Biology-Carbon

Carbon based notes from Crashcourse video

What defines an organic compound?

Compounds that contain carbon.

How many protons does a carbon atom have?

A carbon atom has six protons.

What is the atomic weight of carbon?

The atomic weight of carbon is approximately 12.01 atomic mass units.

Why is carbon considered flexible in bonding?

It’s small and doesn’t take up much space.

How many electrons, neutrons, and protons does a carbon atom have?

6 of each.

How many electrons are in carbon's inner and outer shells?

4 electrons

What atoms make up methane (CH₄)?

How atoms bond in a molecule.

How does carbon share electrons in a methane molecule?

Carbon shares one electron with each of the four hydrogen atoms, forming four covalent bonds.

What does a Lewis dot structure represent?

How atoms bond in a molecule.

What is the octet rule?

Atoms want 8 electrons in their outer shell.

How many electrons does oxygen have in its outer shell?

4 electrons

What elements are needed to form a water molecule (H₂O)?

2 hydrogen atoms and 1 Oxygen atom

Why does water have a polar covalent bond?

Water’s oxygen grabs more electrons, so it gets a tiny negative charge, and the hydrogens get tiny positive charges.

How does carbon bond with two oxygen atoms?

Needs 2 double bonds with 2 oxygen atoms.

How many electrons are in nitrogen’s outer shell?

3 more to make 8.

What makes up an amino group?

An amino group + carbon + acid group.

What defines an amino acid’s basic structure?

An amino acid has one central carbon attached to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen, and a unique side chain called the R group.

What is a nonpolar covalent bond?

Electrons are shared equally.

What causes polarity in a water molecule?

unequal sharing of electrons between oxygen and hydrogen atoms

What is a polar molecule?

A polar molecule has one end that's slightly positive and one end that's slightly negative.

What is the main difference between ionic and covalent bonds?

how electrons are shared or transferred between atoms

What elements form sodium chloride (NaCl)?

Sodium and Chloride

Why is chlorine considered a halogen?

it shares key characteristics with other elements in Group 17 of the periodic table

Why is sodium considered an alkali metal?

it has an Atom that has 1 electron it gives away.

How is an ionic bond formed between sodium and chlorine?

Sodium gives electron to chlorine, both become charged, and stick together.

What are the charges of hydrogen and oxygen in a water molecule?

What macromolecule makes up most of the human body?

Do covalent and ionic bonds vary in strength?

What is the biological significance of making and breaking bonds?

What is the shape of the covalent bond in a water (H₂O) molecule?

What causes hydrogen bonds to form between water molecules?

What does "cohesion" mean in relation to water?

What does "adhesion" mean in relation to water?

What is capillary action?

What is a solvent?

Why is water considered an excellent solvent?

What does "hydrophilic" mean?

What does "hydrophobic" mean?

Why do hydrophobic molecules get pushed out by water?

Why does ice float on water?

What is heat capacity?