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Anatomy & Physiology: Chemistry of Life Flashcards

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is an atom?

    An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the original properties of an element.

  • Name the three subatomic particles in an atom.

    Protons (p+), Neutrons (n0), and Electrons (e-).

  • What defines the atomic number of an element?

    The number of protons in the nucleus defines the atomic number and identity of an element.

  • What are the four major elements that make up the human body?

    Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, and Nitrogen.

  • What is a chemical bond?

    A chemical bond is an energy relationship between atoms that holds them together in molecules or compounds.

  • What is the difference between a molecule and a compound?

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

  • Describe an ionic bond.

    An ionic bond forms when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating charged ions (cations and anions) that attract each other.

  • What is a covalent bond?

    A covalent bond is the strongest bond formed when two or more nonmetals share electrons.

  • What distinguishes nonpolar covalent bonds from polar covalent bonds?

    Nonpolar covalent bonds share electrons equally; polar covalent bonds share electrons unequally due to different electronegativities.

  • What are hydrogen bonds?

    Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between the partially positive end of one polar molecule and the partially negative end of another.

  • What happens during a chemical reaction?

    A chemical bond is formed, broken, or rearranged, converting reactants into products.

  • Define potential and kinetic energy in the context of chemical reactions.

    Potential energy is stored energy; kinetic energy is energy of motion.

  • What is the difference between endergonic and exergonic reactions?

    Endergonic reactions require energy input; exergonic reactions release energy.

  • Name the three basic types of chemical reactions.

    Catabolic (decomposition), Exchange, and Anabolic (synthesis) reactions.

  • What is a catalyst?

    A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering activation energy.

  • What role do enzymes play in chemical reactions?

    Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions by lowering activation energy.

  • How many electrons can the first three electron shells hold?

    1st shell: 2 electrons; 2nd shell: 8 electrons; 3rd shell: 18 electrons but usually satisfied with 8.

  • What is the octet rule in atomic structure?

    Atoms are most stable when their outer electron shell has 8 electrons.

  • What is the difference between a mixture and a compound?

    A mixture is a physical combination of substances; a compound is a chemical combination with bonds.

  • What is the significance of the periodic table in human anatomy?

    It organizes elements by atomic number and shows which elements are major, minor, or trace in the human body.