CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

D-lines    →   D-linije

D-lines are two close lines in the yellow region of the spectrum of sodium, having wavelengths 589.6 nm (D₁) and 589.0 nm (D₂). They were labeled as feature D in the solar spectrum by German optician Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787-1826). As they a prominent and easily recognized they are used as a standard in spectroscopy.

line spectrum    →   linijski spektar

Red-hot gases give line spectrum, i.e. is they emit electromagnetic rays of defined wavelengths. That kind of emission line of spectrum is characteristic of each chemical element.

angstrom    →   angstrem

Ångström (Å) is a unit of length equal to 10^-10 m. The Ångström is defined in terms of the wavelength of the emission spectra’s red line of an atom of cadmium (6438.4696 Å).

chain    →   lanac

Chain is a linear combination of the same type of atom in a molecule. In straight chain molecules, the atoms are arranged in a line, with each atom in the chain linked to one preceding atom and one succeeding atom of the same type. A closed chain molecule is a chain where the atoms are linked in a ring structure.

hypsometric curve    →   hipsometrijska krivulja

Hypsometric curve (or hypsographic curve) shows the distribution of height of a given area (on land) and depth (at sea). The term originates from the Greek word hypsos meaning height. The part of the curve that reflects the cross section of the ocean bottom is called the bathygraphic curve.

Horizontal dashed lines indicate average height of the continents at 840 meters above sea level, and average depth of the oceans at 3 682.2 meters below sea level. If all the land above sea level (green) was moved into the sea (blue), the oceans would still be 3 km deep.

indium    →   indij

Indium was discovered by Ferdinand Reich and Hieronymus Theodor Richter (Germany) in 1863. Named after the indicum (colour indigo), the colour it shows in a spectroscope. It is rare, very soft, silver-white metal. Stable in air and water. Dissolves in acids. Metal can ignite and burn. Indium is found in certain zinc ores. Used to coat high speed bearings and as an alloy that lowers the melting point of other metals. Relatively small amounts are used in dental items and in electronic semiconductors.

isobar    →   izobara

Isobar is a line connecting points of equal pressure on a graphic representation of a physical system.

isobath    →   izobata

Isobaths are lines connecting points of equal depth in lakes and oceans. The name comes from Greek bathus meaning deep.

isochore    →   izohora

Isochore is a line or surface of constant volume on a graphic representation of a physical system.

isotherm    →   izoterma

Isotherm is a line connecting points of equal temperature on a graphic representation of a physical system.