CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

amperometry    →   amperometrija

Amperometry is determining the concentration of a material in a sample by measuring electric current passing through a cell containing the solution.

barrier film    →   barijerni film

Barrier film is a thin, continuous, non-porous, electrically insulating film on metal surfaces (usually comprised of oxides).

beta radiation    →   beta zračenje

Streams of beta particles are known as beta ray or beta radiation. Beta rays may cause skin burns and are harmful within the body. A thin sheet of metal can afford protection to the skin.

conductometry    →   konduktometrija

Conductometry is a volumetric analytic method in which the end of titration (equivalent point) is defined by an electric conductivity appliance.

degenerate orbitals    →   degenerirane orbitale

Degenerate orbitals are orbitals with the same energy. This degeneracy can sometimes be "lifted" by external electric or magnetic fields.

analytical balance    →   analitička vaga

Analytical balances are instruments used for precise determining mass of matter. Analytical balances are sensitive and expensive instruments, and upon their accuracy and precision the accuracy of analysis result depends. The most widely used type of analytical balances are balances with a capacity of 100 g and a sensitivity of 0.1 mg. Not one quantitative chemical analysis is possible without usage of balances, because, regardless of which analytical method is being used, there is always a need for weighing a sample for analysis and the necessary quantity of reagents for solution preparation.

The working part of the balance is enclosed in a glass-fitted case. The baseplate is usually of black glass or black slate. The beam has agate knife-edges at its extremes, supporting stirrups from which balance pans are suspended. Another agate or steel knife-edge is fixed exactly in the middle of the beam on its bottom side. This knife-edge faces downwards and supports the beam. When not in use and during loading or unloading of the pans, the balance should be arrested.

The principle of operation of a modern laboratory balance bears some resemblance to its predecessor - the equal arm balance. The older instrument opposed the torque exerted by an unknown mass on one side of a pivot to that of an adjustable known weight on the other side. When the pointer returned to the center position, the torques must be equal, and the weight was determined by the position of the moving weights.

Modern electronic laboratory balances work on the principle of magnetic force restoration. In this system, the force exerted by the object being weighed is lifted by an electromagnet. A detector measures the current required to oppose the downward motion of the weight in the magnetic field.

asbestos    →   azbest

Asbestos is any one of a group of fibrous amphibole minerals (from the silicate group). It has widespread commercial uses because of its resistance to heat, chemical inertness., and high electrical resistance. Since 1970s short asbestos fibres have been recognized as a cause of asbestosis, a serious lung disorder, and mesothelioma, a fatal form of lung cancer. These concerns have limited its use and imposed many safety procedures when it is used.

electromagnetic wave    →   elektromagnetski val

All matter absorbs and emits radiation covering a broad band of frequencies and wavelengths. Thus electromagnetic radiation has the velocity of light (2.998×10⁸ ms^-1) and arises from the vibrating electric charges in atoms and bonds. The range of wavelengths, also known as the electromagnetic spectrum, is shown below:

electrostatics    →   elektrostatika

Electrostatics study of electric charges at rest.

farad    →   farad

Farad (F) is the SI derived unit of electric capacitance. The farad is the capacitance of an electric capacitor between the two plates of which there appears a difference of electric potential of one volt when it is charged by a quantity of electricity equal to one coulomb (F = C/V). The unit was named after the British scientist M. Faraday (1791-1867).