EXAM 1 REWIEW

What is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element?

An atom.

What are the three main subatomic particles of an atom?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What is the density equation?

Density = Mass / Volume.

What does the Scientific Method involve?

Observation, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion.

What is a pure substance?

Matter with a fixed composition that cannot be separated by physical means.

What is an ionic bond?

A bond formed between a metal and a nonmetal due to the transfer of electrons.

Define a covalent bond.

A bond formed between two nonmetals by sharing electrons.

What is the difference between empirical and molecular formulas?

Empirical formula shows the simplest ratio of atoms; molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms.

What is Avogadro's number?

6.022 × 10²³ particles/mol.

What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?

Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

To ensure the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of a reaction.

What is the limiting reactant in a chemical reaction?

The reactant that runs out first and limits the amount of product formed.

Define chemical change.

A change that results in the formation of a new substance.

What is the relationship between Kelvin and Celsius?

K = °C + 273.15.

What is a molecular element?

An element that exists as diatomic molecules instead of single atoms.

What are spectator ions?

Ions that do not change in a chemical reaction.

How do you determine the actual yield of a reaction?

By measuring the amount of product obtained from the experiment.

What is the typical state of ionic compounds at room temperature?

Solid.

How is the empirical formula calculated?

By converting percent composition to moles and dividing by the smallest number of moles.

What kind of reaction occurs when an acid and base are combined?

A neutralization reaction, producing water and salt.

What type of ions are ammonium and hydroxide classified as?

Polyatomic ions.

What are the four main types of macromolecules essential to life?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

What is the function of enzymes in biological reactions?

Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

What is DNA's primary function?

DNA stores genetic information and provides the instructions for building proteins.

What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis where translation occurs.

What are the two types of cells?

Prokaryotic cells (without a nucleus) and eukaryotic cells (with a nucleus).

What is the difference between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy in plants, while cellular respiration breaks down glucose to release energy for cellular functions.

Define osmotic pressure.

Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.

What are the stages of mitosis?

Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

What is the primary structure of a protein?

The primary structure of a protein is its sequence of amino acids.

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, primarily from the blue and red wavelengths, and helps convert it into chemical energy.