INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY/SKILLS VOCABULARY

Balance

Tool, calibrated in grams, used to measure

the mass of an object.

Boiling point

The temperature at which a substance in its

liquid state changes into a gas state.
A temperature scale in which the freezing
point of water is 0 and the boiling point of
water is 100.
1. The end of a reasoning process involving
data, evidence, or observations from an
investigation.
2. The closing paragraph of a laboratory
report including at least the investigative
question, the hypothesis, and the
explanation of the results
A factor in an investigation that is kept the
same; the standard used for comparison.
Collected information which can be
quantitative (numerical) or qualitative
(descriptive). Factual information used as a
basis for reasoning, discussion, or
calculation.
The amount of material an object has in a
specific amount of space.
Factor whose value depends on the change
the experimenter makes to the independent
variable. It is the effect resulting from the
scientific investigation. This quantity is
plotted along the y-axis of a graph.
The state in which a substance has no
definite shape or volume.
Plural of hypothesis. A hypothesis a
prediction that can be tested and is based
on an observation, experience, or a
scientific reason The statement includes the
expected cause and effect in a given
circumstance or situation.
The factor/value altered by the
experimenter during the scientific
investigation. The changes made affect the
value of the dependent variable. This
quantity is plotted along the x-axis of a
graph.
The state in which a substance flows and

Celsius
Conclusion

Control
Data

Density
Dependent variable

Gas
Hypotheses

Independent variable

Liquid

CHEM -7

Magnetism
Mass
Matter
Model

Observe

Physical properties
Qualitative
Solid
Solubility
Standard unit

State of matter
Substance
Trend
Variable
Volume

Weight

takes up the shape of its container.

The field of force produced by a magnet or
an electric current.
A measure of the amount of matter in an
object.
Anything that has volume and mass.
An illustration, description, small
reproduction, or other representation that is
used to explain an object, system, or
concept.
To gather information and direct evidence
by using senses and/or scientific
instruments.
Any property of matter that can be
observed by your senses.
Data that is related to the quality of
observations.
The state in which a substance has a
definite volume and shape and resists
forces which try to change these.
Ability of a substance to dissolve in
another substance.
Inches, feet, yards, centimeters, meters,
grams, ounces, pounds, Celsius degrees,
Fahrenheit degrees, hours and minutes and
non-standard units (i.e. paper clips).
The forms matter can take, as in liquid,
solid, or gas.
Matter of a particular kind, or chemical
makeup.
The general drift, tendency, or direction of
a set of data.
Any factor in an investigation that could
affect the results.
Amount of space an object or substance
takes up; measured in liters or cubic
centimeters.
The measure of the gravitational force
acting on an object.

CHEM -8

Well-designed investigation

A detailed inquiry or systematic

examination which includes the following
criteria:
only one variable is tested
testing conditions such as time,
temperature, and surfaces are controlled
multiple trials are completed
appropriate materials and equipment are
selected
clear, logical directions are included

Note: Vocabulary terms in regular font indicate terms from the Maryland State Voluntary
Curriculum Glossary. Those terms in italics indicate vocabulary within the
Baltimore County Curriculum. All appropriate vocabulary must be included in
daily instruction.

CHEM -9

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM VOCABULARY

Armature
Atom
Battery
Brush
Chemical energy
Commutator
Conduct
Conduction

Electric circuit

The moving part of an electric motor,

consisting of dozens or hundreds of loops
of wire wrapped around an iron core.
The smallest part of a substance that can
exist and still retain the properties of that
substance.
A combination of two or more
electrochemical cells in series.
The contact point connected to a current
source and the commutator of a motor.
Energy stored in the chemical bonds of
molecules (Form of Energy).
A device that controls the direction of the
flow of current through an electric motor.
Allow energy to flow through a material.
The transfer of heat (or electrical) energy
through a substance or from one substance
to another by direct contact of atoms or
molecules.
Continuous path that can be followed by
charged particles.

Electric current

The flow of charged particles from one

place to another.

Electrical conductivity

A property of a mineral to transmit

electricity.

Electrical energy

Energy of electrical charges as a result of

their position or motion (Form of Energy).

Electricity

A general term for the physical phenomena

that arise from the interaction of electric
charges.
A device that converts chemical energy into
electrical energy.
A metal part of an electrochemical cell,
which gains or loses electrons.
A liquid or paste that conducts electricity.

