A solution containing a weak acid and its salt (or a weak base and its salt); which tends to resist
changes in pH.
Buffer region
The region of a titration curve in which the concentration of a conjugate acid is approximately equal
to that of the corresponding base. The pH remains relatively constant when small amounts of H+ or
OH– are added because of the combination of these ions with the buffer species already in solution.
Calorie (cal)
A unit of thermal energy (1 cal = 4.184 J).
Calorimeter
An apparatus used to measure the heat absorbed or released by a reaction.
Carbohydrates
A compound with the general formula Cn(H 2 O)m. Carbon dating
Carbon dating
A technique for estimating the age of (ancient) objects by measuring the amount of radioactive
carbon-14 remaining.
Carbonyl group
C=O group found in aldehydes, ketones, et cetera. The C=O bond is known as the carbonyl bond, and
organic compounds containing this group are known as carbonyl compounds.
Carboxylic acids
Compounds of the general formula R-COOH.
Catalysis