Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology: Chemistry Basics

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/25
  • What is matter?

    Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space, existing in solid, liquid, or gas states.

  • Define energy and its types.

    Energy is the capacity to do work or move matter. Types include kinetic (energy in action) and potential (stored energy).

  • What are elements?

    Elements are pure substances made of atoms that cannot be broken down by ordinary chemical methods and have unique properties.

  • Name the four major elements making up 96.1% of the human body mass.

    Oxygen (O), Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Nitrogen (N).

  • What subatomic particles compose an atom?

    Protons (positive charge), neutrons (no charge), and electrons (negative charge).

  • Where are protons and neutrons located in an atom?

    In the nucleus, which contains almost all the atom's mass.

  • What is the atomic number?

    The number of protons in an atom's nucleus, unique to each element.

  • Define isotopes.

    Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

  • What are radioisotopes?

    Heavy isotopes that spontaneously decay, emitting radiation and transforming into more stable forms.

  • What is a molecule?

    Two or more atoms chemically bonded together, e.g., H2 or C6H12O6.

  • Difference between molecule and compound?

    A molecule is two or more atoms bonded; a compound is a molecule with atoms of different elements.

  • What are the three major types of chemical bonds?

    Ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and hydrogen bonds.

  • Describe ionic bonds.

    Formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, creating oppositely charged ions that attract.

  • Describe covalent bonds.

    Formed by sharing one or more pairs of valence electrons between atoms.

  • What is the octet rule?

    Atoms tend to form bonds to have eight electrons in their valence shell for stability (except the first shell, which is full with two electrons).

  • What are hydrogen bonds?

    Weak attractions between slightly positive hydrogen atoms and slightly negative atoms in polar molecules.

  • What is a solution in chemistry?

    A homogeneous mixture where solutes are dissolved in a solvent, usually water in the body.

  • What is the difference between colloids and suspensions?

    Colloids have larger solute particles that do not settle out; suspensions have large particles that settle out over time.

  • What happens in a synthesis chemical reaction?

    Two or more atoms or molecules combine to form a larger, more complex molecule (anabolism).

  • What happens in a decomposition chemical reaction?

    A molecule is broken down into smaller molecules or atoms (catabolism).

  • What is an exchange reaction?

    Both synthesis and decomposition occur; bonds are made and broken, exchanging parts between molecules.

  • Define oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions.

    Reactions where electrons are transferred; the electron donor is oxidized, and the acceptor is reduced.

  • What is activation energy?

    The energy required to start a chemical reaction.

  • How do enzymes affect chemical reactions?

    Enzymes lower the activation energy needed, speeding up reactions without being consumed.

  • Difference between exergonic and endergonic reactions?

    Exergonic reactions release energy; endergonic reactions absorb energy.