SNC 2D1 Final Science Examination Comprehensive Study Guide

Ionic Compound

A compound composed of positive ions (cations) and negative ions (anions).

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons.

Valence Electron

An electron in the outermost energy level of an atom.

Polyatomic Ion

A charged group of covalently bonded atoms that acts as a single unit.

Molecular Compound

A compound formed when atoms share electrons to create covalent bonds.

Law of Conservation of Mass

Mass is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction.

Synthesis Reaction

A reaction where two or more reactants combine to form a single product.

Decomposition Reaction

A reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler products.

Single Displacement Reaction

A reaction where one element replaces another element in a compound.

Double Displacement Reaction

A reaction where positive ions in two compounds exchange places.

Neutralization Reaction

An acid-base reaction that produces water and a salt.

pH Scale

A logarithmic scale measuring the acidity or basicity of a solution from 0 to 14.

Acid (Properties)

Tastes sour, conducts electricity, turns blue litmus paper red, and has pH < 7.

Base (Properties)

Tastes bitter, feels slippery, turns red litmus paper blue, and has pH > 7.

Acid Precipitation

Rain or snow made acidic by pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

The Cell Theory

All living things are made of cells, which are the basic unit of life.

Nucleus

The organelle that controls cell activities and contains genetic information (DNA).

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule carrying genetic instructions for an organism.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.

Mitosis

The stage of cell division where the cell nucleus divides into two nuclei.

Prophase

First phase of mitosis; chromosomes condense and the nuclear membrane dissolves.

Metaphase

Second phase of mitosis; chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

Third phase of mitosis; sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase

Final phase of mitosis; two new nuclear membranes form around the separated chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two distinct daughter cells.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Signals that regulate cell division by assessing whether to proceed or stop.

Benign Tumour

A non-cancerous mass of cells that does not spread to surrounding tissues.

Malignant Tumour

A cancerous mass of cells that can invade and destroy nearby tissues.

Carcinogen

Any environmental factor, substance, or radiation that promotes cancer development.

Cell Specialization

The development of cells to perform specific functions within an organism.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which stem cells become specialized cells.

Epithelial Tissue

Sheet of tightly packed cells covering external and internal body surfaces.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that strengthens, supports, binds, or connects cells and other tissues.

Stem Cell

An unspecialized cell that can differentiate into various specialized cell types.

Gas Exchange

The process of transferring oxygen into the blood and releasing carbon dioxide.

Weather

The atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time.

Climate

The average weather conditions in a region over a long period.

Albedo

The fraction of solar radiation reflected by a surface.

Greenhouse Effect

The natural warming process of Earth caused by gases trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect

Additional global warming caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases.

Carbon Sink

A reservoir that absorbs and stores more carbon than it releases.

Carbon Source

A process or activity that releases more carbon into the atmosphere than it stores.

Positive Feedback Loop

A cycle where an initial change triggers effects that amplify that change.

Negative Feedback Loop

A cycle where an initial change triggers effects that counter or reduce that change.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps compared to carbon dioxide.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by human activities.

Cap-and-Trade

A market system setting a limit on emissions and allowing trading of permits.

Carbon Tax

A direct fee imposed by governments on greenhouse gas emissions.