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Theory     A scientific explanation. A scientist uses imagination to produce a theory which seems to explain the observations that have been made. An experiment is then performed to try to either confirm or disprove the theory. The theory is then modified as these results are taken into account. The whole process continues.

Although it may seem that science is a list of facts, it is continually evolving. Some of the ideas that were considered perfectly acceptable one hundred years ago are now considered too simple or even wrong. It is possible, though, that some of the ideas we believe today might turn out to be mistaken. Somebody reading this website today could be the scientist who will produce the new theory!

Ask your teacher about Bucky Balls. Unless you have a very young teacher, it is most likely that at school they were told  that carbon can only be diamond or graphite. Although Bucky Balls have existed for just as long as diamond and graphite, thy were only discovered in the last twenty years or so.

Thermal conductivity     One of the properties of metals, it is the ability to pass heat energy. Metal are good thermal conductors.

Thermal decomposition     A chemical reaction where one substance is broken down into more than one substance by the action of heat. A good example is the thermal decomposition of limestone (calcium carbonate).

Transparent     Light can travel through transparent substances. "See-through" is an alternative description (but not as good).

Transition metal     One of the metals from the central block of the periodic table. Iron is a good example. Transition metals have all the usual properties of metals but in additon usuall have particularly high melting and boiling points, high density and usually form coloured compounds. They are often active as catalysts too.

Transport     Movement of particles of rock. Together with weathering, transport makes up the process off erosion.

MORE WORDS AND DEFINITIONS WILL BE ADDED.

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