Electrochemical cell
Electrode
Electrolyte
Electromagnet
Electromagnetic energy

A strong magnet that can be turned on and

off; a solenoid with a ferromagnetic core.
The energy of light and other forms of
CHEM -10

radiation.
Electron

The negatively charged particle that moves

around the nucleus of an atom.

Energy

The ability to cause matter to move or

change (Ability to do work).

Energy conversion

See energy transformation.

Energy transformation

When energy changes from one type to

another.
The force that acts between materials that
touch as they move past each other.
Friction is caused by irregularities in the
surface of objects that are touching.
The mutual force of attraction between
particles of matter. The magnitude depends
on the masses of the particle and the
distance between them.
Potential energy that depends on the height
of an object.

Friction

Gravitational

Gravitational Potential Energy

Gravity

The force of gravitational attraction on or

near the surface of a celestial body.

Heat energy

The energy of a material due to the random

motion of its particles. Also called thermal
energy. The word "heat" is used when
energy is transferred from one substance to
another (Form of Energy).
A method of electrically charging an object
by means of the electric field of another
object.
Energy of motion/Action (Form of
Energy).
Energy cannot be created or destroyed only changed from one form to another.

Induction
Kinetic energy
Law of Conservation of Energy
Law of Electrostatics

Law that states like charges repel; unlike

charges attract.

Light

Electromagnetic radiation or
electromagnetic waves which are visible to
the human eye.
Having the properties of a magnet.

Magnetic

CHEM -11

Magnetic domain
Magnetic field
Magnetic field lines (Magnetic lines of
force)
Magnetic pole
Magnetism

A region in which the magnetic fields of all

atoms are lined up in the same direction.
A region of space around a magnet in
which objects are affected by the magnetic
force.
Lines that map out the magnetic field
around a magnet.
The ends of a magnetic object, where the
magnetic force is strongest.
The field of force produced by a magnet or
an electric current.

Mechanical Energy

Energy an object has because of its motion

or position (Form of Energy).

Neutral atom

An atom with an equal number of protons

and electrons is electrically neutral.
Particle with a neutral charge located in the
nucleus of an atom.
Energy that is released either by splitting
atomic nuclei or by forcing the nuclei of
atoms together.
The core at the center of every atom.

Neutron
Nuclear energy
Nucleus
Parallel circuit
Pendulum
Potential energy

Electrical circuit arranged so that current

passes through more than one pathway
simultaneously.
A body suspended from a fixed point so as
to swing freely to and fro under the action
of gravity.
The stored energy of a body because of its
position (Type of Energy).

Proton

Positively charged particle in the nucleus of

an atom.

Resistor

A device in an electric circuit that uses

electrical energy as it interferes with the
flow of electric charge.
An electric circuit in which the current
passes through only one pathway.

Series circuit
Short circuit

An electrical connection that allows

CHEM -12

current to take an unintended path.

Solar energy

Energy from the Sun in the form of light

and heat energy.

Solenoid

A current- carrying coil of wire with many

loops that acts as a magnet.
Potential energy in the form of a stationary
electric charge.
A build up of charges on an object.

Static electric charge

Static Electricity
Terminal

The part of an electrode above the surface

of the electrolyte.
Note: Vocabulary terms in regular font indicate terms from the Maryland State Voluntary
Curriculum Glossary. Those terms in italics indicate vocabulary within the Baltimore
County Curriculum. All appropriate vocabulary must be included in daily instruction

CHEM -13

Earth Space Science Vocabulary

Absolute Magnitude
Apparent Magnitude
Asteroid
Asteroid Belt
Athenosphere
Atmosphere
Batholith
Caldera
Canyon

The brightness of a star if it were a

standard distance from Earth
The brightness of a star as seen from Earth
Enormous rocks or boulders that revolve
around the sun, usually between the orbits
of Mars and Jupiter
The region of the solar system between the
orbits of Mars and Jupiter, where many
asteroids are found
The soft layer of the mantle on which the
lithosphere floats
The layers of gases that surround Earth or
another planet
A mass of rock formed when a large body
of magma cooled inside the crust
The large hole at the top of a volcano
formed when the roof of a volcanos
magma chamber collapses
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides

Celestial

Pertaining to the sky or visible bodies in

the sky

Cinder Cone

A steep, cone-shaped hill or mountain

made of volcanic ash, cinders, and bombs
piled up around a volcanos opening
The middle layer of the suns atmosphere

Chromosphere
Comet
Composite volcano
Compression
Continental Drift
Convection
Convection current

