9

Atomic Number

Back 9

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the chemical properties of an element and its place in the periodic table.

Front 10

Isotopes

Back 10

Each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, and hence differ in relative atomic mass but not in chemical properties; in particular, a radioactive form of an element.

Front 11

Mass Number

Back 11

The total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus.

Front 12

Atomic Mass

Back 12

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.

Front 13

Metals

Back 13

A solid material that is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity (e.g., iron, gold, silver, copper, and aluminum, and alloys such as brass and steel).

Front 14

Nonmetals

Back 14

An element or substance that is not a metal.

Front 15

Metalloids

Back 15

An element (e.g., germanium or silicon) whose properties are intermediate between those of metals and solid nonmetals. They are electrical semiconductors.