bond order The bond order relates the bonding
and antibonding electrons in the molecular
orbital theory (# electrons in bonding MOs – #
electrons in antibonding MOs)/2.
Boyle’s law Boyle’s law states that there is an inverse
relationship between the volume and pressure of
a gas, if the temperature and amount are kept
constant.
buffer capacity The buffer capacity is the ability of
the buffer to resist a change in pH.
buffersBuffers are solutions that resist a change in
pH when an acid or base is added to them.
calorieThe calorie is the amount of energy needed
to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1°C.
calorimetry Calorimetry is the laboratory technique
used to measure the heat released or absorbed
during a chemical or physical change.
capillary actionCapillary action is the spontaneous
rising of a liquid through a narrow tube against
the force of gravity.
catalyst A catalyst is a substance that speeds up
the reaction rate and is (at least theoretically)
recoverable at the end of the reaction in an
unchanged form.
cathodeThe cathode is the electrode in an electro-
chemical cell at which reduction takes place.
cathode compartmentThe cathode compartment
is the electrolyte solution in which the cathode is
immersed.
cationsCations are positively charged ions.
cell notation Cell notation is a shorthand notation
for representing a galvanic cell.
Charles’s law Charles’s law states that there is a direct
relationship between the volume and temperature
of a gas, if the pressure and amount are kept
constant.
chemical equilibriumA chemical equilibrium has
been reached when two exactly opposite reactions
are occurring at the same place, at the same time,
and with the same rates of reaction.
colligative properties Colligative properties are
solution properties that are simply dependent
upon the numberof solute particles, and not the
type of solute.
colloids Colloids are homogeneous mixtures in
which solute diameters fall in between solutions
and suspensions.
combined gas equation The combined gas equation
relates the pressure, temperature, and volume of
a gas, assuming the amount is held constant.
combination reactionsCombination reactions are
reactions in which two or more reactants
(elements or compounds) combine to form one
product.
combustion reactions Combustion reactions are
redox reactions in which the chemical species
rapidly combines with oxygen and usually emits
heat and light.
common-ion effect The common-ion effect is
an application of Le Cha^telier’s principle to
equilibrium systems of slightly soluble salts.
complexA complex is composed of a central atom,
normally a metal, surrounded by atoms or groups
of atoms called ligands.
compoundsCompounds are pure substances that
have a fixed proportion of elements.
concentratedConcentrated is a qualitative way
of describing a solution that has a relatively
large amount of solute in comparison to the
solvent.
concentrationConcentration is a measure of the
amount of solute dissolved in the solvent.
concentration cellA concentration cell is an elec-
trochemical cell in which the same chemical
species are used in both cell compartments, but
differ in concentration.
conjugate acid–base pairThis is an acid–base pair
that differs by only a single H+.
continuous spectrumA continuous spectrum is
a spectrum of light much like the rainbow.
coordinate covalent bonds Coordinate covalent
bonds are covalent bonds in which one of the
atoms furnishes both of the electrons for the
bond.
coordination compounds Coordination com-
pounds are a type of complex in which a metal
atom is surrounded by ligands.
coordination numberCoordination number is the
number of ligands that can covalently bond to the
metal ion in the complex ion.
covalent bonding In covalent bonding, one or
more electron pairs are shared between two atoms.
crisscross rule The crisscross rule can be used to help
determine the formula of an ionic compound.
critical point The critical point of a substance is the
point on the phase diagram beyond which the gas
and liquid phases are indistinguishable from each
other.
crystal latticeThe crystal lattice is a three-dimensional
structure that crystalline solids occupy.Glossary 359