Small frozen masses of ice, dust, and gases

that travel a definite path through the solar
system
A tall, cone-shaped mountain in which
layers of lava alternate with layers of ash
and other volcanic materials
Stress that squeezes rock until it folds or
breaks
The hypothesis that the continents slowly
move across the Earths surface
A method of transferring heat energy by the
movement of the heated substance itself
A circular current in a fluid like air, water,
or molten rock. The process occurs when
CHEM -14

the fluid is unevenly heated so that part of

the fluid rises, cools, and then sinks
producing the circular movement
Convergent Boundary
Core

A plate boundary where two plates move

toward each other
The center of Earth or other celestial body

Corona

The outer layer of the suns atmosphere

Crater

A round pit on the moons surface

Creep

Slow downhill movement of weathered rock

material
The thin rocky outer layer of the Earth
(also known as Earth's surface)

Crust
Crustal plate
Deformation
Density
Deposition
Divergent Boundary
Dome Mountain

Earthquake
Elliptical galaxy
Erosion
Epicenter
Faulting

Any of the huge moving segments of the

Earth's crust which travel over the Earth's
mantle
A change in the volume or shape of Earths
crust
The amount of material an object has in a
specific amount of space
Process by which sediments are deposited
in a new location
A plate boundary where two plates move
away from each other
Landform created when molten rock
pushes up rock layers on the earths
surface and the layers then are worn away
in places, leaving separate high peaks
The moving and shaking of part of Earth's
crust
A galaxy shaped like a flattened ball,
containing only old stars
The carrying away of weathered soil, rock,
and other materials on the Earth's surface
by gravity, water, and wind
The point on Earths surface directly above
an earthquakes focus
The process of movement along a break or
crack in Earth's crust

CHEM -15

Flooding

An overflowing of a body of water onto

normally dry land

Focus

Area along a fault at which slippage first

occurs, initiating an earthquake
The process of bending rock layers in
Earth's crust

Folding
Fossil
Galaxy
Gas Giant
Glacier
Gravity
Groundwater

The remains or imprint of a prehistoric

plant or animal
A large collection of stars, gas, and dust
held together by mutual gravitation
The name given to the first four outer
planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and
Neptune
A large mass of snow and ice moving along
Earth's surface
The force of gravitational attraction on or
near the surface of a celestial body
Water that is in the porous parts of Earth's
crust

Gulley

A large channel in soil formed by erosion

Irregular Galaxy

A galaxy that does not have a regular

shape
Physical feature of the earths surface

Land form
Landslide
Lava
Light Year
Lithosphere
Magma
Mantle
Maria

Sudden movement of loose rock and soil

down a slope
Liquid magma that reaches the surface;
also the rock formed when liquid lava
hardens
The distance that light travels in one year
A rigid layer made up of the uppermost
part of the mantle and the crust
The molten mixture of rock-forming
substances, gases, and water from the
mantle
The middle layer of the Earth between the
crust and the core
Dark, flat regions on the moons surface
CHEM -16

Mass movement
Meander
Meteor

Any one of several processes by which

gravity moves sediment downhill
A looplike bend in the course of a river

Meteorite

A meteoroid that burns as it travels through

Earth's atmosphere leaving a streak of light
made of hot gases
A meteoroid that has hit the Earths surface

Meteoroid

A chunk of rock or dust in space

Mineral

A naturally occurring, nonliving solid with

a characteristic crystal, structure and
definite chemical makeup
A scale that rates earthquakes by
estimating the total energy released by an
earthquake
A natural satellite revolving around a
planet

Moment Magnitude Scale

Moon
Moraine
Mountain

A ridge formed by the till deposited at the

edge of a glacier
A landform with a high elevation

Mud flow

A downhill movement of mud which

usually occurs after a heavy rainfall

Nuclear fusion

The process by which hydrogen atoms join

together to form helium, releasing energy
A path of one body in its revolution about
another body

Orbit
Oxbow lake

A meander cut off from a river

Photosphere

The inner layer of the suns atmosphere

Planet

A major body (not a comet or asteroid)

orbiting around a star

Plate tectonics

Large crustal plates moving on the Earth's

surface and resulting in changes in the
Earth's surface

CHEM -17

Plucking
Regolith
Retrograde Rotation
Revolution
Richter Scale
Rill

The process by which a glacier picks up

rocks as it flows over the land
Layer of weathered rock fragments
covering much of the moons surface
The spinning of a planet from east to west,
opposite to the direction of rotation of most
planets and moons
The movement of a celestial body in an
orbit around another celestial body
A scale that rates seismic waves as
measured by a particular type of
mechanical seismograph
A tiny groove in soil make by flowing water

