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960 terms · page 6 of 40
Buffer Range
The span of pH values over which a buffer works effectively, conventionally one unit either side of its pKa.
Acids, Bases & SaltsBuffer Solution
A solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added.
Stoichiometry & Chemical ReactionsCalcination
The heating of an ore or compound to high temperature in the absence or limited supply of air to drive off volatile matter.
Analytical Chemistry & SpectroscopyCalibration Curve
A plot of instrument response against known analyte concentration, used to determine unknowns.
Electrochemistry & RedoxCalomel Electrode
A reference electrode based on the equilibrium between mercury, mercury(I) chloride and chloride ions.
Thermochemistry & ThermodynamicsCalorific Value
The heat released by the complete combustion of unit mass of a fuel.
Thermochemistry & ThermodynamicsCalorimetry
The experimental measurement of heat exchanged during a physical or chemical change.
Organic ChemistryCannizzaro Reaction
The disproportionation of an aldehyde with no alpha hydrogen under concentrated alkali into an alcohol and a carboxylate.
States of Matter & Gas LawsCapillary Action
The spontaneous rise or fall of a liquid in a narrow tube, driven by the balance between adhesion and cohesion.
Organic ChemistryCarbanion
An organic ion in which a carbon atom bears a negative charge and a lone pair.
Organic ChemistryCarbocation
An organic ion in which a carbon atom bears a positive charge and only six valence electrons.
Biochemistry & Polymer ChemistryCarbohydrate
A biomolecule composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, usually with hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio found in water.
Analytical Chemistry & SpectroscopyCarbon-13 NMR
An NMR technique that detects the carbon-13 nucleus to reveal the carbon skeleton of a molecule.
Organic ChemistryCarboxylic Acid
A compound containing a carboxyl group, in which a carbonyl and a hydroxyl group share the same carbon.
Thermochemistry & ThermodynamicsCarnot Cycle
An idealised reversible cycle of two isothermal and two adiabatic steps that defines the maximum efficiency of a heat engine.
Chemical Kinetics & CatalysisCatalysis
The process by which a reaction rate is increased through the action of a catalyst.
Chemical Kinetics & CatalysisCatalyst
A substance that increases the rate of a reaction by providing an alternative pathway of lower activation energy, without being consumed.
Chemical Kinetics & CatalysisCatalyst Poisoning
The loss of catalytic activity caused by a substance binding irreversibly to the active sites.
Electrochemistry & RedoxCathode
The electrode at which reduction occurs.
Electrochemistry & RedoxCathodic Protection
The prevention of corrosion by forcing the metal to be protected to act as a cathode.
Foundations of ChemistryCation
A positively charged ion produced when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons.
Electrochemistry & RedoxCell Notation
A shorthand convention for representing an electrochemical cell using vertical lines for phase boundaries.
Electrochemistry & RedoxCell Potential
The difference in electrical potential between the two electrodes of an electrochemical cell.
Biochemistry & Polymer ChemistryCellular Respiration
The oxidation of nutrients within cells to release energy as ATP.