A negatively charged particle in an atom, which spins around the nucleus.
A substance made up of only one kind of atom. Unlike compounds, elements cannot be chemically broken into other substances.
A state of heightened biological productivity in a body of water, which is typically detrimental to the ecosystem in which it takes place. Eutrophication can be caused by an excess of nitrogen or phosphorus in the form of nitrates and phosphates, respectively.
A term describing the interaction of plants, herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, decomposers, and detritivores, each of which consumes nutrientsand passes it along to other organisms.
A branch of the earth sciences combining aspects of geology and chemistry, that is, concerned with the chemical properties and processes of Earth—in particular, the abundance and interaction of chemical elements and their isotopes.
An atom or group of atoms that has lost or gained one or more electrons and thus has a net electric charge. Positively charged ions are called cations, and negatively charged ones are called anions.
The removal of soil materials that are in solution, or dissolved inwater.
A group of atoms, usually but not always representing more than one element, joined in a structure. Compounds are typically made up of molecules.
A chart that shows the elements arranged in order of atomic number along with their chemical symbols and the average atomic mass for each particular element.
A positively charged particle in an atom.
A term referring to the ability of one element to bond with others. The higher the reactivity, the greater the tendency to bond.
Capable of being dissolved.
Electrons that occupy the highest principal energy level in an atom. These are the electrons involved in chemical bonding.
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