Color coded: Biochemistry - Chemistry Basics

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that maintains the chemical properties of the element.

Proton

Subatomic particles that carry a positive charge.

Neutron

These particles carry NO charge.

Electrons

These subatomic particles carry a negative charge.

Molecule

Two or more atoms that are covalently bonded together.

E levels/ e-shells

Where the electrons are located within an atom or molecule.

Valence Shell

Where the outer most electrons are located on an atom.

Valence E.

Refers to the outer most electrons.

Covalent bond

A type of intramolecular bond results from the sharing of valence electrons between atoms.

Polar

Molecules with opposite chargers.

Non-polar

Molecules that share equal charges.

Electronegativity

Refers to an atom’s desire to acquire electrons.

Ionic bond

A bond forming between metal and non-metal atoms.

Salts

Compounds held together by ionic bonds.

Cations

Ions which possess a positive charge because they have more protons than electrons.

Anions

Ions which possess a negative charge because they have more electrons then protons.

Hydrogen bond

Weak chemical bonds that form when a hydrogen atom that is covalently bonded to one.