River

A natural stream of water with a large

volume

Rock

The material that forms Earths hard

surface
A mass of rock sliding down a hill or
mountainside
The spinning motion of a planet or other
object on its axis
Water that flows over the ground surface
rather than soaking into the ground
A mound of sand that is deposited by the
wind
An object that moves around Earth or some
other object rather than falling onto it

Rock slide
Rotation
Runoff
Sand dune
Satellite
Sea floor spreading

Process by which new ocean floor is

formed by lava erupting from a rift valley,
pushing the existent floor outward from the
rift

Sediment

Small pieces of rock, shell, and plant and

animal matter that is moved and deposited
by water, wind, or ice
A vibration that travels through Earth
carrying the energy released during an
earthquake
A device that measures the actual
movements of the ground
Stress that pushes a mass of rock in
opposite directions
A wide, gently sloping mountain made of

Seismic Wave
Seismometer
Shearing
Shield volcano

CHEM -18

Slump
Spiral Galaxy
Solar Flare
Solar System

layers of lava and formed by quiet

eruptions
Downhill movement of a large block of soil
under the influence of gravity
A galaxy whose arms curve outward in a
pinwheel pattern. (Milky Way is an
example)
An explosion of hydrogen gas from the
suns surface that occurs when loops in
sunspot regions suddenly connect
The Sun with the group of celestial bodies
that revolve around it

Star

A natural, luminous, celestial body

Subduction

The process by which oceanic crust sinks

beneath a deep-ocean trench and back into
the mantle at a convergent plate boundary
The star around which Earth and the other
planets revolve that provides the main
source of energy for living things on Earth
A dark area of gas on the sun that is cooler
than surroundings gases
Stress that stretches rock so that it becomes
thinner in the middle
The name given to the four inner planets:
Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars
A plate boundary where two plates move
past each other in opposite directions
A stream that flows into a larger stream

Sun
Sun Spot
Tension
Terrestrial planet
Transform Boundary
Tributary
Tsunami

Large sea wave produced by submarine

earth movement or volcanic eruption

Uplift

The raising of an area of land due to

horizontal forces that slowly push on the
area
All of space and everything in it

Universe
Valley

A depression on Earth's surface between

ranges of hills or mountains

Volcanic eruption:

Process by which lava reaches Earth's

surface

Volcano

A weak spot in the crust where magma has

CHEM -19

come to the surface

Weathering

A chemical or physical process in which

rocks exposed to the weather are worn
down by water, wind, or ice.
Note: Vocabulary terms in regular font indicate terms from the Maryland State Voluntary
Curriculum Glossary. Those terms in italics indicate vocabulary within the
Baltimore County Curriculum. All appropriate vocabulary must be included in
daily instruction.

CHEM -20

ECOLOGY VOCABULARY
Abiotic
Biome

Biotic
Carrying Capacity
Community
Competition
Consumer
Decomposer
Ecosystem
Environment
Food Chain
Food Web
Habitat
Natural resource
Organism
Population
Predator
Prey
Producer
Species

Nonliving features of an ecosystem such as climate, light, soil

chemistry, and water availability
A large, relatively distinct terrestrial region, encompassing many
interacting ecosystems, and characterized by similar climate, soil,
plants, and animals, regardless of where it occurs on Earth. A
biome is commonly named for its plant cover
Features of the environment of an organism arising from the
activities of other living organisms, as distinct from abiotic
factors
The largest population that an area can support
An association of different species living together at the same
time in a defined habitat with some degree of mutual dependence.
It can be of various sizes from lake sediments to rainforests
The result of a common demand by two or more organisms or
types of organisms for limited resources
Organism that eats other organisms for food
An organism that obtains energy from decaying organic material
A group/community of organisms interacting with their
environment
The physical surroundings of an organism which includes the
living and nonliving components
The feeding relationship of species that transfer energy through
the organisms in a community
The complex interconnection of food chains in an ecosystem
The local environment in which a specified organism, population,
or species lives, characterized by physical and chemical features,
and the presence of certain other species (Compare ecosystem,
biome, environment)
Something from the natural environment (water, air, trees, fuels)
that is used to meet one's needs and wants
A living thing
A group of the same species that live in the same area at the same
time
An organism that is killed and eaten by another organism (prey);
includes animals eating other animals, and animals eating plants
An organism that is killed and eaten by another organism
An organism that makes its own food
Organisms whose members are alike and successfully reproduce
among themselves

CHEM -21