CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY
polyvinyl chloride → polivinil klorid
Poly(vinyl chloride) or the PVC is hard and resistant homopolymer produced by the polymerization of the gas vinyl chloride [CH2CHCl]. The pure polymer is hard, brittle and difficult to process, but it becomes flexible when plasticizers are added. After mixing with plasticizers, stabilizers, and pigments, the resin may be fabricated by techniques such as calendering, molding, or extrusion into flexible articles such as raincoats, shower curtains, and packaging films. The resin is not plasticized for use in making rigid products such as water pipe, plumbing fittings, and phonograph records.
potassium → kalij
Potassium was discovered by Sir Humphry Davy (England) in 1807. The origin of the name comes from the Arabic word qali meaning alkali (the origin of the symbol K comes from the Latin word kalium). It is soft, waxy, silver-white metal. Fresh surface has silvery sheen. Quickly forms dull oxide coating on exposure to air. Reacts strongly with water. Reacts with water to give off flammable gas. Reacts violently with oxidants. Occurs only in compounds. Potassium is found in minerals like carnallite [(KMgCl3)·6H2O] and sylvite (KCL). Pure metal is produced by the reaction of hot potassium chloride and sodium vapours in a special retort. Used as potash in making glass and soap. Also as saltpetre, potassium nitrate (KNO3) to make explosives and to colour fireworks in mauve. Vital to function of nerve and muscle tissues.
sulfur → sumpor
Sulfur has been known since ancient times. The origin of the name comes from the Sanskrit word sulvere meaning sulphur; also from the Latin word sulphurium meaning sulphur. It is pale yellow, odourless, brittle solid, which is insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulfide. Sulfur is found in pure form and in ores like cinnabar, galena, sphalerite and stibnite. Pure form is obtained from underground deposits by the Frasch process. Used in matches, gunpowder, medicines, rubber and pesticides, dyes and insecticides. Also for making sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
thorium → torij
Thorium was discovered by Jöns Jakob Berzelius (Sweden) in 1828. Named after Thor, the mythological Scandinavian god of war. It is heavy, grey, soft, malleable, ductile, radioactive metal. Tarnishes in air; reacts with water. Reacts violently with oxidants. Thorium is found in various minerals like monazite and thorite. Used in making strong alloys. Also in ultraviolet photoelectric cells. It is a common ingredient in high-quality lenses. Bombarded with neutrons make uranium-233, a nuclear fuel.
tungsten → volfram
Tungsten was discovered by Fausto and Juan Jose de Elhuyar (Spain) in 1783. Named after the tungsten mineral wolframite. It is hard, steel-grey to white metal. Highest melting point of all metals. Resists oxygen, acids and alkalis. Tungsten occurs in the minerals scheelite (CaWO4) and wolframite [(Fe,Mn)WO4]. Made into filaments for vacuum tubes and electric lights. Also as contact points in cars. Tungsten carbide is extremely hard and is used for making cutting tools and abrasives.
Citing this page:
Generalic, Eni. "Richtlijn shared decision making." Croatian-English Chemistry Dictionary & Glossary. 29 June 2022. KTF-Split. {Date of access}. <https://glossary.periodni.com>.
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