BackChapter 2: Elements, Atoms, and Chemical Bonds – Guided Study
Study Guide - Smart Notes
Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.
Q1. What is a substance that cannot be broken down into other substances?
Background
Topic: Elements and Compounds
This question tests your understanding of the basic definition of an element in chemistry and biology.
Key Terms
Element: A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom.
Compound: A substance made from two or more elements in a fixed ratio.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the definition of an element in chemistry and biology.
Think about whether an element can be broken down by chemical means into simpler substances.
Compare this with compounds, which can be separated into their constituent elements.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q2. What do you call a substance consisting of two or more different elements combined in a fixed ratio?
Background
Topic: Elements and Compounds
This question is about the definition of a compound and how it differs from an element or a mixture.
Key Terms
Compound: A substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.
Mixture: A combination of substances not in a fixed ratio and not chemically bonded.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the definition of a compound and how it is different from a mixture.
Think about examples like water (H2O) or carbon dioxide (CO2).
Remember that the ratio of elements in a compound is always the same.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q3. Which of the following are compounds: H2O, O2, or CH4?
Background
Topic: Elements and Compounds
This question tests your ability to distinguish between molecules that are elements and those that are compounds.
Key Terms
Compound: Contains two or more different elements chemically bonded.
Molecule: Two or more atoms bonded together (can be the same or different elements).
Step-by-Step Guidance
Look at each formula and identify the elements present.
Determine if the molecule contains more than one type of element.
Recall that compounds must have at least two different elements.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q4. Name the three most abundant elements in the human body.
Background
Topic: Elements in Biology
This question is about the chemical composition of the human body and which elements are most prevalent by mass.
Key Terms
Major elements: Elements that make up the majority of living matter (e.g., oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen).
Step-by-Step Guidance
Think about the main components of water and organic molecules in the body.
Recall which elements are found in proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
List the top three elements by abundance in the human body.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q5. Name any two trace elements in the human body.
Background
Topic: Trace Elements
This question is about elements required in very small amounts for proper biological function.
Key Terms
Trace elements: Elements needed in minute quantities for health (e.g., iron, iodine, zinc, copper).
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall examples of elements that are essential but present in very small amounts in the body.
Think about minerals often added to food or water for health reasons.
Choose any two from the list of common trace elements.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q6. What is the smallest unit of matter that still retains the properties of an element?
Background
Topic: Atomic Structure
This question is about the basic building blocks of matter in chemistry and biology.
Key Terms
Atom: The smallest unit of an element that maintains the chemical properties of that element.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the definition of an atom and how it differs from subatomic particles.
Think about what happens if you break an atom into smaller parts.
Identify the term that fits this definition.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q7. What is the subatomic particle with a single positive electrical charge (+)?
Background
Topic: Atomic Structure
This question is about the three main subatomic particles and their charges.
Key Terms
Proton: Positive charge
Neutron: No charge
Electron: Negative charge
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the three main subatomic particles and their charges.
Identify which one has a positive charge.
Remember where this particle is located in the atom.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q8. What is the subatomic particle with a single negative electrical charge (-)?
Background
Topic: Atomic Structure
This question is about identifying the subatomic particle with a negative charge.
Key Terms
Electron: Negative charge
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the charges of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Identify which particle has a negative charge.
Think about where this particle is found in the atom.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q9. What is the subatomic particle with no electrical charge?
Background
Topic: Atomic Structure
This question is about the neutral subatomic particle in an atom.
Key Terms
Neutron: No charge
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the three main subatomic particles and their charges.
Identify which one is neutral (no charge).
Remember where this particle is located in the atom.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q10. Which subatomic particles are located in the nucleus of an atom?
Background
Topic: Atomic Structure
This question is about the structure of the atom and the location of its subatomic particles.
Key Terms
Nucleus: The central part of the atom containing protons and neutrons.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the structure of an atom: nucleus and electron cloud.
Identify which particles are found in the nucleus.
Think about the charges of these particles.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q11. All atoms of an element have the same unique number of what?
Background
Topic: Atomic Number
This question is about what defines an element and distinguishes it from others.
Key Terms
Atomic number: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall what makes one element different from another.
Think about which subatomic particle is counted for this purpose.
Remember that this number is unique for each element.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q12. The number of protons is called the ______ number.
Background
Topic: Atomic Number
This question is about the terminology used to describe the number of protons in an atom.
Key Terms
Atomic number: The number of protons in an atom.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the term used for the number of protons in the nucleus.
Think about how elements are organized on the periodic table.
Fill in the blank with the correct term.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q13. The sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus is called the ______ number.
Background
Topic: Mass Number
This question is about the term used for the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
Key Terms
Mass number: The sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall what is counted to determine the mass number of an atom.
Think about which subatomic particles contribute to atomic mass.
Fill in the blank with the correct term.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q14. What do you call variations of an element with different numbers of neutrons?
Background
Topic: Isotopes
This question is about atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
Key Terms
Isotope: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the definition of an isotope.
Think about how isotopes of an element differ from each other.
Identify the term that describes these variations.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q15. What do you call an isotope that decays spontaneously and releases a large amount of energy?
Background
Topic: Radioactive Isotopes
This question is about isotopes that are unstable and emit radiation as they decay.
Key Terms
Radioactive isotope: An isotope that decays and emits energy.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall what happens when an isotope is unstable.
Think about the term used for isotopes that emit radiation.
Identify the correct term for such isotopes.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q16. Electrons orbiting the nucleus are located on the electron ______.
Background
Topic: Electron Shells
This question is about the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus of an atom.
Key Terms
Electron shell: The energy levels where electrons are found.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the structure of the atom and where electrons are found.
