Physics and chemistry

20 Physics and Chemistry Terms with Meanings and Examples

Physics

1. Force: A push or pull that can change an object’s motion.

• Example: Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards the Earth.

2. Velocity: The speed and direction of an object’s motion.

• Example: The car’s velocity was 60 miles per hour north.

3. Acceleration: The rate at which an object’s velocity changes.

• Example: The car accelerated quickly to reach highway speed.

4. Momentum: The mass of an object times its velocity.

• Example: A heavy object moving at a high velocity has a large momentum.

5. Energy: The ability to do work.

• Example: Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, while potential energy is stored energy.

6. Matter: Anything that has mass and takes up space.

• Example: Atoms are the building blocks of matter.

7. Atom: The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of a particular element.

• Example: Hydrogen is the simplest atom.

8. Element: A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

• Example: Oxygen is an element.

9. Compound: A substance composed of two or more different elements chemically combined.

• Example: Water is a compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen.

10. Molecule: A group of atoms bonded together.

• Example: A water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Chemistry

11. Atom: The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of a particular element.

• Example: Hydrogen is the simplest atom.

12. Element: A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

• Example: Oxygen is an element.

13. Compound: A substance composed of two or more different elements chemically combined.

• Example: Water is a compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen.

14. Molecule: A group of atoms bonded together.

• Example: A water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

15. Chemical Reaction: The process by which substances change into different substances.

• Example: Burning is a chemical reaction that combines oxygen with a fuel to produce heat and light.

16. Acid: A substance that produces hydrogen ions in solution.

• Example: Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid.

17. Base: A substance that produces hydroxide ions in solution.

• Example: Sodium hydroxide is a strong base.

18. pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

• Example: A pH of 7 is neutral, while a pH below 7 is acidic and a pH above 7 is basic.

19. Organic Chemistry: The study of carbon-containing compounds.

• Example: Plastics, carbohydrates, and proteins are examples of organic compounds.

20. Inorganic Chemistry: The study of non-carbon-containing compounds.

• Example: Minerals and salts are examples of inorganic compounds.