Chemistry terms starting with L

Labile and Inert Complexes Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry s⁻¹ The kinetic classification of complexes according to how rapidly they exchange their ligands.

Langmuir Adsorption Isotherm Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis Dimensionless A model describing monolayer adsorption on a surface with a fixed number of equivalent, independent sites. θ = Kp / (1 + Kp)

Latent Heat States of Matter & Gas Laws kJ/kg The energy absorbed or released when a substance changes state, with no accompanying change in temperature. q = m × L

Lattice Energy Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure kJ/mol The energy released when one mole of an ionic solid is formed from its constituent gaseous ions. U ∝ (z⁺z⁻) / (r⁺ + r⁻)

Law of Conservation of Mass Foundations of Chemistry kg The principle that the total mass of the substances in a closed system is unchanged by any chemical reaction. Σ m(reactants) = Σ m(products)

Law of Definite Proportions Foundations of Chemistry Dimensionless The principle that a given chemical compound always contains its constituent elements in the same fixed mass ratio.

Law of Mass Action Chemical Equilibrium Various The principle that the rate of a reaction is proportional to the product of the active masses of the reactants. K = [C]^c[D]^d / [A]^a[B]^b

Law of Multiple Proportions Foundations of Chemistry Dimensionless The principle that when two elements form more than one compound, the masses of one element combining with a fixed mass of the other are in small whole-number ratios.

Law of Radioactive Decay Nuclear & Radiochemistry Dimensionless The principle that the rate of decay is proportional to the number of undecayed nuclei present. N = N₀ e^(−λt)

Law of Reciprocal Proportions Stoichiometry & Chemical Reactions Dimensionless The principle that the mass ratios in which two elements combine with a third are related by a simple ratio to the ratio in which they combine with each other.

Le Chatelier's Principle Chemical Equilibrium Dimensionless When a system at equilibrium is disturbed, it responds in the direction that partially opposes the disturbance.

Leaching Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry Dimensionless The selective dissolution of a metal or its compound from an ore using a suitable chemical reagent.

Lead–Acid Accumulator Electrochemistry & Redox V A rechargeable cell using lead and lead dioxide electrodes in sulfuric acid. Pb + PbO₂ + 2H₂SO₄ ⇌ 2PbSO₄ + 2H₂O

Levelling Effect Acids, Bases & Salts Dimensionless The tendency of a solvent to reduce all acids or bases stronger than its own ionised forms to the same effective strength.

Lewis Structure Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure Dimensionless A diagram showing the bonding and lone pairs of a molecule using dots or lines for valence electrons.

Lewis Theory Acids, Bases & Salts Dimensionless The theory defining an acid as an electron pair acceptor and a base as an electron pair donor. A + :B → A←B

Ligand Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry Dimensionless An ion or molecule that donates one or more electron pairs to a central metal atom.

Ligand Field Theory Inorganic & Coordination Chemistry cm⁻¹ The refined bonding model that combines crystal field theory with molecular orbital treatment of metal–ligand covalency.

Like Dissolves Like Solutions & Colligative Properties Dimensionless The empirical rule that substances dissolve best in solvents with similar polarity and bonding character.

Limit of Detection Analytical Chemistry & Spectroscopy Various The smallest concentration of analyte that can be reliably distinguished from the blank. LOD = 3σ_blank / m

Limit of Quantitation Analytical Chemistry & Spectroscopy Various The lowest concentration at which the analyte can be measured with acceptable precision and accuracy. LOQ = 10σ_blank / m

Limiting Molar Conductivity Electrochemistry & Redox S·cm²/mol The molar conductivity of an electrolyte extrapolated to infinite dilution, where ionic interactions vanish. Λ°m

Limiting Reagent Stoichiometry & Chemical Reactions mol The reactant that is completely consumed first and therefore determines the maximum amount of product obtainable. smallest n / coefficient

Linear Geometry Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure degrees A molecular shape in which the bonded atoms lie on a straight line, giving a bond angle of 180°. AX₂ or AX₂E₃

Terms starting with L