Basic Chemistry: The Human Body in Health and Illness

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic chemistry concepts from 'The Human Body in Health and Illness, 7th Edition' by Barbara Herlihy.

Matter

Anything that occupies space and has weight, existing in solid, liquid, or gas states.

Element

Matter composed of atoms with the same number of positive charges in their nuclei.

Trace Elements

Elements present in tiny amounts but are essential for life.

Four main elements of human body weight

Oxygen (65.0%), Carbon (18.5%), Hydrogen (9.5%), Nitrogen (3.2%)

Atom

Smallest unit of an element that retains that element’s chemical characteristics.

Proton

A subatomic particle that carries a positive electrical charge and is located in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A subatomic particle that carries no electrical charge and is located in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A subatomic particle that carries a negative electrical charge and surrounds the nucleus in orbits called electron shells.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Atomic Mass

The sum of the numbers of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Isotope

A different form of the same atom, having the same atomic number but a different atomic mass (different number of neutrons).

Electron Shells

Orbits around the nucleus where electrons are located, with specific capacities (e.g., first shell 2, second and third shells 8).

Chemical Bond

The electrical attraction between atoms that results in the formation of molecules or compounds.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed by the transfer of electrons between atoms, creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak intermolecular attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom in one polar molecule and a slightly negative atom in another polar molecule (e.g., between water molecules).

Ions

Atoms or groups of atoms that carry an electrical charge due to the gain or loss of electrons.

Cations

Positively charged ions (e.g., Na+, Ca2+, Fe2+).

Anions

Negatively charged ions (e.g., Cl-, HCO3-, PO43-).

Electrolytes

Substances that form ions when dissolved in water and can conduct electricity.

Molecule

A particle formed when two or more atoms combine chemically.

Compound

A substance formed when two or more different types of atoms are chemically bonded together.

Water

An essential molecule and compound, serving as a universal solvent, temperature regulator, ideal lubricant, crucial part of chemical reactions, and a protective mechanism.

Oxygen

An essential molecule for life, vital for cellular respiration.

Carbon Dioxide

A waste product of metabolic processes.

Chemical Reaction

The interaction of atoms of molecules or compounds to form new chemical combinations.

Catalysts

Chemical substances that speed up the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Enzymes

Proteins that serve as biological catalysts, accelerating biochemical reactions.

Acid

An electrolyte that dissociates into H+ (hydrogen ion) and an anion when dissolved in water.

Base

A substance, often containing OH– (hydroxyl ion), that combines with H+ to make a solution less acidic.

pH

A unit of measurement indicating the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, determining its acidity or alkalinity.

pH Scale

A scale ranging from 0 to 14, where values below 7 are acidic, 7 is neutral, and above 7 are basic (alkaline).

Normal Blood pH

The physiological pH range for human blood, typically 7.35 to 7.45.

Acidosis

A condition where blood pH falls below 7.35.

Alkalosis

A condition where blood pH rises above 7.45.

Six Forms of Energy

Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Radiant, Thermal, and Nuclear energy.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The primary energy transfer molecule in cells, composed of a base, sugar, and three phosphate groups.

Mixtures

Combinations of two or more substances that can be separated by ordinary physical means.

Solutions

Homogeneous mixtures where two parts (solute and solvent) remain evenly distributed.

Solute

The substance present in a smaller amount in a solution; it is the substance being dissolved.

Solvent

The part of a solution present in a greater amount; it does the dissolving.

Aqueous Solutions

Solutions where water is the solvent.

Tinctures

Solutions where alcohol is the solvent.

Suspensions

Mixtures with relatively large particles that can settle out over time.

Colloidal Suspension

A type of mixture where particles remain suspended within the liquid and do not settle out.

Precipitates

Solid substances that form and fall out of solution during a chemical reaction.