Atoms, Properties of Water, Carbon Structures, and Biomolecules

Vocabulary flashcards covering atomic bonding, properties of water, pH, carbon backbones, and functional groups from the biology review notes.

Covalent bond

A chemical bond formed when non-metal atoms share pairs of valence electrons based on their orbitals.

Ionic bond

A chemical bond formed between oppositely charged ions through electrostatic attraction.

Non-metals (C, H, O, N)

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen; essential non-metal elements whose valence electrons and orbitals determine the number of covalent bonds they can form.

Bond polarity

The distribution of electrical charge across a chemical bond, predicted using electronegativity values.

Molecular polarity

The overall dipole moment of a molecule, determined from both the polarity and the geometry of its bonds.

Hydrogen bond

An attractive interaction between relevant polar molecules containing partially positive hydrogen and partially negative electronegative atoms.

Cohesion

The property of liquid water molecules sticking to each other due to their structure, polarity, and ability to form hydrogen bonds.

Adhesion

The property of liquid water molecules clinging to other polar substances due to polarity and hydrogen bonding.

Surface tension

A property of liquid water resulting from high cohesion among molecules at the surface, driven by its molecular structure, polarity, and hydrogen bonds.

Specific heat capacity

The amount of heat required to change the temperature of liquid water, which is high due to the molecule's structure, polarity, and capacity to form hydrogen bonds.

pH

A quantitative measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution.

pH scale

The numerical scale used to specify and describe the degree of acidity or basicity of a solution.

Acid

A substance that increases the hydrogen ion concentration in water, recognized through its chemical reactions in water.

Base

A substance that decreases the hydrogen ion concentration in water, recognized through its chemical reactions in water.

Carbon backbone

The central chain or framework of carbon atoms that forms the structural foundation of organic molecules.

Hydroxyl group

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom ($-\text{OH}$), defined by its specific polarity and charge properties.

Carboxyl group

A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group ($-\text{COOH}$), characterized by its polarity and acidic properties.

Amino group

A functional group consisting of a nitrogen atom bonded to hydrogen atoms ($-\text{NH}_2$), characterized by its polarity and basic properties.

Phosphate group

A functional group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms ($-\text{PO}_4^{3-}$), characterized by its high polarity and negative charge.