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Basic Chemistry Concepts in Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (21)

  • What is matter?

    Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. It can be seen, smelled, or felt.

  • Name the three states of matter and their properties.

    Solid: definite shape and volume.
    Liquid: changeable shape, definite volume.
    Gas: changeable shape and volume.

  • Define energy and its two main forms.

    Energy is the capacity to do work or put matter into motion.
    Kinetic energy: energy in action.
    Potential energy: stored energy.

  • What are the four most abundant elements in the human body?

    Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H), and Nitrogen (N) make up 96% of the human body.

  • Describe the atomic structure of an atom.

    Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons (+) and neutrons (0), with electrons (-) orbiting around the nucleus.

  • What is the difference between the planetary and orbital models of the atom?

    The planetary model shows electrons in fixed orbits; the orbital model shows electrons in probable regions called electron clouds.

  • Define atomic number and mass number.

    Atomic number: number of protons in the nucleus.
    Mass number: total number of protons and neutrons.

  • What are isotopes?

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

  • What is a molecule and how does it differ from a compound?

    Molecule: two or more atoms bonded together.
    Compound: molecule with two or more different kinds of atoms.

  • Name and describe the three types of mixtures.

    Solutions: homogeneous, solute particles do not settle.
    Colloids: heterogeneous, larger particles do not settle.
    Suspensions: heterogeneous, large particles settle out.

  • What is the octet rule in chemical bonding?

    Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve 8 electrons in their valence shell for stability.

  • Differentiate chemically inert and reactive elements.

    Inert elements have complete valence shells and are nonreactive.
    Reactive elements have incomplete valence shells and tend to form bonds.

  • Describe ionic bonds.

    Formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, creating ions that attract each other (e.g., NaCl).

  • Describe covalent bonds and their types.

    Formed by sharing electrons between atoms.
    Nonpolar covalent: equal sharing.
    Polar covalent: unequal sharing creating dipoles.

  • What are hydrogen bonds?

    Weak attractions between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, important in water and biological molecules.

  • List the main types of chemical reactions.

    Synthesis: combine to form larger molecules.
    Decomposition: break down molecules.
    Exchange: bonds made and broken.
    Redox: electron transfer.

  • What factors affect chemical reaction rates?

    Temperature, concentration, particle size, and catalysts (enzymes).

  • Why is water important in physiology?

    Water is the most abundant inorganic compound, with properties like high heat capacity, solvent ability, reactivity, and cushioning.

  • What are salts and their physiological roles?

    Salts are ionic compounds that dissociate in water to form electrolytes, vital for nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and water balance.

  • Define acids, bases, and the pH scale.

    Acids: proton donors releasing H+ (pH < 7).
    Bases: proton acceptors releasing OH– (pH > 7).
    pH scale: measures H+ concentration from 0 to 14.

  • What are buffers?

    Substances that resist changes in pH, important for maintaining homeostasis.