AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy key terms

A finite mixture found in rocks, formed from ancient biomass buried in mud and consisting mainly of hydrocarbons.

A substance mixed with aluminium oxide during aluminium extraction to lower the mixture’s melting point and reduce the energy needed for heating.

The formation of solid crystals from a solution, usually after some solvent has evaporated and the concentrated solution cools.

The rate of flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A).

The gel-like material inside a cell where many chemical reactions take place.

A new cell produced when a parent cell divides.

The breakdown of dead organisms and waste materials by decomposers.

A decrease in speed; for motion in the chosen positive direction, this is a negative acceleration.

An organism, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead organisms and waste material.

A chemical reaction in which a compound breaks down into simpler substances.

A change in an object's shape or dimensions caused by forces.

An electron that is not confined to one atom or one covalent bond and can move through part of a structure.

A change in an enzyme’s shape that prevents its active site from binding its substrate effectively.

The mass per unit volume of a material, calculated using $\rho = m/V$. Its SI unit is kg/m³.

Blood containing a relatively low concentration of oxygen; it is not completely without oxygen.

The factor measured or calculated to find the effect of changing the independent variable.

A mental illness involving persistent low mood or loss of interest, which can affect daily life.

Removal of dissolved salts from salty water or sea water.

A form of carbon in which each atom bonds to four others in a giant three-dimensional covalent network.

A molecule containing two atoms, such as $\mathrm{Cl_2}$.

The process by which a cell becomes specialised to carry out a particular function.

The net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

The breakdown of large, insoluble food molecules into small, soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the blood.

A solution containing a relatively small amount of dissolved substance per unit volume of solution.

A decrease in concentration caused by adding solvent, increasing the volume of solution without changing the mass of dissolved solute.

An electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction but not the opposite direction.

An electric current that flows in one direction.

An electric current that always flows in the same direction.