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Basic Chemistry Concepts for Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is matter?

    Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. It exists in three states: gases, liquids, and solids.

  • Define element and compound.

    An element consists of atoms of the same type. A compound is made of different kinds of atoms chemically combined.

  • What is an atom?

    An atom is the smallest stable unit of an element that retains its chemical properties.

  • What are the three main subatomic particles and their charges?

    Protons: positive charge, large and heavy.
    Neutrons: no charge, large and heavy.
    Electrons: negative charge, very small.

  • Where are protons, neutrons, and electrons located in an atom?

    Protons and neutrons are in the nucleus at the center; electrons orbit in shells around the nucleus.

  • What does the atomic number represent?

    The atomic number equals the number of protons in the nucleus and defines the element's identity.

  • How is atomic mass determined?

    Atomic mass is the average weight of an atom, mainly determined by the number of protons and neutrons.

  • How do you calculate the number of neutrons in an atom?

    Number of neutrons = rounded atomic mass number minus atomic number.

  • What are isotopes?

    Isotopes are different forms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

  • What are radioactive isotopes?

    Radioactive isotopes have unstable nuclei that spontaneously break down, releasing energy and particles.

  • What is the significance of radioactive isotopes in medicine?

    They are used to detect organ functions, biological processes, and disease states for diagnosis and treatment.

  • How are electrons arranged in atomic shells?

    2 electrons in the innermost shell, up to 8 in the second, and up to 8 in the third shell.

  • What distinguishes stable from unstable atoms?

    Stable atoms are not very reactive; unstable atoms are reactive and form chemical bonds to create molecules.

  • What is a molecule?

    A molecule is two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds, either of the same or different types.

  • What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonds?

    Ionic bonds form when electrons are given up or accepted. Covalent bonds form when electrons are shared between atoms.

  • What are ions and how do they form?

    Ions are charged atoms or groups of atoms formed by losing or gaining electrons.

  • What are electrolytes?

    Electrolytes are ions that conduct electrical currents in the body, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.

  • What is a polar covalent bond?

    A polar covalent bond shares electrons unequally, creating partial charges on atoms.

  • What is a hydrogen bond?

    A hydrogen bond is a weak electrical attraction between polar groups, either between molecules or within different parts of one molecule.

  • Why is water important in physiology?

    Water is a universal solvent, has a high heat capacity, and forms hydrogen bonds, making it crucial for life and physiological processes.