Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Theoretical Chemistry

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Theoretical Chemistry 1. Isomer vs. Isotope Isomers and isotopes are two terms that often cause confusion. Isomers refer to compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. On the other hand, isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. While isomers are related to the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, isotopes pertain to variations in the atomic nucleus. 2. Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous When discussing mixtures, the terms homogeneous and heterogeneous come up. A homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition throughout, meaning its components are evenly distributed. In contrast, a heterogeneous mixture has distinct regions with different compositions. Think of a glass of saltwater as homogeneous, while a bowl of fruit salad is heterogeneous. 3. Catalyst vs. Reactant Catalysts and reactants play crucial roles in chemical reactions. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a reaction without being consumed. It lowers the activation energy, making the reaction occur more readily. On the other hand, a reactant is a substance that undergoes a change in a chemical reaction.