Chapter 2: Small Molecules & Chemistry of Life Vocab

Neutron

A subatomic particle inside the center of an atom that has no electric charge.

Electron

A subatomic particle that is negatively charged and spins around the nucleus of an atom.

Proton

A subatomic particle that is positively charged and is found in the nucleus of every atom.

Atom

Basic building block of all matter.

Molecule

Group of two or more atoms stuck together by chemical bonds.

Element

Pure substance made of only one type of atom that can’t be broken down futher.

Orbital

Three-dimensional space around an atom’s nucleus.

Covalent Bond

Chemical link where two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons to stay stable.

Electronegativity

How strongly an atom pulls shared electrons toward itself when it is part of a chemical bond.

Polarity

The condition of havingh two opposite sides or ends.

Ionic Attraction

The pull between a positively charged ion and a negatively charged ion.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak electrical attraction between a partially positive hydrogran atom and a strongly negative atom. (oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine)

Hydrophobic Interaction

Natural tendency of non-polar molecules to stick together and stay away from water.

Van Der Waals Interaction

Weak, short-range electrical attractions between neutral molecules or atoms.

Chemical Reaction

Process where starting substances change into different substances with new properties.

Energy

The ability to do work or cause change in living systems.

Acid

Chemical substance that releases hydrogen ions (protons) in water and has a pH level below 7.

Base

Usually refers to nitrogenous base, which is a chemical building block that forms the genetic code in DNA and RNA.

Buffer

Natural substance or liquid solution that stops pH levels from changing too much. (like a sponge)