Published by Australian Academy of Science
Glossary | Buckyballs – a new sphere of science

catalyst. A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without actually undergoing any change itself.

electron. A negatively charged particle that is a constituent of an atom. Electrons can move from atom to atom. When they do, they produce an electric current.

free radical. A molecule that is unstable and highly reactive because it contains at least one unpaired electron. Free radicals combine with molecules to generate further unpaired electrons, thereby starting off chain reactions. Free radicals can damage cell membranes and DNA, eventually causing cancer and other diseases.

nanotubes. Extremely small tubes made from pure carbon. For more information see IPE nanotube primer (Institut de Physique des Nanostructures, Switzerland).

red giant star. An old star with a very large radius and a relatively low surface temperature. The colour of a star is a guide to its surface temperature – blue-white is the hottest and red is the coolest.

superconductor. A substance that has no resistance to the flow of an electric current. Superconductors currently require very low temperatures to function. They can be used for energy storage, storing and retrieving digital information, medical imaging machines and friction free transport. For more information see What is superconductivity? (How Stuff Works, USA) and Superconductor information for the beginner (Superconductors.org).