Edexcel GCSE Chemistry key terms

A scale in which equal steps represent multiplication by a constant factor rather than equal additions.

A pair of outer-shell electrons that is not shared in a covalent bond.

Ore containing a relatively small proportion of the wanted metal or its compounds.

A material placed between surfaces to reduce friction as they move past one another.

Shiny, because the surface reflects light well; freshly cut or polished metals are lustrous.

A very large molecule, such as an individual polymer molecule.

A substance that can be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking.

A measure of the amount of matter in an object, normally measured in grams or kilograms using a balance.

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom or ion.

The continuous material that surrounds and binds the reinforcement in a composite.

The change in a measured quantity divided by the time taken over a stated interval.

The physical change from a solid state to a liquid state.

The temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid.

The interval between the temperature at which a sample starts melting and the temperature at which it has completely melted.

An element that typically forms a shiny solid with a high melting point and high density, and conducts electricity well.

A compound containing a metal ion and carbonate ions, CO₃²⁻.

The removal of a useful metal from the material in which it occurs naturally.

A compound formed when a metal reacts with a halogen; its name ends in chloride, bromide, iodide or another halide ending.

A compound formed here when a Group 1 metal reacts with water; its solution is alkaline.

The strong electrostatic attraction between positive metal ions and delocalised electrons.

The strong attraction between positive metal ions and delocalised electrons in a metal or alloy.

The extent to which an element shows the characteristic electron behaviour and properties of a metal.

A giant structure of positive metal ions attracted to delocalised electrons.

A compound containing a metal chemically combined with oxygen.

The simplest hydrocarbon, with the formula $CH_4$; it is the main component of natural gas.

The directed movement of particles from one place to another.

Liquids that mix together to form one liquid layer.