Term | Definition |
Volume | The amount of space occupied by an object. (measured in mL or cm3) |
Compound | A pure substance composed of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded. Examples: CO2, NaOH, NaCl |
Atoms | Tiny particles that make up all matter that cannot be seen with the naked eye. (a single microscopic unit of matter) |
Matter | Anything that has mass and takes up space |
Mass | The amount of matter in an object (measured in grams) |
Element | A pure substance that is composed of a single type of atom. Examples include: Silver (Ag), Iron (Fe), Boron (B) |
Hypothesis | Problem which the lab activity is designed to solve; Suggested solution to a problem; educated guess |
Scientific Method | Model or guide used to gather information and solve problems |
Dependent variable | the factor that changes as a result of changes to the independent variable in an experiment; also called responding variable |
Independent Variable | the one factor that a scientist changes during an experiment, also called the manipulated variable |
beaker | wide, cylinder shaped vessel used to hold liquids |
graduated cylinder | tall, narrow container that has markings so that it can be used to measure the volume of liquids; measures in milliliters |
triple beam balance | a device used to find the mass of objects; measures in grams |
microscope | Is an instrument that magnifies very tiny things in order to make them appear larger. |
Stopwatch | device used to measure time |
Solid | The particles are tightly packed together and can only vibrate in place |
Gas | The particles move and spread far apart, filling all the space available |
Liquid | A state of matter that has a definite volume, but not shape of its own; it will take the shape of a container that it is put in;
The particles move around one another freely. |
Conservation of Mass | When an object or substance undergoes a phase change, the mass of the object or substance stays the same
For example, if 5 grams of pure ice melts into liquid water, the liquid will also have a mass of 5 grams. |
Motion | Change in an object's position over time relative to a reference point |
Speed | Distance it travels divided by the time it takes to travel that distance
The rate at which an object moves |
gravitational potential energy (GPE) | the increase in potential energy caused when an object is lifted up against the force of gravity. Related to height |
kinetic energy | energy that an object has because it is moving |
potential energy | the energy available as a result of an object's position or condition |
Modeling | When you use a copy of what you are studying to help explain it. |