Inorganic Ions

What are all substances made from?

Atoms of elements.

What are molecules made from?

Two or more atoms bonded together.

What is a molecule of an element?

A molecule where all atoms are the same type of element.

What is a molecule of a compound?

A molecule made of two or more different elements bonded together.

How are ions formed?

By atoms or groups of atoms gaining or losing electrons.

What are positively charged ions called, and how are they formed?

Cations. Formed when atoms lose one or more electrons (more protons than electrons).

What are negatively charged ions called, and how are they formed?

Anions. Formed when atoms gain one or more electrons (more electrons than protons).

What are compounds?

Substances made from atoms of two or more elements chemically bonded.

What types of compounds can form?

Ionic compounds - formed from metals + non-metals.
Molecular compounds - formed from only non-metals.

Do all molecules carry a charge?

No.

• Non-polar molecules - no charge.

• Polar molecules - slight charge.

How do charged particles (ions or polar molecules) behave compared to non-polar molecules?

They have different properties:

• Ions/polar molecules attract oppositely charged particles.

• Non-polar molecules do not.

What roles do ions and polar compounds play?

They attract oppositely charged particles and are important in determining the structure of molecules.

Do non-polar compounds dissolve in water?

No - they dissolve in lipids (fats/oils) instead, meaning they are lipid-soluble.

Which six elements account for 99% of the human body’s mass?

Oxygen, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Calcium, Phosphorus.

What is the percentage and function of oxygen in the body?

65% – major component of water and organic molecules.

What is the percentage and function of carbon in the body?

18% – backbone of all organic molecules.

What is the percentage and function of hydrogen in the body?

10% – component of water and organic molecules.

What is the percentage and function of nitrogen in the body?

3% – found in amino acids and nucleic acids.

What is the percentage and function of calcium in the body?

2% – strengthens bones/teeth and is needed for nerve function in animals; strengthens cell walls in plants.

What is the percentage and function of phosphorus in the body?

1% – found in cell membranes, ATP, and nucleic acids.

What is the role of potassium (0.35%)?

Transmission of nerve impulses.

What is the role of sulfur (0.25%)?

Component of some amino acids.

What is the role of chlorine (0.15%)?

Involved in carbon dioxide transport.

What is the role of sodium (0.15%)?

Transmission of nerve impulses.

What is the role of magnesium (0.05%)?

Enzyme function; component of chlorophyll in plants.

What is the role of iron (0.004%)?

Transport of oxygen (component of haemoglobin).

What is the role of copper (trace)?

Enzyme function.

What is the role of manganese (trace)?

Enzyme function.

What is the role of zinc (trace)?

Enzyme function.

What is the role of iodine (trace)?

Essential for growth hormone function.

Name four important positive ions and their charges.

• Magnesium
  Mg²⁺

• Iron
  Fe²⁺

• Potassium
  K⁺

• Sodium
  Na⁺

• Calcium
  Ca²⁺

Name five important negative ions and their charges.

• Phosphate
  PO₄³⁻

• Sulfate
  SO₄²⁻

• Nitrate
  NO₃⁻

• Chloride
  Cl⁻

• Hydrogen carbonate
  HCO₃⁻