CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

Planck constant    →   Planckova konstanta

Planck constant (h) is a constant that, when multipled by the frequency of radiation gives the quantity of energy contained in one quantum.

Equal to 6.626 075 5(40)·10^-34 J s. It was named after Max Planck (1858-1947).

point-like object    →   materijalna točka

Point-like object is an expression, usual in kinematics: a point-like object (or a particle) is an object with dimensions, which can be neglected while considering its motion.

polarised light    →   polarizirana svjetlost

Polarised light is light whose electromagnetic waves oscillate only in one flat vertical on expansion of the direction of radiation.

quantum    →   kvant

Quantum is the smallest quantity of energy that can be emitted (or absorbed) in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Energy of a quantum (E) is equal to

where h is Planck constant and ν is the frequency of radiation.

lead    →   olovo

Lead has been known since ancient times. The origin of the name comes from the Latin word plumbum meaning liquid silver. It is very soft, highly malleable and ductile, blue-white shiny metal. Tarnishes in moist air; stable in oxygen and water. Dissolves in nitric acid. Compounds toxic by inhalation or ingestion. Danger of cumulative effects. Lead is found most often in ores called galena or lead sulfide (PbS). Used in solder, shielding against radiation and in batteries.

light    →   svjetlo

Light (visible radiation) is a form of electromagnetic radiation able to be detected by the human eye. Its wavelength range is between about 400 nm and about 700 nm. The boundaries are not precise, because individuals vary in their ability to detect extreme wavelengths.

luminescence    →   luminiscencija

Luminescence (from Latin lumen, light) is the emission of electromagnetic radiation (UV, visible or IR) from atoms or molecules as a result of the transition of an electronically excited state to a lower energy state, usually the ground state. Luminescence can be divided into categories by duration (fluorescence or phosphorescence) or by the mechanism that creates the light (radioluminescence, electroluminescence, photoluminescence, thermoluminescence, triboluminescence, chemiluminescence, bioluminescence). The prefix identifies the energy source responsible for generating or releasing the light.

Phosphorescence is emission of light from a substance exposed to radiation and persisting as an afterglow after the source of excitation has been removed. Fluorescence, on the other hand, is an almost instantaneous effect, ending within about 10^-8 second after excitation.

mass    →   masa

Mass (m) is the quantity of matter contained in a particle or body regardless of its location in the universe. Mass is constant, whereas weight is affected by the distance of a body from the centre of the Earth (or of other planet). The SI unit is kilogram.

According to the Einstein equation

all forms of energy possess a mass equivalent.

quasicrystal    →   kvazikristal

Quasicrystal is a solid having conventional crystalline properties but whose lattice does not display translational periodicity.

radiation    →   radijacija

The process of heat transfer which occurs through empty space and can also occur in matter, in the form of electro-magnetic (EM) waves, is called radiation or radiant heat. Whenever EM radiation is emitted and then absorbed, heat is transferred. This principle is used in microwave ovens, laser cutting, and RF hair removal.