Organic and Nuclear Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

The study of compounds that contain carbon.

Covalent Bonding

Bonding that occurs between nonmetals.

Solubility in Organic Compounds

Most organic compounds are generally insoluble in water due to their nonpolar nature.

Melting/Boiling Points of Organic Compounds

Typically low due to weak intermolecular forces.

Hydrocarbons

Organic molecules that contain only carbons and hydrogens.

Saturated Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons that contain only single bonds.

Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons that contain at least one double or triple bond.

Alkanes

Hydrocarbons characterized by single bonds.

Alkenes

Hydrocarbons that contain at least one double bond.

Alkynes

Hydrocarbons that contain at least one triple bond.

Functional Groups

Specific groupings of atoms within molecules that determine the properties and reactions of those molecules.

Isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.

Addition Reaction

Reaction where two reactants combine to form two products.

Combustion Reaction

Reaction in which an organic compound is burned in the presence of oxygen to produce CO2 and H2O.

Substitution Reaction

Reaction where one or more atoms in a compound are replaced by another atom or atoms.

Fermentation

Enzymatic breakdown of sugar into alcohol and CO2.

Polymerization

Process where small molecules, called monomers, bond together to form polymers.

Alpha Decay

A nuclear decay mode where a particle consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons is emitted.

Beta Decay

A nuclear decay mode involving the emission of a beta particle, which is an electron or positron.

Gamma Radiation

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during nuclear decay.

Half-Life

The time it takes for half of a sample of a radioactive substance to decay.

Fission

Nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Fusion

Nuclear reaction in which light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Radioisotopes

Isotopes that are radioactive; they have applications in medicine and dating.

Biological Damage from Radioisotopes

Damage to cells caused by exposure to radioactive materials.