Here are some terms that can help you understand our science gibberish (specifically, correct terminology).

Arrhenius Theory: A theory about the properties of acids and bases, stating that acids are substances that break down in water to produce hydrogen ions and bases are substances that break down in water to produce hydroxide ions.

Acid: A substance that breaks down in water to produce hydrogen ions. To learn more, click here.

Base: A substance that breaks down in water to produce hydroxide ions. To learn more, click here.

Ion: An atom that has gained or lost one or more electrons. Positively charged ions (atoms that have lost electrons) are called cations. Negatively charged ions (atoms that have gained electrons) are called anions.

Double Displacement Reaction: A type of reaction that consists of two reactants, each either an ionic or molecular (covalent) compound.

Ionic Compound: A compound that is usually made from bond between a metal and a non-metal. Sometimes it can be a metal with a polyatomic ion.

Molecular (Covalent) Compound: A compound made from a bond between two non-metals.

Reactant: A substance undergoing a chemical reaction, alone, or with another substance.

Product: The resulting substance(s) of a chemical reaction.

Salt: A compound that is formed from a neutralization reaction along with water and is usually soluble in water. Salts are usually ionic compounds.

Polyatomic Ion: A covalently bonded ion that has a charge. Most polyatomic ions are negatively charged, except for ammonium (NH4+) and ammonia (NH3+).

Neutralization: A specific type of double displacement reaction in which water and a salt are produced. The two reactants would be an acid and a base.