Introduction to Biochemistry and Chemical Bonds

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental concepts of atomic structure, physical and chemical properties, the octet rule, electronegativity, and types of chemical bonds based on the lecture.

Atom

An element, defined in the simplest terms as something that has weight and occupies space.

Nucleus

The central structure of an atom that contains protons and neutrons.

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus that possesses mass.

Neutron

A neutral subatomic particle with no charge that resides in the nucleus and possesses mass.

Electron

A subatomic particle moving at high speeds in a cloud space outside the nucleus, having almost no mass, and controlling the chemical properties of an atom.

Physical Properties of an Atom

Characteristics determined mainly by the protons and neutrons in the nucleus, which are responsible for the identity of the atom.

Chemical Properties of an Atom

Characteristics controlled by the electrons hanging outside of the nucleus.

Octet Rule

The concept stating that an atom's outer shell can carry up to $8$ electrons, causing atoms with fewer than $8$ outer electrons to have a tendency to reach $8$.

Electronegativity

The tendency of an atom to attract electrons toward its side.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed by the sharing of electrons, serving as the most powerful type of chemical bond in biological systems.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed by gaining or losing electrons, which can be easily broken in an aqueous environment.