CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

hecto    →   hekto

Hecto, symbol h, is a prefix used in the metric system to denote 100 times. For example, 100 c = 1 hC.

holography    →   holografija

Holography is a technique for creating a three-dimensional image of an object by recording the interference pattern between a light beam diffracted from the object and a reference beam. The image can be reconstructed from this pattern by a suitable optical system.

electron configuration    →   elektronska konfiguracija

The electron configuration shows how many electrons there are in an atom or ion and their distribution along orbitals (see Table of electronic configuration of elements). Structure and all regularity in the periodic system depend upon electronic configuration of atoms of elements. Characteristics of elements mainly depend on electronic configuration of the outer shell. Refilling of the new electronic shell atoms of elements of similar electronic configuration emerge as well as in the previous shell, which adds up to periodicities of characteristics of elements.

energy    →   energija

Energy (E, U) is the characteristic of a system that enables it to do work. Like work itself, it is measured in joules (J).

The internal energy of a body is the sum of the potential energy and the kinetic energy of its component atoms and molecules.

Potential energy is the energy stored in a body or system as a consequence of its position, shape, or state (this includes gravitation energy, electrical energy, nuclear energy, and chemical energy).

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion and is usually defined as the work that will be done by a body possessing the energy when it is brought to rest. For a body of mass m having a speed v, the kinetic energy is mv²/2. Kinetic energy is most clearly exhibited in gases, in which molecules have much greater freedom of motion than in liquids and solids.

In an isolated system energy can be transferred from one form to another but the total energy of the system remains constant.

irreversible process    →   ireverzibilni proces

If a system is taken from one state to another but cannot be brought back to the same initial state, then the process is called irreversible. Some examples are free expansion of a gas; dissipation of energy due to friction, or the mixing of two gases or liquids etc.

isobar    →   izobara

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

isochore    →   izohora

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

isomorphism    →   izomorfija

Isomorphism is the existence of two or more substances that have the same crystal structure, so that they form solid solutions.

isotherm    →   izoterma

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

isothermal process    →   izotermni proces

Isothermal process is a thermodynamic process in which the temperature of the system does not change.