A solvent is a substance typically a liquid that has the ability to dissolve other substances, Solute form a homogeneous mixture called a solution. Think of it as the dissolving agent that can break down and disperse other substances into its molecular or ionic components. Water is one of the most common and versatile solvents in chemistry.
Solubility is the measure of how much of a particular substance (solute) can dissolve in a given amount of another substance (solvent) at a specific temperature and pressure. It tells us whether a substance will form a solution in a particular solvent and to what extent. Solubility is often expressed in units like grams per liter (g/L) or moles per liter (mol/L).
A heterogeneous mixture is a combination of different substances that are unevenly distributed throughout the mixture. In a heterogeneous mixture, you can visibly see or easily distinguish the individual components or phases. Think of it as a non-uniform mixture where the substances are not fully mixed together.
A homogeneous mixture, also known as a solution, is a combination of different substances that are uniformly and evenly distributed at the molecular or atomic level. In a homogeneous mixture, the individual components are thoroughly mixed together, and there are no visible boundaries or distinct phases. Think of it as a 'uniform' mixture where the substances are completely blended.
Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy that must be provided to initiate a chemical reaction and allow it to proceed. It serves as an energy barrier that reactant molecules must overcome to transform into products. Activation energy is a critical factor in determining the rate at which reactions occur.
Half-life is the time it takes for half of the atoms or molecules in a sample of a radioactive substance or a chemical compound to undergo decay or transformation. It is a characteristic property of the substance and is used to measure the rate of decay or the rate of a reaction.
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water, leading to the breakdown of the compound into two or more simpler substances. During hydrolysis, water molecules split into hydrogen ions H+ and hydroxide ions OH-, and these ions interact with the compound's chemical bonds, causing them to break.
Combustion is a chemical reaction in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen to produce heat, light and the products of combustion which often include carbon dioxide and water vapor. Combustion is typically accompanied by the release of energy in the form of heat and sometimes light making it a fundamental process in the production of heat and power.
The boiling point is the specific temperature at which a substance changes from its liquid state to its gaseous state, resulting in the formation of vapor bubbles within the liquid. It is a characteristic property of the substance and depends on both the substance itself and the surrounding pressure.
The Chemical Equilibrium Constant, often denoted as K, is a numerical value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants in a chemical reaction at equilibrium. It provides information about the extent to which a reaction has reached equilibrium and helps predict the direction of the reaction under certain conditions.
Equilibrium in chemistry refers to a state in which a chemical reaction has reached a balance, where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. In other words, in a chemical equilibrium, the concentrations of reactants and products remain relatively constant over time, though individual molecules continue to react.
A free radical is a highly reactive and unstable chemical that contains one or more unpaired electrons in its outermost electron shell. These unpaired electrons make free radicals prone to engaging in chemical reactions, often leading to chain reactions and oxidative processes.