Study guide

Molecule

Two or more atoms chemically bonded together.

Compound

A substance made of two or more different elements chemically bonded.

Trace elements

Elements needed in very small amounts, such as Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn).

Covalent Bond

Atoms share electrons.

Ionic Bond

Electrons are transferred, creating charged ions that attract each other.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen and another electronegative atom.

Solution

Particles are evenly dissolved and do not settle, such as salt water.

Suspension

Large particles that can settle out, such as muddy water.

Emulsion

Two liquids that do not normally mix are dispersed together, like oil and water.

Colloid

Intermediate-sized particles that do not settle easily, such as milk.

Anabolic Reaction

Builds larger molecules from smaller ones and requires energy.

Catabolic Reaction

Breaks larger molecules into smaller ones and releases energy.

Amino group

Functional group represented as –NH₂.

Carboxyl group

Functional group represented as –COOH.

Atomic number

The number of protons in an atom.

Mass number

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles found outside the nucleus; they determine chemical properties and bonding.

Dissociation of salt

When salt dissolves in water, it dissociates into its ions, like NaCl → Na⁺ + Cl⁻.

Cation

A positive ion that has lost electrons.

Anion

A negative ion that has gained electrons.

Properties of water

Water is polar, an excellent solvent, has high heat capacity, and participates in chemical reactions.

Concentration

The number of molecules per volume, commonly measured in molarity (M).

pH scale

Measures how acidic or basic a solution is, where 0-6 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and 8-14 is basic.

Buffer system

A buffer resists sudden changes in pH by binding or releasing H⁺ ions.

Denaturation

The process in which a protein loses its normal shape due to heat, pH changes, or chemicals.

Hydrophobic

A term describing substances that do not mix well with water, meaning 'water-fearing'.

Hydrophilic

A term describing substances that interact well with water, meaning 'water-loving'.

Organic compound

A compound that generally contains carbon bonded to hydrogen (C–H).

Functional group

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine the specific chemical properties of those molecules.

Synthesis Reaction

A reaction where two or more reactants combine to form a single product.

Decomposition Reaction

A reaction in which a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler products.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires or absorbs energy.

Metabolic acidosis

A condition where blood becomes too acidic, often due to excessive acid or insufficient bicarbonate.

Metabolic alkalosis

A condition where blood becomes too basic or alkaline, often due to excessive bicarbonate.

Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA)

A condition that occurs when the body produces too many ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis.