Open the App

Subjects

173

7 Dec 2025

3 pages

Essential Higher Chemistry Terms and Their Definitions

J

Jasmine Beveridge

@jasminebeveridge_amfg

Understanding the chemistry behind everyday products like medicines, soaps, and... Show more

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
1 / 3
Key word
Feedstock
Sustainability
Yield
Percentage yield
Side products
Biodegradable
Atom economy
Alcohol
Hydroxyl group
Primary alcohol
Che

Industrial Chemistry Fundamentals

Getting to grips with industrial chemistry starts with understanding how raw materials become useful products. Feedstock serves as the raw material that powers industrial processes, whilst sustainability measures whether these processes can be maintained long-term without harming the environment.

Yield tells you how much product you actually get from a reaction, but percentage yield is more useful - it compares your actual results to the theoretical maximum. When reactions don't go perfectly to plan, you often get side products from unwanted side reactions.

Two crucial concepts for evaluating industrial processes are atom economy (measuring what percentage of reactants become useful products) and whether products are biodegradable. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to environmental issues.

Alcohols are organic compounds containing a hydroxyl group OH-OH. Primary alcohols have the -OH group attached to a carbon with at least two hydrogens, typically at the end of a molecule chain. Secondary alcohols have the -OH attached to a carbon with just one hydrogen atom.

Quick Tip: To identify alcohol types, count the hydrogens on the carbon bearing the -OH group - two or more means primary, one means secondary!

Key word
Feedstock
Sustainability
Yield
Percentage yield
Side products
Biodegradable
Atom economy
Alcohol
Hydroxyl group
Primary alcohol
Che

Molecular Interactions and Properties

Tertiary alcohols complete the alcohol family - here the hydroxyl group attaches to a carbon with no hydrogen atoms. Understanding boiling points and solubility becomes easier when you grasp intermolecular forces, particularly hydrogen bonding between molecules.

Polar bonding occurs when electrons aren't shared equally between atoms, whilst non-polar bonding involves equal electron sharing. This affects whether substances are hydrophobic waterrepellingwater-repelling or hydrophilic waterlovingwater-loving.

Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids, created through hydrolysis of fats. Detergents are surfactants with cleaning properties in water solutions. Both work by having parts that interact with both water and oils.

Proteins are condensation polymers made from amino acid monomers. They can denature (lose their structure) under certain conditions. Amide links connect the amino acids together, forming the protein backbone.

Remember: Hydrolysis literally means "water-splitting" - it's the opposite of condensation reactions!

Key word
Feedstock
Sustainability
Yield
Percentage yield
Side products
Biodegradable
Atom economy
Alcohol
Hydroxyl group
Primary alcohol
Che

Health Chemistry and Laboratory Techniques

Staying healthy involves understanding antioxidants - compounds that prevent harmful oxidation reactions where electrons are lost. These play crucial roles in protecting our bodies from damage.

Laboratory work requires precision techniques. Standard solutions have accurately known concentrations, essential for titrations - analytical techniques measuring volumes of reacting liquids precisely.

Key equipment includes pipettes for accurate liquid measurement and burettes for delivering known volumes with taps for control. Indicators provide visual signs that chemical reactions have occurred, changing colour at specific points.

Distilled water is pure water created by boiling and condensing in separate containers, leaving impurities behind. It's essential for accurate analytical work since tap water contains dissolved substances that could affect results.

Pro Tip: Always rinse your burette with the solution you're using, not just distilled water - this prevents dilution errors!



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content: Alcohols

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Chemistry

173

7 Dec 2025

3 pages

Essential Higher Chemistry Terms and Their Definitions

J

Jasmine Beveridge

@jasminebeveridge_amfg

Understanding the chemistry behind everyday products like medicines, soaps, and food is crucial for your A-level success. This collection covers key industrial chemistry concepts, organic compounds (especially alcohols), and essential laboratory techniques you'll need to master.

Key word
Feedstock
Sustainability
Yield
Percentage yield
Side products
Biodegradable
Atom economy
Alcohol
Hydroxyl group
Primary alcohol
Che

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Industrial Chemistry Fundamentals

Getting to grips with industrial chemistry starts with understanding how raw materials become useful products. Feedstock serves as the raw material that powers industrial processes, whilst sustainability measures whether these processes can be maintained long-term without harming the environment.

Yield tells you how much product you actually get from a reaction, but percentage yield is more useful - it compares your actual results to the theoretical maximum. When reactions don't go perfectly to plan, you often get side products from unwanted side reactions.

