Unit 2

Major Elements

Naturally occurring elements in the body that make up the majority of its composition, including oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Essential Elements

Naturally occurring elements in the body that are required for proper functioning, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium.

Trace Elements

Elements that are present in very small amounts in the body but still play important roles, including copper, zinc, iodine, and iron.

Cofactor

A substance that is required for the proper functioning of enzymes.

Polyunsaturated

A type of plant fat that contains multiple double bonds.

Monounsaturated

A type of plant fat that contains one double bond.

Dietary Fiber

A type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the body and helps promote feelings of fullness.

Protein-rich

A food or substance that contains a high amount of protein.

BHT

A preservative used to extend the shelf life of food.

Serving Size

The recommended portion size of a food or beverage.

Calories

A unit of measurement for energy provided by food.

Trans fat

A type of fat that is artificially created and considered toxic.

Radioisotope

An isotope of an element that has an unstable nucleus.

Radioactive decay

The process by which an unstable nucleus rearranges itself.

Electronegativity

The tendency of an atom to attract electrons.

Partial charges

Charges that are not strong enough to allow electricity to pass through.

Ionic bonds

Bonds formed through the transfer of electrons between two unstable atoms.

pH effect on the environment

The impact of acidity or alkalinity on natural phenomena such as acid rain and coral reefs.

Carbon

An essential element of life that forms the basis of organic compounds.

Bonds

The connections formed between atoms, including covalent bonds, double bonds, and single bonds.

Hydrocarbon properties

Characteristics of hydrocarbons, including length, double bonds, branching, and rings.

Methane

A hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH4.

Ethane

A hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H6.

Ethene

A hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H4.

Methyl

A common functional group attached to carbon, denoted by R-CH3.