Glossary

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chemical formula: A represention of the elemental composition of a substanceA material that is either an element or that has a fixed ratio of elements in its chemical formula.; subscripts are used to indicate the relative numbers of atomsThe smallest particle of an element that can be involved in chemical combination with another element; an atom consists of protons and neutrons in a tiny, very dense nucleus, surrounded by electrons, which occupy most of its volume. of each kind of element present.

Term of the Day

The equilibrium constant expressionThe ratio of the concentrations of products in a balanced chemical equation, each concentration raised to the power of its coefficient, divided by the concentrations of reactants, each raised to the power of its coefficient; at equilibrium this ratio has the value of the equilibrium constant. for the dissolution of an electrolyteA substance that dissolves to produce a solution containing ions, which cause the solution to conduct electricity.; the reactantA substance consumed by a chemical reaction. is a solidA state of matter having a specific shape and volume and in which the particles do not readily change their relative positions. and its concentrationA measure of the ratio of the quantity of a substance to the quantity of solvent, solution, or ore. Also, the process of making something more concentrated. does not appear in the expression, which is a productA substance produced by a chemical reaction. of the concentrations of the products (raised the to appropriate powers).