Glossary of Chemical Terms - F

F

family (of elements)

Elements found in the same column of the periodic table, also known as a group of elements.These elements will have similar properties.

fat

A solid ester of a long-chain carboxylic acid with glycerol.

fenfluramine

Amphetamine-like component of fen-phen that suppresses appetite by increasing seratonin levels in the brain.

filter

To separate an insoluble solid from a liquid by pour it through a solid (usually paper) to trap the solid particles and separate them from the liquid.

fission

The process in which heavy nuclei split to form lighter nuclei.

fluorescence

forensic

Relating to the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems.

formula

A shorthand way of showing the composition of a substance with the use of symbols and numerical subscripts.

freezing

The change of phase from a liquid into a solid.

frequency

The number of complete waves passing a point in space in a given amount of time.

fuel

A material that can be burned to provide a source of energy.

fumigant

A gaseous substance used to disinfect an object or to destroy pests.

fungicides

A chemical that kills fungi or prevents them from growing.

fusion

The joining of two small nuclei to form a larger nucleus.

Glossary created by David Shaw (Madison Area Technical College) for The Chemistry Place.

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