Survey of A&P (BIO 45): Chemistry Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core chemical concepts from Survey of A&P (BIO 45), including elements, atomic structure, bonding types, reactions, water properties, and acids/bases.

Element

Matter that cannot be broken down further by ordinary methods and has specific properties that allow it to be grouped in the periodic table.

Atom

The smallest component of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element, composed of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Atomic Number

The number of protons contained within an atom of a specific element.

Atomic Mass

The calculated total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Isotopes

Forms of an element that have the exact same number of protons but a different number of neutrons, some of which are unstable (radioactive) and decay at a regular rate.

Compound

A molecule created from a combination of different elements, such as $H_2O$, $CO_2$, or $C_6H_{12}O_6$.

Chemical Bond

The attractive force that holds together individual atoms within a chemical compound.

Covalent Bond

The strongest type of chemical bond, occurring when electrons are shared between atoms.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed when electrons are given away from one atom to another, resulting in electron transfer that produces charged ions.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond formed as hydrogen atoms are weakly attracted to nearby electronegative atoms or regions.

Synthesis Reaction

A chemical process in which two or more atoms or molecules combine to form a single larger molecule.

Decomposition Reaction

A chemical reaction in which a larger molecule breaks down into smaller constituent molecules or individual atoms.

Exchange Reaction

A chemical process in which a bond is broken and another is formed simultaneously, resulting in the creation of different molecules.

Dehydration Synthesis

A reaction process where two or more atoms or molecules join together to form a larger molecule, removing a water molecule ($H_2O$) in the process.

Hydrolysis

A process meaning 'water breaking,' in which a water molecule ($H_2O$) is consumed to break a larger molecule down into smaller molecules or atoms.

Polar Molecule

A molecule created by covalent bonds where uneven electron pull and 3D molecular shape generate slightly negative ($\delta^-$) and slightly positive ($\delta^+$) poles.

Nonpolar Molecule

A molecule containing balanced covalent bonds that do not produce charged poles.

Hydrophilic

A property of polar compounds that allows them to readily form bonds with water and dissolve in solution.

Hydrophobic

A property of nonpolar compounds that causes them to repel water.

Electrolytes

Ions in solution (such as $Na^+$ or $K^+$) that are capable of conducting electrical currents.

Acid

A chemical compound that releases hydrogen ions ($H^+$) when dissolved in water.

Base

A chemical compound that releases hydroxide ions ($OH^-$) when dissolved in water.