Chapters 2~3: Basic Chemistry
AP Biology
Stoneleigh-Burnham School
a journey into the living world!

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Judith S. de Nuño
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Chapter Objectives

1. Define element and compound
2. State four elements essential to life that make up 96% of living matter
3. Describe the structure of an atom
4. Define and distinguish among atomic number, mass number, atomic weight, and valence
5. Given the atomic number and mass number of an atom, determine the number of neutrons
6. Explain why radioisotpoes are important to biologists
7. Explain the octet rule and predict ho many bonds an atom might form
8. Explain why the noble gases are unreactive
9. Distinguish among nonpolar covalent, polar covalent, and ionic bonds
10. Describe the formation of a hydrogen bond and explain how it differs from a covalent or ionic bond
11. Explain why weak bonds are important to living organisms
12. Describe how the relative concentrations of reactants and products affect a chemical reaction ******
13. Describe how water contributes to the fitness of the environment to support life
14. Describe the structure and geometry of a water molecule and explain properties that emerge as a        result of this structure
15. Explain the relationship between the polar nature of water and its ability to form hydrogen bonds
16. List 5 characteristics of water that are emergent properties resulting from hydrogen bonding
17. Describe the biological significance of the cohesiveness of water
18. Distinguish between heat and temperature
19. Explain how water's high specific heat, high heat of vaporization, and expansion upon freezing affect        both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
20. Explain the basis for the pH scale
21. Explain how acids and bases affect the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution
22. Explain how buffers work....use the bicarbonate buffer system as an example

Chapter Terms:

  • matter
  • element
  • trace element
  • atom
  • neutron
  • proton
  • electron
  • atomic nucleus
  • dalton
  • atomic number
  • mass number
  • atomic weight
  • isotope
  • radioactive isotope
  • energy
  • kinetic energy
  • potential energy
  • energy level
  • electron shell
  • orbital
  • valence electron
  • valence shell
  • valence
  • chemical bond
  • covalent bond
  • molecule
  • structural formula
  • molecular formula
  • covalent bond
  • double covalent bond
  • nonpolar covalent bond
  • polar covalent bond
  • ion
  • cation
  • anion
  • ionic bond
  • hydrogen bond
  • chemical reactions
  • reactants products
  • chemical equilibrium
  • polar molecule
  • cohesion
  • adhesion
  • surface tension
  • heat
  • temperature
  • Celsius scale
  • calorie
  • kilocalorie
  • joule
  • specific heat
  • evaporative cooling
  • solution
  • solute
  • solvent
  • aqueous solution
  • hydrophilic
  • hydrophobic
  • molecular weight
  • hydrogen ion
  • hydroxide ion
  • acid
  • base
  • pH scale
  • buffer
  • acid precipitation

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Chapter Outline Framework

A. Chemical Elements and Compounds

  1. Matter consists of chemical elements in pure form and in combinations called compounds
  2. Life requires about 25 chemical elements

B. Atoms and Molecules

  1. Atomic structure determines the behavior of an element
  2. Atoms combine by chemical bonding to form molecules
  3. Weak chemical bonds play important roles in the chemistry of life
  4. A molecule's biological function is related to its shape
  5. Chemical reactions make and break chemical bonds

C. Water's Polarity and Its Effects

  1. The polarity of water molecules results in hydrogen bonding
  2. Organisms depend on the cohesion of water molecules
  3. Water moderates temperatures on earth
    1. heat and temperature
    2. high specific heat
    3. evaporative cooling
  4. Oceans and lakes don't freeze solid because ice floats
  5. Water is the solvent of life

D. The Dissociation of Water

  1. Organisms are sensitive to changes in pH
    1. the pH scale
    2. acids
    3. bases
    4. buffers

E. Acid Rpecipitation Threatens the Fitness of the Environment

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