Chemistry in Living Systems Flashcards

Flashcards about Chemistry in Living Systems

Essential Elements of Life

Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen

Organic

Carbon-based

Calcium

Bones and muscle contractions

Sodium/Potassium

Nervous system and electrolytes

Atoms

All matter is composed of…

Nucleus

Adds mass to the atom

Neutron's role

Monitor repulsive forces in the nucleus

Electrons

Orbiting clouds/electron shells

Atomic Number

Number of protons/electrons in an element

Atomic Mass

Protons + Neutrons

Groups

Vertical columns in the periodic table, indicate valence electrons.

Periods

Horizontal rows in the periodic table, indicate number of shells.

Atomic Radius

Size of atom (nucleus to valence shell)

Ionization Energy

Amount of energy to remove an electron from an atom

Electronegativity

Amount of energy an atom has to attract nearby electrons

Isotopes Definition

Different variations of the same element with different numbers of neutrons but same number of protons and electrons

Radioactive Isotopes

Nucleus decays spontaneously until it becomes stable.

Radioactive Dating

Used to determine the age of fossils based on the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Radioactive Tracers

Used to follow chemicals through reactions and trace their path as they move through an organism.

Excited State

Electrons absorb energy and jump to a higher energy level.

Ground state

Electrons release energy and return to their original energy level.

Octet Rule

Atoms gain/lose/share electrons to achieve 8 electrons in their valence shell.

Compound

At least 2 different kinds of atoms

Bonds

Sharing or transfer of electrons between atoms.

Ionic bonds

Electron transfer between a metal and a non-metal

Cation

Positive charge

Anion

Negative charge

Covalent bonds

Sharing of electrons between two non-metals

Bond Enthalpies

Amount of energy needed to break a bond

Polar Covalent Bonds

Unequal sharing of electrons

Non-Polar Covalent Bonds

Equal sharing of electrons