Think about the term used for the paths or regions where electrons are likely to be found.
Fill in the blank with the correct term.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q17. What is the outermost shell that determines the chemical properties of an atom called?
Background
Topic: Valence Shell
This question is about the importance of the outermost electron shell in chemical bonding.
Key Terms
Valence shell: The outermost electron shell of an atom.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the term for the outermost shell of electrons.
Think about how this shell affects chemical reactivity.
Identify the correct term for this shell.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q18. What do you call elements whose outer shells are full?
Background
Topic: Noble Gases
This question is about elements that are chemically inert due to full outer electron shells.
Key Terms
Noble gases: Elements with full outer electron shells, making them unreactive.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall which group of elements has full outer shells.
Think about their position on the periodic table (far right column).
Identify the term used for these elements.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q19. To complete outer shells, atoms interact with other atoms, resulting in attractions called chemical ______.
Background
Topic: Chemical Bonds
This question is about the forces that hold atoms together in compounds.
Key Terms
Chemical bond: The attraction between atoms that enables the formation of chemical substances.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall what happens when atoms share or transfer electrons.
Think about the general term for these attractions.
Fill in the blank with the correct term.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q20. What are the two types of chemical bonds that involve electrons?
Background
Topic: Chemical Bonds
This question is about the main types of bonds formed by electron interactions.
Key Terms
Covalent bond: Electrons are shared between atoms.
Ionic bond: Electrons are transferred from one atom to another.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the two main ways atoms achieve full outer shells.
Think about the difference between sharing and transferring electrons.
Name both types of bonds.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q21. What do you call a chemical bond where electrons are shared between atoms?
Background
Topic: Covalent Bonds
This question is about the type of bond formed when atoms share electrons.
Key Terms
Covalent bond: A bond formed by sharing electrons.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the definition of a covalent bond.
Think about examples like H2O or CH4.
Identify the correct term for this bond.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q22. What are the two types of covalent bonds?
Background
Topic: Covalent Bonds
This question is about the difference between polar and nonpolar covalent bonds.
Key Terms
Polar covalent bond: Electrons are shared unequally.
Nonpolar covalent bond: Electrons are shared equally.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall what makes a covalent bond polar or nonpolar.
Think about the electronegativity difference between atoms.
Name both types of covalent bonds.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q23. What do you call two or more atoms held together by covalent bonds?
Background
Topic: Molecules
This question is about the definition of a molecule.
Key Terms
Molecule: A group of atoms held together by covalent bonds.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the definition of a molecule.
Think about examples like H2O or O2.
Identify the correct term for this group of atoms.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q24. What do you call chemical bonds that involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another?
Background
Topic: Ionic Bonds
This question is about the type of bond formed when electrons are transferred.
Key Terms
Ionic bond: A bond formed by the transfer of electrons.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the definition of an ionic bond.
Think about what happens to the charges of the atoms involved.
Identify the correct term for this bond.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q25. The complete transfer of an electron will result in a change of an atom’s electrical charge. The donor will lose an electron and become ______ charged, the acceptor will gain an electron and become ______.
Background
Topic: Ions
This question is about how atoms become ions through electron transfer.
Key Terms
Cation: Positively charged ion (loses electron).
Anion: Negatively charged ion (gains electron).
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall what happens to the charge when an atom loses or gains an electron.
Think about the terms for positive and negative ions.
Fill in the blanks with the correct charges.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q26. What do you call an atom with a charge?
Background
Topic: Ions
This question is about the definition of an ion.
Key Terms
Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electrical charge due to loss or gain of electrons.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall what happens when an atom gains or loses electrons.
Think about the term for a charged atom.
Identify the correct term.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q27. What is one of the most important types of weak bonds?
Background
Topic: Hydrogen Bonds
This question is about weak interactions that are crucial in biological molecules like DNA and water.
Key Terms
Hydrogen bond: A weak bond between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the types of weak bonds important in biology.
Think about the bonds that hold water molecules together.
Identify the correct type of bond.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q28. Why is it called a hydrogen bond?
Background
Topic: Hydrogen Bonds
This question is about the reason for the name "hydrogen bond."
Key Terms
Hydrogen bond: Involves a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the definition of a hydrogen bond.
Think about which atom is always involved in this bond.
Fill in the blank with the correct atom.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q29. When does a hydrogen bond form?
Background
Topic: Hydrogen Bonds
This question is about the conditions required for hydrogen bonds to form.
Key Terms
Hydrogen bond: Forms when a hydrogen atom with a slight positive charge is attracted to an electronegative atom with a slight negative charge.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the charges involved in a hydrogen bond.
Think about the types of atoms hydrogen is attracted to in these bonds.
Fill in the blank with the correct charge.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q30. What are the starting materials in a chemical reaction called?
Background
Topic: Chemical Reactions
This question is about the terminology for substances that begin a chemical reaction.
Key Terms
Reactants: The starting materials in a chemical reaction.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the terms used for substances before and after a reaction.
Think about the direction of a chemical equation (left side).
Identify the correct term for starting materials.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q31. What is the material resulting from a chemical reaction called?
Background
Topic: Chemical Reactions
This question is about the terminology for substances produced by a chemical reaction.
Key Terms
Product: The substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the terms used for substances before and after a reaction.
Think about the direction of a chemical equation (right side).
Identify the correct term for the resulting material.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q32. Chemical reactions cannot create or destroy matter; they only ______ it.
Background
Topic: Law of Conservation of Matter
This question is about the principle that matter is conserved in chemical reactions.
Key Terms
Conservation of matter: Matter is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the law of conservation of matter.
Think about what happens to atoms during a chemical reaction.
Fill in the blank with the correct term.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
