CSU CHEM 103 EXAM @ STUDY GUIDE

What causes ice to float on water?

Ice is less dense than liquid water due to its molecular structure.

Why is water considered a polar solvent?

Water has a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.

How do ions dissolve in water?

Water molecules surround ions, creating a stable solution through ion-dipole interactions.

Why don’t non-polar substances dissolve in water?

Non-polar molecules lack charge and do not interact with polar water molecules.

What role does entropy play in the dissolution of substances in water?

Entropy drives dissolution by increasing system randomness, making the process energetically favorable.

What are ion-dipole interactions?

Interactions that occur between an ion and a polar molecule.

What defines hydrogen bonding?

A strong dipole-dipole interaction occurring when hydrogen is bonded to electronegative atoms.

What are dipole-dipole interactions?

Interactions between the positive and negative ends of polar molecules.

What are Van der Waals interactions?

Weak attractions due to temporary dipoles formed when electrons move around atoms.

What roles do fats (lipids) serve in living organisms?

They provide energy storage, cell membrane structure, and insulation.

What are the four molecules of life?

Fats (Lipids), Sugars (Carbohydrates), Proteins, DNA/RNA.

How do carbohydrates provide biological roles?

They provide energy and structural support.

What is the difference between starch and cellulose?

Starch has alpha linkages and is digestible by humans, while cellulose has beta linkages and cannot be digested by humans.

What enzyme breaks down starch?

Amylase.

What is the primary structure of proteins?

The sequence of amino acids.

What does a peptide bond do?

Links amino acids in proteins.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA is double-stranded with deoxyribose and thymine (T), RNA is single-stranded with ribose and uracil (U).

What are essential amino acids?

Amino acids that must be obtained from the diet.

What are the general characteristics of vitamins?

Organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.

What are NSAIDs?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit COX enzymes to reduce pain and inflammation.

What causes Sickle Cell Disease?

A mutation in the hemoglobin gene leads to sickle-shaped red blood cells.

How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

It stimulates the immune response to recognize and fight the virus.

What is the difference between natural and synthetic polymers?

Natural polymers include cellulose and silk, while synthetic polymers include polyethylene and nylon.

What are the two types of polymerization?

Addition polymerization involves monomers with unsaturated bonds, while condensation polymerization involves monomers with functional groups.