Chemical Bonding and Properties of Water

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to chemical bonding, properties of water, and the significance of pH and buffers in biological systems.

Ionic bond

A bond formed by the transfer of electrons between two atoms.

Cation

An ion that donates electrons and has a positive charge.

Anion

An ion that receives electrons and has a negative charge.

Covalent bond

A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between two atoms.

Polar covalent bond

A bond where electrons are shared unevenly, causing a slight charge difference.

Nonpolar covalent bond

A bond where electrons are shared equally between atoms.

Hydrogen bond

A weak bond formed between a hydrogen atom and a more electronegative atom.

Van der Waals forces

Temporary attractions between molecules, weaker than hydrogen bonds.

Hydrophilic

Substances that can dissolve in water; water-loving.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not dissolve in water; water-fearing.

pH

A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is.

Buffer

A system that minimizes pH changes when acids or bases are added.