Chapter 2.1: The Building Blocks of Molecules

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental building blocks of molecules, atomic structure, and types of chemical bonds.

Matter

Anything that occupies space, has mass, and is composed of elements.

Element

A substance that cannot be broken down or transformed into other substances.

Atom

The smallest component of an element that retains all chemical properties of that element.

Proton

A positively charged particle located in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A negatively charged particle located outside of the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A particle with a neutral charge located in the nucleus of an atom.

Atomic Stability

A state achieved when an atom has a filled outer electron shell.

Chemical Bonds

Interactions between two or more elements that result in the formation of molecules, such as water ($H_2O$), glucose, and hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$).

Ionic Bond

A bond formed by the transfer of electrons between ions (atoms without equal numbers of protons and electrons), typically occurring between a metal atom and a nonmetal atom.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed when electrons are shared between atoms (such as two nonmetals or a nonmetal and a metalloid); it is the strongest and most common bond type in living organisms.

Hydrogen Bond

A bond formed when a slightly positive hydrogen atom in one molecule is attracted to a slightly negative atom with a lone pair in a different molecule, such as in water or DNA.