Introduction to Chemistry and Biology

These flashcards cover the essential concepts from the chemistry lecture related to biology, including definitions, properties, and significance of various chemical principles.

What is the definition of biology?

Biology is the study of life.

What are the three states of matter?

Solid, liquid, and gas.

What are elements?

Unique forms of matter with specific chemical and physical properties that cannot be broken down into smaller substances by ordinary chemical reactions.

What is the periodic table?

A table that displays all known elements, organized by their atomic number, atomic mass, and chemical symbols.

Which four elements are most important in biology?

Hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.

What is an ionic bond?

A bond formed between ions with opposite charges, where one atom transfers an electron to another.

What is a covalent bond?

A bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

What is a polar molecule?

A molecule with a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other due to unequal sharing of electrons.

What is the significance of water being a polar molecule?

It allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds, leading to unique properties essential for life.

What is cohesion in terms of water molecules?

The tendency of water molecules to stick together.

What is adhesion in relation to water?

The tendency of water molecules to stick to other polar molecules.

What is pH?

A measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution based on the concentration of hydrogen ions.

What does it mean if a solution has a low pH?

It is considered acidic and has a high concentration of hydrogen ions.

What is the octet rule?

An atom is most stable when it has eight electrons in its outermost electron shell.

What is the heat capacity of water?

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of water by one degree Celsius; water has a high heat capacity.

Why is ice less dense than liquid water?

Due to the hydrogen bond structure in ice, which creates space within its crystal lattice.

What are hydrogen bonds?

Weak bonds that form between polar molecules, such as water, where a hydrogen atom is attracted to an electronegative atom.

Define hydrophilic substances.

Substances that love water and can dissolve in it.

Define hydrophobic substances.

Substances that repel water and do not dissolve in it.