
Chemistry | Definition, Topics, Types, History, & Facts | Britannica
Mar 2, 2026 · Chemistry is the science of the properties, composition, and structure of substances (defined as elements and compounds), the transformations they undergo, and the energy that is …
Chemistry Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
CHEMISTRY meaning: 1 : a science that deals with the structure and properties of substances and with the changes that they go through; 2 : the structure and properties of a substance the way a …
Mole | Definition, Number, & Facts | Britannica
Jan 19, 2026 · Mole, standard unit (6.02214076 x 10^23) in chemistry for measuring large quantities of very small entities such as atoms, molecules, or other specified particles. The number of units in a …
Solvent | Definition, Examples, & Facts | Britannica
Feb 6, 2026 · Solvent, substance, ordinarily a liquid, in which other materials dissolve to form a solution. Polar solvents (e.g., water) favor formation of ions; nonpolar ones (e.g., hydrocarbons) do not. …
Energy level | Definition, Diagram, & Facts | Britannica
energy levels for hydrogen The energy-level diagram for hydrogen shows the energy levels, or energy states, as horizontal lines. N = 1 is the ground state of the atom. All other values of N represent …
Chemical compound | Definition, Examples, & Types | Britannica
Feb 10, 2026 · Chemical compound, any substance composed of identical molecules consisting of atoms of two or more chemical elements. All the matter in the universe is composed of the atoms of …
pH control, acid-base balance, buffer solutions - Britannica
Feb 10, 2026 · Buffer, in chemistry, solution usually containing an acid and a base, or a salt, that tends to maintain a constant hydrogen ion concentration. Ions are atoms or molecules that have lost or …
Solution | Definition & Examples | Britannica
Mar 2, 2026 · Solution, in chemistry, a homogenous mixture of two or more substances in relative amounts that can be varied continuously up to what is called the limit of solubility. The term solution …
Catalyst | Examples, Definition, & Facts | Britannica
Catalyst, in chemistry, any substance that increases the rate of a reaction without itself being consumed. Enzymes are naturally occurring catalysts responsible for many essential biochemical reactions. In …
Protein | Definition, Structure, & Classification | Britannica
Mar 12, 2026 · protein, highly complex substance that is present in all living organisms. Proteins are of great nutritional value and are directly involved in the chemical processes essential for life. The …