Fundamentals of Science and Technical English Vocabulary

Posted on Nov 19, 2025 in Chemistry

1. Matter: Atomic Structure and Compounds

Key Concepts in Matter

  • Atom Structure: Includes the electron, and the nucleus (containing the proton and neutron).
  • Atomic Identification: Defined by Mass number and Atomic number.
  • Example Compound: CH4 (Methane) is a compound.

Foundational Terminology (Spanish Translation)

  • Foundations = fundamento

Matter Vocabulary Definitions

  1. Neutron: A part of an atom with no electrical charge.
  2. Electron: A part of an atom with a negative electrical charge.
  3. Molecule: The smallest unit of an element or compound.
  4. Compound: The combination of two or more elements.
  5. Diatomic: Containing two atoms.
  6. Element: A basic substance made up of one particular type of atom.
  7. Mass Number: A measure of the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
  8. Atomic Number: A measure of the number of protons in an atom.

Listening Comprehension Dialogue

Student 1: 1 you did? There were some mistakes in those notes. I just noticed this morning.

Student 2: Really? Oh, I didn’t realize that.

Student 1: Yes, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I mixed up 2 the variables.

Student 2: I 3 didn’t notice any errors.

Student 1: Take another look. I wrote that protons have no electrical charge, and I put that neutrons are negative.

Student 2: Ah! That’s what I 4 thought it was, too. Atoms can be confusing.

Student 1: Now I know better. The charges for ions are positive or negative. 5 These involve protons and electrons. (Grammar corrected)

Student 2: We’d better fix that in our report. It’s 6 a good thing it isn’t due (finaliza) until tomorrow.

2. Energy and Efficiency

Energy Terminology (Spanish Translation)

  • Provide = proveer/aportar
  • Useful = útil
  • Practical ways = de manera práctica
  • Frame of reference = marco de referencia
  • Devices = objetos electrónicos
  • Seek = perseguir
  • Heat = calor

Energy Vocabulary Definitions

  1. Chemical Energy: Energy released from a chemical reaction.
  2. Thermal Energy: Energy released by the movement of atoms or molecules.
  3. Kinetic Energy: Energy that is active or in motion.
  4. Energy Efficiency: A measurement of the amount of energy required to do work.
  5. Frame of Reference: A set of values on which measurements can be based.
  6. Electromagnetic Radiation: Energy that travels in waves and can produce light.

Writing Exercise: Solar Energy Services

Dear Mr. Killer,

We are pleased you contacted us about your energy concerns. I’m happy to give you some information about our services:

Solar energy is changed into heat, thermal energy, and electricity. You can use solar energy with other power sources, or use only solar energy. Solar panels take the sun’s energy and keep it to use later. You can use it when you need it, like a normal power source.

Best regards,

Sally Nash,

Customer Relations

Sunpowering, INC.

Writing: Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

More and more people today are talking about whether solar energy is the best energy source to have at home, but is it true? I will explain some pros and cons.

Pros of Solar Energy

  • Renewable and Inexhaustible: It comes from the sun, which won’t run out.
  • Low Environmental Impact: It does not produce polluting emissions.
  • Other Advantages: Simple installation, low maintenance, and useful in remote areas.

Secondly, we talk about

3. The Periodic Table

Periodic Table Terminology (Spanish Translation)

  • Arrangement = colocación
  • Main grid = principal red/tabla
  • Electron shells = capa orbital

Periodic Table Vocabulary Definitions

  1. Valence Shell: An atom’s outermost electron layer.
  2. Element Symbol: The one- or two-letter designation given to an element.
  3. Periodic Table: The chart that organizes elements by chemical characteristics.
  4. Electron Affinity: The negative charge that occurs when an atom receives an extra electron.
  5. Ionization Energy: The minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron. (Spelling corrected)
  6. Electron Configuration: A system showing how electrons are distributed in orbitals.

4. Rate Processes and Fluid Dynamics

Rate Processes Terminology (Spanish Translation)

  • Cooling system = sistema de frío
  • Proper = adecuada
  • Leaving = dejar
  • Driving force = fuerza del motor
  • Inlet = entrada
  • Flux = flujo
  • Several = varios
  • Piping = tubos
  • Throughout = a través
  • Outlet = salida
  • Leak = gotera
  • Further = más
  • Rate = potencia/velocidad

Definition of Rate Process

A rate process is the movement of a substance through a system (es el movimiento de una sustancia a través de un sistema).

The movement is generally monitored and regulated to ensure the most efficient flow rate. (Spelling corrected)

Rate Processes Vocabulary Definitions

  1. Inlet: A place where something enters.
  2. Flux: The rate of movement at one particular point.
  3. Outlet: A place where something exits.
  4. Viscosity: The quality of a liquid that affects its rate of movement.
  5. Resistance: A slowing effect on a substance or object.
  6. Rate Process: The movement of a substance over a period of time.

5. Grammar Review: Simple Present Tense

Conjugation Example: To Work

  • I work
  • You work
  • He works
  • She works
  • It works
  • We work
  • You work
  • They work

Third Person Singular Spelling Rules (He, She, It)

  • Study → Studies
  • Do → Does
  • Go → Goes

Auxiliary Verb Note

Verbs like To be, Have, Must, and Can do not require the auxiliary verb “Do” for negation or questions (No necesitan Do).