Chapter 2: Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 2 on inorganic and organic chemistry.

What defines an atomic number?

the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Where are protons located and what is their charge and mass?

found in the nucleus of an atom, have a positive charge, and a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit.

Where are electrons located and what is their charge and mass?

located in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, have a negative charge, and a negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons.

Where are neutrons found and what is their charge and mass?

found in the nucleus of an atom, have no charge, and a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit.

What is activation energy?

the minimum energy required to start a chemical reaction.

How does an increased temperature affect the speed of a chemical reaction?

generally increases the speed of a chemical reaction.

How does an increased concentration of reactants affect a chemical reaction?

typically increases the rate of a chemical reaction.

Differentiate between exergonic and endergonic reactions.

release energy while reactions absorb energy.

What is catabolism?

the process of breaking down molecules to release energy.

What is anabolism?

the process of building up larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy.

What is an ion?

an atom or molecule that has a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

How is an ion 'made'?

when an atom gains or loses electrons.

Describe ionic bonds. Which is the weakest type of bond?

are formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another. blank bonds are typically the weakest type of bond.

What are covalent bonds?

are formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

What are hydrogen bonds?

are weak attractions between a hydrogen atom bonded to a more electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

What pH level indicates a neutral solution?

A pH level of 7 indicates a

What pH level indicates an acidic solution?

A pH level below 7 indicates an.

What pH level indicates a basic solution?

A pH level above 7 indicates a basic solution.

What is a buffer and what does it do in the body?

a solution that resists changes in pH and helps maintain a stable pH in the body.

What does polar mean in chemistry?

a molecule with a distribution of electric charge leading to partially positive and negative ends.

Define nonpolar.

molecules that do not have distinct positive or negative ends and share electrons evenly.

What does amphipathic mean?

molecules that have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties.

List the properties of water.

cohesion, adhesion, high specific heat, high heat of vaporization, and solvent properties.

What are monomers?

the building blocks of polymers.

Provide an example of a monomer in carbohydrates.

glucose.

What are polymers?

large molecules composed of repeating structural units (monomers).

List the most common elements found in the human body.

oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus.

Where are phospholipids found in the body?

in cell membranes.

Where are fatty acids found in the body?

in lipids and fats.

Describe the structure of a phospholipid.

hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.

What is the backbone of proteins composed of?

a repeating sequence of amino acids.

What are the tails of proteins?

the non-polar side chains of amino acids.

What is the head of a protein?

the functional group of amino acids.

What structures in the body are made up of proteins?

Muscles, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies

What is an amino acid?

building block of proteins that contains an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain.

How many amino acids are found in a protein molecule?

20 different amino acids

What is a nucleotide?

the basic building block of nucleic acids consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

What are the basic parts of a nucleotide?

a nitrogenous base, a sugar (deoxyribose or ribose), and a phosphate group.

What is DNA?

the molecule that carries genetic information.

What is RNA?

a molecule that helps in the synthesis of proteins and can act as genetic material in some viruses.