Two crucial concepts for evaluating industrial processes are atom economy (measuring what percentage of reactants become useful products) and whether products are biodegradable. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to environmental issues.

Alcohols are organic compounds containing a hydroxyl group OH-OH. Primary alcohols have the -OH group attached to a carbon with at least two hydrogens, typically at the end of a molecule chain. Secondary alcohols have the -OH attached to a carbon with just one hydrogen atom.

Quick Tip: To identify alcohol types, count the hydrogens on the carbon bearing the -OH group - two or more means primary, one means secondary!

Key word
Feedstock
Sustainability
Yield
Percentage yield
Side products
Biodegradable
Atom economy
Alcohol
Hydroxyl group
Primary alcohol
Che

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Molecular Interactions and Properties

Tertiary alcohols complete the alcohol family - here the hydroxyl group attaches to a carbon with no hydrogen atoms. Understanding boiling points and solubility becomes easier when you grasp intermolecular forces, particularly hydrogen bonding between molecules.

Polar bonding occurs when electrons aren't shared equally between atoms, whilst non-polar bonding involves equal electron sharing. This affects whether substances are hydrophobic waterrepellingwater-repelling or hydrophilic waterlovingwater-loving.

Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids, created through hydrolysis of fats. Detergents are surfactants with cleaning properties in water solutions. Both work by having parts that interact with both water and oils.

Proteins are condensation polymers made from amino acid monomers. They can denature (lose their structure) under certain conditions. Amide links connect the amino acids together, forming the protein backbone.

Remember: Hydrolysis literally means "water-splitting" - it's the opposite of condensation reactions!

Key word
Feedstock
Sustainability
Yield
Percentage yield
Side products
Biodegradable
Atom economy
Alcohol
Hydroxyl group
Primary alcohol
Che

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Health Chemistry and Laboratory Techniques

Staying healthy involves understanding antioxidants - compounds that prevent harmful oxidation reactions where electrons are lost. These play crucial roles in protecting our bodies from damage.

Laboratory work requires precision techniques. Standard solutions have accurately known concentrations, essential for titrations - analytical techniques measuring volumes of reacting liquids precisely.

Key equipment includes pipettes for accurate liquid measurement and burettes for delivering known volumes with taps for control. Indicators provide visual signs that chemical reactions have occurred, changing colour at specific points.

Distilled water is pure water created by boiling and condensing in separate containers, leaving impurities behind. It's essential for accurate analytical work since tap water contains dissolved substances that could affect results.

Pro Tip: Always rinse your burette with the solution you're using, not just distilled water - this prevents dilution errors!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

5

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Electronegativity & Intermolecular Forces

Explore the concepts of electronegativity, dipole moments, and intermolecular forces including hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. This summary covers the nature of polar and non-polar bonds, the significance of dipole-dipole interactions, and how these factors influence the physical properties of substances. Ideal for AQA A Level & AS Chemistry students.

ChemistryChemistry
12

Organic Synthesis Mechanisms

Explore a comprehensive flowchart detailing the mechanisms of organic synthesis, including reactions involving esters, nitriles, alkanes, and more. This resource covers key concepts such as acid-base catalysis, nucleophilic substitution, and electrophilic addition, making it essential for students studying organic chemistry. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding complex reaction pathways.

ChemistryChemistry
13

Chemical Bonding Essentials

Explore the fundamentals of chemical bonding, including ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds. Understand bond polarity, molecular geometry, and intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. This summary covers key concepts like electronegativity, VSEPR theory, and the properties of various bonding types, making it essential for AQA A-Level Chemistry students.

ChemistryChemistry
12

Natures Chemistry Overview

Explore key concepts in Natures Chemistry with this comprehensive summary covering esters, alcohols, oxidation, homologous series, proteins, and soaps. Ideal for higher chemistry students preparing for exams, this resource provides essential insights into chemical reactions, functional groups, and the properties of organic compounds.

ChemistryChemistry
S4

Redox Reactions Explained

Explore the fundamentals of redox reactions, including oxidation and reduction processes, oxidation states, and half-equations. This summary provides clear definitions and rules for identifying oxidizing and reducing agents, making it an essential resource for AQA AS Physical Chemistry students.

ChemistryChemistry
12

Advanced Organic Chemistry Concepts

Explore key concepts in organic chemistry, including esters, carboxylic acids, oxidation-reduction reactions, and the chemistry of fats and proteins. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics such as saponification, emulsifiers, and the role of functional groups in molecular structure. Ideal for students preparing for higher chemistry exams.

ChemistryChemistry
S5

Most popular content: Alcohols

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user