Top 10 STEM Words We Should Know!
1. Entropy
[ en-truh-pee ] Noun
Definition: A measure of disorder or randomness in a system. Why it matters: It explains why ice melts, why your room gets messy, and why the universe tends toward chaos. Basically, nature loves disorder!
Example: "The entropy of the system increased as the ice cube melted into water."
2. Algorithm
[ al-guh-rith-uhm ] Noun
Definition: A step-by-step set of instructions for solving a problem or completing a task. Why it matters: Without algorithms, your favorite apps, search engines, and even self-driving cars wouldn’t work. Think of it as a recipe but for computers.
Example: "Google’s search engine uses complex algorithms to show you the most relevant results."
3. Isotope
[ ahy-suh-tohp ] Noun
Definition: Variations of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Why it matters: Isotopes help in medical imaging, carbon dating, and even nuclear energy. Science wouldn't be the same without them!
Example: "Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope used in archaeology to date ancient artifacts."
4. Vector
[ vek-ter ] Noun
Definition: A quantity that has both magnitude and direction (like force or velocity). Why it matters: Ever wondered how GPS knows where you are and where you’re going? It’s all about vectors!
Example: "The wind’s velocity vector pointed northwest at 20 kilometers per hour."
5. Catalyst
[ kat-l-ist ] Noun
Definition: A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed. Why it matters: Catalysts make reactions happen faster—from digestion in your stomach to making eco-friendly fuel!
Example: "Enzymes act as catalysts in the body, speeding up important chemical reactions."
6. Quantum
[ kwon-tuhm ] Noun
Definition: The smallest possible amount of something, especially energy. Why it matters: Quantum physics explains mind-blowing things like teleportation (yes, really) and the existence of parallel universes!
Example: "A photon represents a quantum of light energy."
7. Resistance
[ ri-zis-tuhns ] Noun
Definition: The opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit. Why it matters: Without resistance, we wouldn’t have light bulbs, heaters, or even the concept of Ohm’s Law.
Example: "The metal wire had low resistance, allowing electricity to flow easily."
8. Polymer
[ pol-uh-mer ] Noun
Definition: A large molecule made up of many repeating units. Why it matters: Plastics, DNA, and even slime (yes, the one you made in school) are all polymers!
Example: "DNA is a natural polymer that carries genetic information."
9. Equilibrium
[ ee-kwuh-lib-ree-uhm ] Noun
Definition: A state of balance where opposing forces are equal. Why it matters: It’s why bridges don’t collapse, why ecosystems stay stable, and why our bodies maintain a steady temperature.
Example: "The chemical reaction reached equilibrium when the forward and reverse reactions occurred at the same rate."
10. Hypothesis
[ hahy-poth-uh-sis ] Noun
Definition: A testable explanation or prediction based on observations. Why it matters: It’s the foundation of the scientific method—every cool discovery started with a hypothesis!
Example: Her hypothesis suggested that plants would grow faster when exposed to classical music.
