Chemistry of Life and Environment: Energy Cycles, Solutions, and Chemical Safety

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering cellular energy transformations, the properties of solutions and mixtures, and lab and household chemical safety.

Photosynthesis

The essential biological process in which light energy, carbon dioxide, and water are converted into glucose and oxygen: $6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{light} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2$.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process that releases stored energy by breaking down glucose with oxygen to yield carbon dioxide, water, and usable energy: $\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{energy (ATP)}$.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions occurring in a living organism, involving the continuous formation and breakage of chemical bonds.

Catabolism

The metabolic pathway that breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy, such as degrading glucose to produce $\text{ATP}$.

Anabolism

The metabolic pathway that builds complex molecules from smaller units and stores energy, such as assembling proteins from amino acids.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture with uniform composition throughout, whose dissolved solute particles are too small to be seen, cannot be filtered out, and do not separate upon standing.

Solute

The substance in a solution that is dissolved by the solvent.

Solvent

The substance in a solution that does the dissolving.

Suspension

A heterogeneous mixture containing large, visible particles that settle over time and can be separated by filtration.

Colloid

A mixture containing intermediate-sized particles that remain evenly dispersed without settling and produce a cloudy appearance.

Tyndall Effect

The scattering of a light beam as it passes through the dispersed particles of a colloid.

Bleach

A common household solution of sodium hypochlorite used for whitening and disinfecting, capable of causing chemical burns and releasing toxic fumes if combined with acids or ammonia.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, required during chemical handling to prevent skin burns, poisoning, and eye injuries.

Wafting

The safe laboratory method of waving chemical vapors toward the nose with a hand instead of inhaling fumes directly from a container.

Neutralization

The chemical treatment process required before disposing of strong acids or bases to prevent damage to plumbing and environmental waterways.