AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy key terms

A reaction in which a substance loses oxygen.

The return of electromagnetic radiation from a surface rather than its passage through that surface.

An automatic, rapid response to a stimulus that does not involve the conscious part of the brain.

The pathway taken by nerve impulses during a reflex action.

The change in direction of a wave caused by a change in speed as it crosses between different media at an angle to the normal.

An immune response against transplanted cells or tissues recognised as foreign, which can damage the transplant.

The average mass of an atom of an element compared with one-twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atom, taking account of the relative abundances of its isotopes. Symbol: $A_r$. It has no units.

The sum of the relative atomic masses of the atoms shown in a substance’s formula. It has no unit.

The sum of the relative atomic masses of all the atoms in a molecule. Relative molecular mass has no unit.

A neurone that carries impulses within the central nervous system, connecting other neurones.

How dependably an energy resource can supply energy when it is needed.

An energy resource that is being, or can be, replenished as it is used.

The section of a polymer chain that repeats along the molecule.

The solid left on the filter paper after filtration.

A measure of how much a component opposes the flow of current, measured in ohms ($\Omega$).

Representing a single force as two component forces acting at right angles to each other.

The ability to distinguish two points close together as separate points. Higher resolving power allows finer detail to be seen.

A chemical process in cells that transfers energy from food. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and releases carbon dioxide and water.

The single force that has the same effect as all the forces acting on an object combined.

Using a product again without processing its material into a new product.

A process that uses pressure to force water through a membrane while dissolved salts are retained.

The reaction from right to left in a chemical equation as written, which reforms the original reactants.

A reaction in which the products can react to form the original reactants.

The ratio of the distance travelled by a substance to the distance travelled by the solvent, both measured from the baseline: $R_f = \frac{\text{distance moved by substance}}{\text{distance moved by solvent}}$. It has no unit.

A small sub-cellular structure where proteins are made.

A method for finding the magnetic field direction around a wire: point the right thumb along the conventional current, and the curled fingers show the field direction.

An aspect of lifestyle, or a substance in the body or environment, linked to an increased rate of a disease.