50 Essential Scientific Terms Vocabulary
Science is an amazing subject that helps us learn about our world and even what’s out there in space.
But sometimes, the scientific words can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re just starting out.
In this post, we’ll go over 50 important science terms, explained in easy-to-understand language.
These terms cover various areas of science, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel more sure of yourself when it comes to basic science ideas.
1. Atom
The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
2. Molecule
Two or more atoms bonded together. For example, water (H₂O) is a molecule.
3. Cell
The basic unit of life in living organisms.
4. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
The molecule that carries genetic instructions in living things.
5. Ecosystem
A community of living organisms and their environment, interacting as a system.
6. Evolution
The process by which living organisms change over time due to genetic variations and natural selection.
7. Energy
The ability to do work or cause change, such as heat, light, or motion.
8. Gravity
The force that pulls objects toward one another. For example, gravity keeps us on Earth.
9. Orbit
The path an object takes around another object in space, like the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
10. Photosynthesis
The process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy (glucose).
Physics Terms
11. Force
A push or pull acting on an object.
12. Acceleration
The rate at which an object changes its speed or direction.
13. Velocity
The speed of something in a particular direction.
14. Friction
A force that opposes motion when two surfaces touch.
15. Magnetism
The force that attracts or repels objects due to magnetic fields.
16. Wave
A repeating disturbance that transfers energy, such as sound waves or light waves.
17. Momentum
The product of an object’s mass and velocity; it measures how hard it is to stop an object in motion.
18. Inertia
The resistance of an object to changes in its motion.
19. Refraction
The bending of light as it passes from one material to another, like from air to water.
20. Radiation
The transfer of energy through waves or particles, such as heat from the Sun.
Biology Terms
21. Organism
Any living thing, such as a plant, animal, or microbe.
22. Habitat
The natural environment where an organism lives.
23. Adaptation
A characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment.
24. Biodiversity
The variety of life in an ecosystem or on Earth.
25. Predator
An animal that hunts and eats other animals.
26. Prey
An animal that is hunted and eaten by predators.
27. Symbiosis
A relationship between two different organisms that live closely together.
28. Enzyme
A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
29. Organ
A group of tissues that work together to perform a specific function, like the heart or lungs.
30. Hormone
A chemical messenger produced by the body to regulate functions like growth and mood.
Chemistry Terms
31. Element
A pure substance made of only one type of atom, like oxygen (O).
32. Compound
A substance made of two or more different types of atoms bonded together, like water (H₂O).
33. Reaction
A process where substances (reactants) change to form new substances (products).
34. Acid
A substance that tastes sour and reacts with metals; it has a pH less than 7.
35. Base
A substance that feels slippery and has a pH greater than 7.
36. Solution
A mixture where one substance is dissolved into another, like salt in water.
37. Catalyst
A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
38. Periodic Table
A chart that organizes all known elements by their properties.
39. Ion
An atom or molecule with an electric charge due to losing or gaining electrons.
40. pH Scale
A scale that measures how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14.
Earth Science Terms
41. Volcano
An opening in the Earth’s crust where molten rock, ash, and gases erupt.
42. Earthquake
The shaking of the Earth caused by the movement of tectonic plates.
43. Tectonic Plates
Large pieces of the Earth’s crust that move slowly over the mantle.
44. Glacier
A large mass of ice that moves slowly over land.
45. Atmosphere
The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.
46. Weathering
The breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces by wind, water, or temperature changes.
47. Fossil
The remains or impression of ancient organisms preserved in rock.
48. Erosion
The process of moving soil or rock from one place to another by wind, water, or ice.
49. Climate
The average weather conditions in a region over a long period.
50. Renewable Resources
Natural resources that can be replenished over time, like sunlight, wind, and water.
Why Learn Scientific Terms?
Understanding scientific vocabulary is important for:
- Grasping concepts in school or college.
- Appreciating the science behind everyday phenomena.
- Exploring careers in science, technology, engineering, or medicine.
- Enjoying documentaries, books, or discussions about science.
Tips to Remember Scientific Terms
- Use Flashcards
Write the term on one side and the meaning on the other. - Relate to Real Life
Connect terms to examples from your surroundings, like observing refraction in a glass of water. - Practice Regularly
Review terms often to make them stick in your memory. - Learn with Friends
Discuss and quiz each other on scientific terms. - Watch Videos
Visual explanations can make abstract concepts easier to understand.
Conclusion
Science is all around us, from the tiny cells in our bodies to the huge stars up in the sky.
By discovering these 50 scientific words, you’re starting to understand and enjoy the amazing world of science.
